In a historic verdict highlighting accountability in law enforcement, the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka has ordered six police officers of the Thambuttegama Police to pay a compensation of Rs. 1.2 million from their personal funds to a youth who was brutally assaulted during a protest in 2012.
The Supreme Court also directed the Attorney General to consider legal action against the six officers under the Cruel, Inhuman Degrading Treatment and Punishment Act No. 22 of 1992, signaling a potential criminal inquiry.
The victim, Susil Priyanka Seneviratne was operating a communication center at Queen Junction. He was attacked on August 3, 2012, while participating in a protest against the Thambuttegama Police. The incident led to severe injuries, including a fractured ear sustained by Susil.
Following the assault, a false case was filed against Susil, accusing him of damaging public property a case that remains unresolved to this day.
Representing Susil’s rights for nearly 13 years, a legal team led by President’s Counsel J.C. Weliamuna and Attorney-at-Law Pulasthi Hewamana argued the case, supported throughout by the Right to Life human rights center.
This ruling sets a powerful precedent, emphasizing individual accountability for police misconduct and underscoring the judiciary’s commitment to justice for victims of state violence.
The relevant judgment is below.