The Supreme Court of Sri Lanka has granted leave to proceed in the Fundamental Rights application bearing No. SCFR/28/2025 filed by Mr. Dinesh Madhusanka Liyanage, a resident of Yagirala Neluwa Mahagedarawatta, alleging unlawful arrest, illegal detention, and torture by officers attached to the Ittapana Police Station.
The petition was taken up before a three-judge bench of the Supreme Court on 25 May 2026 comprising Justices Janak de Silva, Arjuna Obeyesekere, and Dr. Sobitha Rajakaruna.
The petitioner was represented by Attorneys-at-Law Ms. Ermiza Tegal and Ms. Nisara Wickramasinghe under the instructions of Attorney-at-Law Mr. Ramzi Bacha. The Attorney General appeared on behalf of the respondents.
Appearing for the petitioner, Counsel Ermiza Tegal informed Court that her client had been arrested by officers attached to the Ittapana Police Station on the morning of 30 November 2022 while travelling to work at the Ittapana Agrarian Service Centre. It was alleged that he was subsequently taken to a secluded area, assaulted, and subjected to severe torture, including the application of crushed chili paste over his body.
Counsel further submitted that the petitioner had then been detained inside a police barracks near the police station for nearly two days, during which he was allegedly assaulted with poles and hoses and subjected to further torture. It was also alleged that his family members were denied access to him during this period.
The Court was informed that on the evening of 1 December 2022, following inquiries made by Attorney-at-Law Ms. Hashani Chithrangani, who was then serving with the Human Rights Committee of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka, the petitioner was brought to the police station and placed in a cell. On the following day, 2 December 2022, he was produced before the Ittapana Hospital and later released without any charges being filed against him.
Due to the serious injuries allegedly sustained as a result of the torture, Mr. Liyanage was subsequently admitted to the Nagoda Hospital in Kalutara for treatment. Counsel for the petitioner also informed Court that the Judicial Medical Officerās report had documented 21 injuries.
Appearing for the respondents, the State Counsel submitted that the petitioner had been arrested only on 1 December 2022 at approximately 6.00 p.m. and referred to a medical report issued by the Ittapana Hospital.
After considering submissions made by both parties, the Supreme Court granted leave to proceed in respect of the alleged violations of Articles 11, 12(1), 12(2), and 13(1) of the Constitution of Sri Lanka.
Right to Life Human Rights Centre provided documentation assistance and legal support to the petitioner in pursuing the case and seeking accountability for the alleged human rights violations.