Two individuals, allegedly arrested while fleeing after committing a shooting and murder, have died in police gunfire, according to a police announcement on February 22.
The police media spokesperson, SSP Buddhika Manathunga, stated that the police were able to track down and arrest two suspects involved in the shooting and murder of a person in the Kotahena area on the night of February 21. He explained that when the two suspects were taken to locate the weapons they had reportedly hidden, they attempted to snatch the police firearms and attack the officers. In response, the police fired in self-defense, fatally injuring them.
Manathunga further stated that after the suspects informed the police about other weapons they had hidden, officers took them to the scene. At that moment, the suspects attempted to snatch the police officers’ firearms and fire at them. In self-defense, the police officers shot the suspects, who later succumbed to their injuries at the hospital. He also confirmed that a police constable was injured in the incident and is currently receiving treatment at the Colombo National Hospital.
This marks the second time within a week that suspects in the custody of security forces have died from gunfire. On February 19, an alleged organized criminal, Ganemulle Sanjeewa, also known as Sanjeewa Kumara Samararatne, who was in the custody of prison officers, was killed at the Aluthkade No. 5 Magistrate’s Court, sparking widespread discussions about Sri Lanka’s security situation.
A wave of violent incidents and shootings across the country has further heightened public concern. In Middeniya, two young children were killed in a shooting. On February 20, a body was discovered on the beach in Uswetakeiyawa, Ja-Ela, with gunshot wounds, suggesting the victim was shot while kneeling with a T-56 firearm. On February 21, an attempted shooting in Negombo failed when the gun malfunctioned, preventing the intended attack.
A video allegedly filmed on the night of February 21, the same night the Kotahena murder suspects were arrested, spread rapidly on social media. The footage reportedly shows the suspects shackled and restrained, surrounded by what appear to be plainclothes officers, with police walkie-talkie chatter audible in the background. Despite being visibly restrained, police later claimed that the suspects managed to snatch firearms and attack the officers, leading to their fatal shooting during a weapons recovery operation.
Sri Lanka has a long history of cases where organized crime suspects have died in police custody while allegedly leading officers to hidden weapons. In November 2021, the mother of ‘Podi Lassie’ (Janith Madusankha) wrote a letter to the United Nations office in Colombo, pleading for her son’s life to be protected while in Criminal Investigation Department custody. She alleged that he was at risk of being killed under the pretext of recovering hidden weapons. Several suspects previously identified as criminals by the government have reportedly been killed in similar circumstances while in custody.
Attorney Senaka Perera, a lawyer for the Committee to Protect Prisoners’ Rights, expressed deep concern over the derailment of the rule of law due to police actions. He stated that there is a legal framework in the country, including a code of criminal procedure that must be followed by everyone. No one can be punished outside of a court ruling. However, for decades, the rule of law has been undermined due to arbitrary police actions. He insisted that the government has a responsibility to prevent extrajudicial killings and warned that such practices undermine public trust in the administration.
Perera further stated that they are not saying suspects should not be taken to locate weapons or provide information. However, when they are taken under heavy security, handcuffed, and restrained by armed officers, it must be critically examined whether there is any possibility of them escaping or attacking officers.
On February 18, the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka held a discussion with senior police representatives regarding human rights violations by the police. Just days later, two suspects in police custody were shot dead, drawing further scrutiny.
Commissioner Nimal Punchihewa of the Human Rights Commission confirmed that an investigation into the latest incident has begun. He stated that since the case has been widely reported in the media, they routinely initiate inquiries in such situations.
In 2023, a set of guidelines regarding the handling of suspects during weapons recovery operations was submitted to the Supreme Court. These guidelines specify that all such operations must be video recorded, ensuring transparency and accountability in cases where suspects are killed. Additionally, they outline clear procedures to be followed in the event of a suspect’s death in custody, aiming to prevent abuse of power and uphold legal integrity.
With the recent spike in shootings and suspect deaths in police custody, concerns over law enforcement methods continue to grow. Critics argue that police must operate within legal frameworks to restore public trust and prevent human rights violations. As investigations by the Human Rights Commission continue, questions remain over whether Sri Lanka’s law enforcement agencies will implement greater oversight and accountability in handling organized crime and police operations.
