The Supreme Court of Sri Lanka has ordered the hearing of a Fundamental Rights Petition filed by Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya and several others, accusing former Acting IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon and several police officers of violating the rights of women during a peaceful protest in Polduwa in 2023.
The case was taken up by a bench of judges including Yasantha Kodagoda, Achala Wengappuli, and Priyantha Fernando. In addition to Deshabandu Tennakoon, other respondents in the case include the OICs of Welikada, Thalangama, and Mirihana, as well as the Senior Superintendent of Police of Nugegoda.
The petition claims that a group of people gathered at Polduwa Junction on December 4, 2023, to peacefully protest issues related to the Ministry of Women’s Affairs during the budget debate. The petitioners allege that the police unlawfully obstructed the protest, resulting in the violation of their fundamental rights.
The petitioners are seeking a declaration from the court confirming the violation of their rights and are requesting appropriate compensation for the actions of the police. This case highlights ongoing concerns regarding the treatment of peaceful protesters and the use of force by law enforcement in Sri Lanka.
