September 01, Colombo (LNW): A protracted legal case involving a group of inmates accused of attempting a mass escape during the devastating tsunami that struck Sri Lanka in December 2004 was once again brought before the Galle High Court.
Presiding over the latest hearing, High Court Judge Purnima Paranagama reviewed proceedings against 56 individuals who were incarcerated at the time of the natural disaster.
The prisoners stand accused of forming an unlawful assembly, violently attacking prison personnel, attempting to flee custody, and causing extensive damage to correctional facility property—reportedly amounting to over Rs. 153 million.
The incident occurred on 26 December 2004, a day marked by chaos and tragedy nationwide, as one of the deadliest tsunamis in recorded history swept through coastal regions. Amid the widespread devastation, the accused allegedly seized the moment to stage a coordinated breakout from the affected prison complex.
Police submissions to the court indicated that nine of the accused have since passed away, while six others remain unaccounted for and are believed to have absconded. Of the remaining 41 defendants, 25 are currently out on bail and appeared before the court as required.
During the hearing, the High Court Judge directed the State Counsel to consult the Attorney General’s Department to determine whether the charges could be reframed under the Public Property Act, which carries specific legal provisions regarding the wilful destruction of state-owned assets.
The prosecution’s case was supported by the testimony of Sergeant Ajith Pushpakumara, who was amongst the officers on duty at the time of the incident. His account forms part of the broader effort to establish the timeline of events and the extent of damages allegedly caused by the accused.
