A serious sexual abuse case at Sri Lanka’s leading university has triggered public outrage, as a senior security officer accused of exploiting his authority over female staff is released on bail while investigations continue.
A security officer attached to the University of Peradeniya has been produced before the Kandy Magistrate’s Court after allegations of sexual assault and abuse of authority were lodged against him by a female security officer.
The suspect was arrested by the Women and Children’s Bureau of the Peradeniya Police following a complaint made by a female officer employed under a private security service assigned to the university. He was presented in court through legal counsel on 22 January 2026 and released on a personal bail of Rs. 200,000.
Police identified the suspect as Lalith Weerasinghe, a security inspector attached to the Peradeniya University Security Division. Investigations revealed that the case had been formally filed on 12 June 2025 following allegations that the officer attempted to coerce the complainant into sexual misconduct by abusing his official authority.
According to the complaint, the officer appointed to supervise her work allegedly pressured her for sexual favours. When she refused, she was subjected to various reprisals and later lost her job due to his influence. The complainant further alleged that several other female security officers were similarly molested, forcing them to resign from their positions.
While the Women and Children’s Bureau was preparing to arrest the suspect, he appeared before court through a lawyer. The magistrate ordered him to report to the Peradeniya Police Station within three days to provide a statement and to “appear before the court again on 26-03-2026”.
Police confirmed that investigations are ongoing and that statements from additional victims are being recorded as part of the case.
