A shocking CCTV video has surfaced showing a police constable physically assaulting a junior lawyer inside the Mount Lavinia Magistrate’s Court, intensifying a case that has shaken Sri Lanka’s legal and police circles.
The newly released footage, which has gone viral on social media, clearly shows the moment a heated verbal dispute turned violent. Senior lawyer Gunaratne Wanninayake confirmed the authenticity of the video, noting it captures the constable striking the lawyer following a quarrel over a parking issue that blocked a prison bus.
The incident occurred on October 10, sparking immediate outrage within the legal community. According to reports, the constable was arrested soon after and remanded until October 13 before being released on bail. Despite his denial, the visual evidence appears to contradict his claims. He insists he only acted to maintain order and prevent disruption of court security, but the footage strongly suggests otherwise.
The Ministry of Public Security and the Police Department have launched an internal investigation into the officer’s conduct. However, the absence of an official police statement on the latest footage has further fueled public anger and debate about accountability within law enforcement.
The lawyer community has expressed frustration, warning that incidents like this undermine both the justice system and public trust in the police. The confrontation, now backed by damning video evidence, has amplified calls for stronger oversight and disciplinary measures against officers who abuse their power.
As the case unfolds, legal experts emphasize that the video evidence will play a decisive role in proving the allegations. For many, the footage has already delivered the verdict in the court of public opinion: an officer crossed the line from enforcing the law to breaking it.
