May 25 – The Supreme Court of Sri Lanka has granted leave to proceed in a Fundamental Rights application (SCFR No. 28/2025) filed by Mr. Dinesh Madhusanka Liyanage of Yagirala, Neluwa Mahagedarawatta, alleging unlawful arrest, illegal detention, and torture by officers attached to the Ittapana Police Station.
The petition was taken up on 25 May 2026 before a three-judge bench comprising Justices Janak de Silva, Arjuna Obeyesekere, and Dr. Sobitha Rajakaruna.
Mr. Liyanage was represented by Attorneys-at-Law Ms. Ermiza Tegal and Ms. Nisara Wickramasinghe, acting under the instructions of Attorney-at-Law Mr. Ramzi Bacha. The Attorney General appeared on behalf of the respondents.
Counsel for the petitioner informed Court that Mr. Liyanage had been arrested by officers of the Ittapana Police Station on the morning of 30 November 2022 while travelling to his workplace at the Ittapana Agrarian Service Centre. It was alleged that he was subsequently taken to a secluded location where he was assaulted and subjected to severe torture, including the application of crushed chili paste to his body.
The petitioner further alleged that he was detained in a police barracks near the police station for nearly two days, during which he was repeatedly assaulted with poles and hoses and subjected to further acts of torture. It was also claimed that his family members were denied access to him during this period.
Court was informed that, following inquiries made by Attorney-at-Law Ms. Hashani Chithrangani, who was then serving with the Human Rights Committee of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka, the petitioner was brought to the police station and placed in a cell on the evening of 1 December 2022. On the following day, he was produced before the Ittapana Hospital and later released without any charges being filed against him.
Due to the serious injuries allegedly sustained, Mr. Liyanage was subsequently admitted to Nagoda Hospital in Kalutara for treatment. Counsel for the petitioner further submitted that the Judicial Medical Officer’s report had documented 21 injuries.
Appearing for the respondents, State Counsel submitted that the petitioner had been arrested only on 1 December 2022 at approximately 6.00 p.m. and referred to a medical report issued by the Ittapana Hospital.
After considering the submissions of both parties, the Supreme Court granted leave to proceed in respect of the alleged violations of Articles 11, 12(1), 12(2), and 13(1) of the Constitution of Sri Lanka.
The Right to Life Human Rights Centre provided documentation assistance and legal support to the petitioner in pursuing the case and seeking accountability for the alleged human rights violations.
