Colombo, October 22, 2025 — The Supreme Court of Sri Lanka has ruled that three officers of the Alawwa Police violated the constitutional rights of journalist Thilina Rajapaksa, ordering them to personally pay a total of Rs. 75,000 in compensation.
Rajapaksa, an announcer and producer at a private radio channel, was stopped by police on March 1, 2021, while riding his motorcycle from Polgahawela to Colombo. Police Sergeants Ravindra Kumara and B.M.S.S. Wijaya Bandara were accused of crossing the white line on the road. When Rajapaksa challenged their actions, the officers allegedly assaulted him, handcuffed him, and took him to the Alawwa Police Station, where he was threatened with fabricated drug charges.
A Supreme Court bench, comprising Chief Justice Preethi Padman Surasena and Justice Sampath Abhayakoon, found that the officers’ conduct violated Articles 11 and 12(1) of the Constitution, which protect citizens from torture and guarantee equality before the law.
The Court ordered the three officers Sergeants Ravindra Kumara, B.M.S.S. Wijaya Bandara, and Police Constable Jayasundara to each personally pay Rs. 25,000 to Rajapaksa, totaling Rs. 75,000. It also directed the Attorney General to investigate the officers’ conduct and consider filing criminal charges.
The verdict highlights ongoing concerns about police abuse of power in Sri Lanka and underscores the judiciary’s role in protecting human rights and press freedom.
The Supreme Court emphasized that law enforcement officials are not above the law and that accountability is essential for public trust in the police and the justice system.
Supreme Court Judgment – SCFR-90-2021
