Outcry on social media against alleged intrusive stop and search of youth by Colpetty Police 

Social media users yesterday took to the platforms to voice their disgust against the Colpetty Police for allegedly conducting an intrusive stop and search of two youths on 28 December.

The public outcry stemmed from a viral message circulated by the father of one youth detailing the harassment faced by his son.  According to the message police officers manning a Police Post at the Colpetty junction had stopped the three-wheeler the two youths and a female were travelling in around 8.45 pm on the day. 

The father, identified as Gerald De Saram, has accused the Police of initiating a rough body search on his son and tossing the personal belongings of the duo including the contents of their wallets onto the pavement. According to him, the Police had not given any reason as to why the search was being carried out.

He claimed that four policemen had gone on to conduct a thorough strip search on his son and manhandled him in the process despite the post being located in a busy intersection. 

Former Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) President Saliya Peiris also took to social media to slam the actions of the Police in this incident.

“This appalling conduct is just the tip of the iceberg, how civilians are being intimidated and brutalised by some police officers whose unprofessional conduct is a black mark on the police force. It is yet another example of a police force that is out of control, whose acts of brutality and impunity are a threat to the well-being and safety of citizens. Unfortunately, the conduct of some of their superiors at the highest levels seems to condone and encourage this type of conduct,” he said.

“Many victims don’t have the strength or the means to reveal the injustices and indignities they have had to face at the hands of some police officers. If we the citizens of this country don’t stand up to these atrocities committed by law enforcement, the day will not be far when no one will be safe from the brutal conduct of some demented and corrupt police officers,” Peiris added.