A rare apology from the police and firm guidance from court mark a turning point in a case involving the illegal arrest of a journalist, raising fresh attention on press freedom, police accountability, and due process in Sri Lanka.
Chief Inspector of Police Neomal Fernando, formerly attached to the Kurunduwatte Police, has formally apologized to journalist Kalpa Gunaratne before the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka over an incident involving illegal arrest and alleged torture that violated the journalist’s fundamental rights.
The apology was conveyed through an affidavit and an official statement submitted to the Human Rights Commission on January 2. In the same submission, the Chief Inspector also agreed to withdraw the case that had been filed against the journalist, signaling a move toward resolution.
The incident dates back to October 3, 2024, during the International Book Fair held at the Bandaranaike Memorial Conference Hall. Kalpa Gunaratne was arrested while reporting on an alleged assault on a customer at a university exhibition booth. He was taken to the Kurunduwatte Police Station and detained for nearly five hours before being released on police bail.
Following the arrest, the journalist filed a complaint with the Human Rights Commission, alleging that his illegal detention and treatment amounted to a violation of his fundamental rights. The complaint named Chief Inspector Neomal Fernando and the then Officer in Charge of the Kurunduwatte Police, Aloka Senanayake, as respondents.
Despite the complaint being called multiple times, the respondents initially failed to appear. On November 27, the current OIC of the Kurunduwatte Police intervened in an effort to resolve the matter. Kalpa Gunaratne stated that he would agree to a settlement if the officers issued an apology and the baseless court case was withdrawn.
In line with this agreement, the Chief Inspector submitted an affidavit before the Human Rights Commission confirming the withdrawal of the case. When the matter was taken up at the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court on the 5th, the police informed court that proceedings would not continue.
However, Magistrate Asanka Bodaragama emphasized that proper legal procedure must be followed, noting that the OIC must submit written notice when withdrawing a case. The court directed the police to act accordingly and fixed the case for January 26.
