A dramatic turn of events exposes alleged abuse of power, unlawful arrest, and a career nearly destroyed by public outrage, until a human rights ruling changed everything.
For nearly a month, former Prison Commissioner General Thushara Upuldeniya lived through what many would describe as a nightmare. Arrested by the CID, remanded, and thrust into the harsh glare of public scrutiny, he became the face of a controversy that spread rapidly across social media.
But behind the headlines and online outrage, another story was quietly unfolding.
Muheed Jeeran, an international human rights activist, says he had been following the case closely from the beginning. From the moment of Upuldeniya’s arrest, he believed something was deeply wrong. The process, he argues, had bypassed a fundamental step that should have been non-negotiable—an internal investigation.
Instead, what followed was a swift escalation. Public panic, amplified by social media voices and YouTube commentary, created a wave of pressure that appeared to influence decision-makers at the highest levels. The cabinet moved quickly, removing Upuldeniya from his post and referring the matter to the CID.
For Jeeran, this was not just a procedural error. It was a grave misjudgment.
Because as the case unfolded, there was no clear evidence of wrongdoing on Upuldeniya’s part. Yet the damage had already been done. His reputation was torn apart in public. His career, built over years of service, was suddenly overshadowed by allegations that had not been properly examined. And beyond the headlines, there was the unseen toll—the emotional strain on him and his family.
Then came the turning point.
The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka stepped in and delivered a finding that shifted the narrative entirely. According to the Commission, the actions taken by both the ministry secretary and the CID had violated Upuldeniya’s fundamental rights, specifically under Articles 12 and 13 of the Constitution.
The ruling did not stop there. It pointed to arbitrary decision-making and a failure to act within the framework of the law. It also highlighted procedural lapses by the CID, stressing that such arrests should not be repeated. In a significant move, the Commission called on the Inspector General of Police to issue a circular to ensure all officers are made aware of proper legal procedures.
For Jeeran, this outcome represents more than just a legal correction. It is a reminder of how quickly institutions can falter under pressure, and how devastating the consequences can be when due process is ignored.
The question now is whether the system will learn from this moment.
