Welisara Magistrate Thusitha Dhammika Uduwavidana has expressed surprise and concern over the Attorney General’s decision to close the investigation into the deaths of 11 inmates at Mahara Prison in 2020, despite what he described as ample evidence to arrest those responsible.
The incident occurred on November 29, 2020, when the Police Special Task Force opened fire on inmates protesting over the lack of access to PCR tests to determine if they had contracted COVID-19. The gunfire resulted in the deaths of 11 inmates, all of whom suffered fatal gunshot wounds to vital areas, including the head, chest, and stomach.
During a recent hearing at the Welisara Magistrate’s Court, it was revealed that forensic evidence indicated the deaths were caused by gunshots, raising serious questions about the legality of the force used by the police. The magistrate pointed out that such an act constituted a crime and questioned why no action had been taken against the suspects.
Lawyers representing the victims’ families voiced their concerns, stressing the importance of upholding justice. They argued that the public must decide whether to follow the Attorney General’s stance or to rely on the court’s authority and directives. The case has drawn widespread attention, especially as the deaths occurred under controversial circumstances during a time of heightened tension due to the pandemic.
This development has sparked debates about the role of the Attorney General in overseeing criminal cases and the transparency of legal proceedings in cases involving state forces.
