IGP ordered to compensate commuter assaulted during protest

The Colombo District Court yesterday ordered the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the government to pay a sum of Rs 50,000 as compensation to a train commuter who was injured after being assaulted by police during a protest at the Colombo Fort Railway Station in 2014. 

Duminda Hapuarachchi of Gampaha had filed a case with the court seeking suitable compensation as he was assaulted and injured without cause at the Fort railway station, while returning home from work, by police officers who were dispersing protestors. 

The incident had occurred on April 22, 2014 when a group of railway employees, who were engaged in a protest fast near the Fort Railway Station, proceeded to block the railway track and obstructed train services. 

The Sri Lanka Freedom Railway Workers Association launched an indefinite fast in front of the Colombo Fort Railway Station demanding that additional, substitute and temporary workers be made permanent.

Delivering a verdict after much deliberation, Colombo District Judge Amali Ranaweera ruled that the petitioner be paid Rs 50,000 as compensation and that the interest also be paid until the payment of court fees.