The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has expressed grave concern following the death of a 29-year-old father of two while in police custody in Homagama.
The legal body called for an immediate and transparent investigation after Ishara Harshakumara died shortly after his arrest on 25 October.
Police officials claimed that the suspect suffered a sudden illness during an operation and died after being admitted to hospital.
However, family members who visited the police station reported seeing physical injuries on his body, alleging that he had suffered a severe assault.
The Bar Association emphasised that the state maintains a strict legal duty to protect the life and bodily integrity of every person held in custody.
It noted that the Sri Lankan constitution prohibits the deprivation of life without an order from a competent court.
Local magistrate proceedings have commenced, with an assistant superintendent of police directing a preliminary inquiry and ordering a full post-mortem examination.
The legal organisation urged the Inspector General of Police to preserve all relevant evidence and ensure that the investigation proceeds without any official interference.
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