Seventeen years after the brutal torture of 14-year-old schoolboy Buddhi Ewantha Gunasekara from Eranawila, Mitiyagoda, the Balapitiya High Court yesterday (11) handed down long-awaited sentences to four accused, including senior police officers and a civil guard.
The tragic case dates back to March 7, 2008, when Buddhi, then a Grade 9 student, was arrested on allegations of stealing money from a neighbor’s house. He was taken into custody by Sub-Inspector Saman Palitha Athukorala and Civil Guard Lalith de Zoysa, based on a complaint lodged with the Mitiyagoda Police. Soon after, the boy was subjected to severe torture by Deputy Commissioner Nissanka Jayaratne, Sub-Inspector Athukorala, Sub-Inspector Thusitha Kumara, and Civil Guard de Zoysa. A fabricated theft case was filed against him at the Balapitiya Magistrate’s Court the following day.
Buddhi’s father, Jayantha Gunasekara, managed to release his son on bail, but had to rush him to hospital in a critical state due to the torture. Shockingly, Balapitiya Hospital authorities discharged the child without proper treatment under police pressure. Only after Sirasa Media exposed the abuse was the boy readmitted and given medical care. With support from the Legal Aid Commission, Janasansadaya, and Asian Human Rights Commission, the family petitioned the Human Rights Commission, the Attorney General, and the Supreme Court, filing Fundamental Rights case SCFR/126/08.
In 2017, the Supreme Court ruled that Buddhi’s rights had been violated, awarding Rs. 375,000 in compensation. Later, in 2014, the Attorney General also filed a criminal case under the Convention Against Torture Act No. 22 of 1994 at the Balapitiya High Court. After more than a decade of hearings, the court delivered its verdict on September 11, 2025: retired Chief Police Inspector Galpathage Sri Nissanka Jayaratne received eight years’ simple imprisonment and a Rs. 100,000 fine; Inspector Kariyawami Don Saman Palitha Athukorala and Sergeant Uruliyanage Don Thusitha Kumara Gunasinghe were sentenced to nine years of rigorous imprisonment with fines of Rs. 100,000 each; and Civil Guard Thiramadurage Lalith de Zoysa was sentenced to nine years of rigorous imprisonment and fined Rs. 50,000.
The prosecution was represented by State Attorney-General Tahira, while Attorney at Law Jerusha appeared for the victim. Several organizations, including the Legal Aid Commission, the Janasansadaya, the Asian Human Rights Commission, the Right to Life Human Rights Centre, and the Victims and Witnesses Protection Authority, provided vital assistance. Senior Attorney at Law Ms. Armisa Teagle also extended her support throughout the case.
Despite the eventual victory, Buddhi’s family endured immense suffering. His education was disrupted, his reputation tarnished, and his father, who fought relentlessly for justice, is now seriously ill after years of hardship.
