By: Isuru Parakrama
April 07, Colombo (LNW): A candlelit protest erupted outside the Welikada Police Station yesterday (06) evening, as a crowd of around 120 individuals—largely youth—gathered to voice their anger and grief over the death of Sathsara Nimesh, a young man whose life ended under disturbing circumstances allegedly linked to police actions.
The demonstrators, coming from varied backgrounds, called for immediate accountability and systemic reform within Sri Lanka’s law enforcement.
The protest was not just a call for justice in a single case but a broader stand against what many see as a deep-rooted culture of violence and impunity within the police system, according to Suchith Abeywickrama, one of the event’s organisers.
Writing on social media following the protest, Abeywickrama shared that during their demonstration they learned of preliminary administrative action: the Officer-in-Charge of the Welikada Police had reportedly been transferred, and two officers suspended.
He underscored, however, that this was merely a beginning—one brought about through persistent pressure by civil society over the past several days. The death of Nimesh, he wrote, resonated widely because it reflected a shared vulnerability.
“The next victim of police brutality could be you, me, a loved one, or a friend,” he said, drawing a sharp contrast between the role the police are expected to play and the violent outcomes that too often unfold behind station walls.
Abeywickrama also acknowledged the grief and loss felt by the family and extended a heartfelt wish that Sathsara Nimesh may attain peace. He further reported that the Prisoners’ Rights Protection Committee is expected to file for a special, impartial investigation through Magistrate’s Court No. 04 on April 9th.
According to Attorney Tharushi Dishara, legal outcomes in such cases are often strengthened by broad public awareness and engagement.
The case of Sathsara Nimesh, tragically, is not isolated. His name now joins a growing list of individuals who have died whilst in police custody, including R. Rajkumari—who was reportedly killed at the very same Welikada Police Station two years ago—as well as Nagaraasa Alex in Vaddukodai, Roshan Kumarasiri in Narammala, and R. M. Samitha Dilshan in Wadduwa. Each of these deaths has raised serious concerns about the safety and accountability of Sri Lanka’s custodial practices.
Such cases, activists argue, point to the urgent need for deep structural reforms within the policing system. Abeywickrama outlined a series of proposals aimed at transforming law enforcement into a transparent, accountable, and people-focused institution.
His suggestions included revamping police training to centre on human rights and dignity, eliminating corruption, removing officers entrenched in outdated political patronage networks, and creating a force reflective of the country’s ethnic and linguistic diversity.
Technological solutions were also highlighted as part of the path forward—such as the mandatory installation of CCTV in all police stations, the use of body-worn cameras during interactions with the public, and GPS tracking to ensure transparency in police movements.
These reforms, he stressed, must be supported by prompt and effective mechanisms to investigate and redress abuses, along with legal reforms to eliminate outdated and misused laws.
More broadly, Abeywickrama called for a cultural shift away from glorifying violence and authoritarianism, urging citizens to reflect critically on how power is wielded and how impunity is often tolerated or even celebrated.
The aspiration, he said, is to build a law enforcement system that upholds justice not just in name, but in practice—one rooted in respect, legality, and humanity.
Photos: Facebook
