Colombo, November 3 – The death of a 46-year-old man while in the custody of the Kandeketiya Police has triggered renewed concerns over the safety of detainees and the persistent lack of accountability within Sri Lanka’s law enforcement system.
The deceased has been identified as Navaratne Mudiyanselage Ajantha Pushpakumara, a resident of Meegahakiula. According to official reports, Mr. Pushpakumara was arrested on court-issued warrants. He reportedly fell ill while detained at the Kandeketiya Police Station and was subsequently admitted to the Kandeketiya Divisional Hospital. His condition necessitated a transfer to the Mahiyangana Base Hospital, where he passed away on the night of Sunday, November 2.
A post-mortem examination is scheduled to be conducted at the Mahiyangana Base Hospital to determine the exact cause of death. Investigations into the incident are being led by Chief Inspector H.P. Disanayake of the Madolsima Police, under the supervision of ASP Wehitha Deshapriya.
A Painful History of Impunity
This tragic incident evokes disturbing memories of a previous custodial death in the very same police station over a decade ago.
In May 2014, 17-year-old Sandun Malinga from Kandaketiya died as a result of brutal torture inflicted by officers attached to the Kandaketiya Police Station. The case sparked public outrage and led to a rare conviction. In 2017, the Badulla High Court found six police officers guilty of murder and sentenced them to death.
However, in a devastating blow to the victim’s family and the cause of justice, a subsequent court judgment saw the convicted officers acquitted and released. Only one Sub-Inspector had his sentence reduced to a mere seven years of imprisonment.
The death of Sandun Malinga and the ultimate acquittal of his perpetrators stand as a stark reminder of the systemic barriers to holding law enforcement accountable for human rights violations.
Related Articles:
Twists of Justice: Acquittal and Reduced Sentences in Kandaketiya Sadun Malinga Murder Case
17-Year-Old Sandun Malinga Killed in Kandeketiya Police Custody
