The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has demanded an immediate, independent inquiry into the death of a 29 year old father of two while in police custody at Homagama.
The deceased, identified as Ishara Harshakumara from Kiriwaththuduwa, died following his arrest by Homagama Police during a narcotics investigation.
Family members who visited the suspect at the station on 25 October reported seeing visible physical injuries, alleging that he was subjected to a severe beating by officers.
Police officials provided a contrasting version of events, claiming the suspect suffered a sudden medical emergency during an operational raid and subsequently died at the hospital.
The BASL highlighted the stark contradiction between the official police account and the allegations made by the family.
Emphasizing that the state holds a mandatory duty to safeguard the physical well-being of all detainees, the association warned that any instances of custodial violence must be rigorously prosecuted under the law.
The Homagama Magistrate’s Court has ordered a comprehensive post-mortem examination, while an initial internal inquiry has begun under the direction of an Assistant Superintendent of Police.
Legal representatives called on the Inspector General of Police to secure all physical and forensic evidence to guarantee that investigations proceed without institutional interference.
The BASL pledged to monitor the legal proceedings closely and pursue further action if state authorities fail to deliver a credible probe into the custodial death.
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