Outrage Over Sathsara Nimesh’s Death Sparks Mass Protests Against Police Brutality
By: Ovindi Vishmika
April 07, Colombo (LNW): A wave of protests has swept across Sri Lanka following the death of 26-year-old Sathsara Nimesh, who died while in police custody at the Welikada Police Station under controversial circumstances. The tragedy has sparked public outrage, with demonstrators calling for immediate justice, accountability, and comprehensive reform within Sri Lanka’s law enforcement agencies.
On the evening of April 6, 2025, a candlelit protest gathered around 120 individuals outside the Welikada Police Station in Colombo. The crowd, which included students, activists, and concerned citizens, expressed their anger and grief over Nimesh’s death, which they believe may have been the result of police brutality. The protest also raised broader concerns about the pattern of custodial deaths that have plagued Sri Lanka’s police system in recent years.
Nimesh, a resident of Meegahakiwula in Badulla, was arrested on April 1 after being accused of entering a house in Nawala without permission. According to police reports, Nimesh appeared to be mentally distressed during his arrest, prompting the officers to detain him for his own safety.
However, during his time in the police cell, Nimesh reportedly exhibited erratic behavior, allegedly banging his body against the walls. In response, he was transferred to the Mulleriyawa Mental Hospital, where he died early on April 2, 2025, while receiving treatment.
The circumstances surrounding Nimesh’s death have raised serious questions. His mother, Samanthi, visited the police station on April 2, only to find that her son’s clothing had been removed. His trousers were reportedly found discarded in a nearby trash bin. When she inquired about her son’s condition, the police allegedly informed her that Nimesh had attempted suicide, a claim that has been met with skepticism by human rights organizations and legal experts.
The Committee for Protecting the Rights of Prisoners (CPRP) has called for an immediate, transparent investigation into the incident, alleging that Nimesh may have been subjected to torture while in custody.
This case is not an isolated one. Nimesh’s name now joins a growing list of individuals who have died while in police custody,prompting widespread calls for greater accountability within the police force. Activists are demanding immediate reforms, stressing that the issue has been gone unchecked for too long.
In the wake of Nimesh’s death, his case has become a rallying point for those calling for sweeping reforms in Sri Lanka’s police force. One of the protest’s organizers, Suchith Abeywickrama, stated that the incident resonated with many people because it exemplified the vulnerability of citizens at the hands of law enforcement. “This is not just about one man,” Abeywickrama said. “The next victim could be anyone—your friend, your family, or even you.”
In response to the mounting public pressure, Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP) Priyantha Weerasuriya has announced that he has recommended the transfer of the Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of the Welikada Police Station.
Additionally, two police officers have been suspended pending investigation. The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has been tasked with investigating the cause of death, with the IGP directing an interim report be submitted by April 25.
Legal experts and human rights groups have stressed the importance of an impartial investigation, with Attorney Tharushi Dishara stating that transparency in this case is critical to upholding the rule of law. The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has also issued a statement expressing deep concern over the allegations of custodial abuse, calling for an urgent investigation into the matter. The BASL emphasized that repeated custodial deaths severely damage public confidence in law enforcement and urged authorities to adopt a zero-tolerance policy toward such incidents.
Meanwhile, the family of Nimesh and civil society organizations have called for the implementation of long-overdue reforms within the police force. These include better training for officers, particularly on human rights and the treatment of individuals with mental health issues, as well as increased accountability and oversight mechanisms. They also advocate for technological solutions such as body cameras and CCTV systems in police stations to ensure greater transparency in police interactions with the public.
The death of Sathsara Nimesh has ignited a national conversation about police brutality, the lack of accountability, and the urgent need for reforms in Sri Lanka’s law enforcement system. While some initial steps have been taken by the authorities, activists and legal professionals stress that meaningful change will only occur if the government commits to systemic reform and ensures justice for those who have suffered due to police misconduct. As investigations continue, the hope is that Nimesh’s tragic death will serve as a catalyst for lasting change in the country’s policing practices.
