In a landmark judgment that reinforces the importance of accountability in law enforcement, the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka has ordered six police officers attached to the Thambuttegama Police to pay Rs. 1.2 million in compensation to a youth who was brutally assaulted during a protest in 2012. The compensation must be paid personally by the officers, marking a rare instance where law enforcement officials have been held individually liable for the violation of fundamental rights.
The Court also instructed the Attorney General to examine the possibility of initiating criminal proceedings under the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment Act, No. 22 of 1992. This opens the door to further legal action against the accused officers.
The victim, Susil Priyanka Seneviratne, sustained serious injuries, including a fractured ear, after being assaulted on August 3, 2012, while taking part in a protest march against police misconduct.
In the aftermath of the assault, a fabricated charge was brought against him for allegedly damaging public property. That case remains pending in court more than a decade later.
Mr. Seneviratne was represented by a legal team led by President’s Counsel J.C. Weliamuna and Attorney-at-Law Pulasthi Hewamana. The case, fought over 13 years, received continuous backing from the Right to Life human rights organization, which advocated for justice on behalf of the victim.
The Supreme Court’s decision is seen as a major step forward in protecting citizens’ rights and holding public officials accountable for abuse of power
The relevant judgment is below.
