Colombo, October 22, 2025 — In a landmark ruling that reinforces the protection of fundamental rights, the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka has found three officers of the Alawwa Police guilty of violating the constitutional rights of journalist Thilina Rajapaksa through verbal abuse, assault, and unlawful detention.
Rajapaksa, an announcer and producer at a private radio channel, was stopped by police officers on March 1, 2021, while riding his motorcycle from Polgahawela to Colombo. According to court documents, Police Sergeants Ravindra Kumara and B.M.S.S. Wijaya Bandara were accused of unlawfully crossing the white line on the road. When Rajapaksa questioned their conduct, the officers allegedly assaulted him, handcuffed him, and took him to the Alawwa Police Station, where he was threatened with fabricated drug charges.
A Supreme Court bench comprising Chief Justice Preethi Padman Surasena and Justice Sampath Abhayakoon ruled that the officers’ actions violated Articles 11 and 12(1) of the Constitution, which protect citizens from torture and guarantee equality before the law.
The Court ordered the three officers Sergeants Ravindra Kumara, B.M.S.S. Wijaya Bandara, and Police Constable Jayasundara to personally pay Rs. 25,000 each, totaling Rs. 75,000, as compensation to Rajapaksa.
The judges also directed the Attorney General to launch a criminal investigation into the conduct of the officers and to consider filing charges against them.
The verdict highlights ongoing concerns about police impunity and abuse of power in Sri Lanka and reinforces the judiciary’s crucial role in safeguarding human rights and press freedom across the country.
Supreme Court Judgment –SCFR/90/2021