BASL condemns custodial deaths

Tuesday, 25 February 2025 01:56 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has expressed grave concern over the recent spate of killings involving suspects in Police and prison custody, warning that such incidents pose a severe threat to the rule of law and public confidence in the legal system.

The BASL statement follows two alarming incidents. On 19 February, underworld kingpin Ganemulla Sanjeewa was shot dead inside the Magistrate’s Court of Colombo while in the custody of prison authorities. Just two days later, on the night of 21 February, two suspects were shot and killed by the Police while in custody, allegedly during a confrontation. Reports indicate that these suspects had been implicated in a killing that occurred earlier that night in Kotahena.

Condemning these acts, the BASL urged law enforcement authorities, including the Police and prison officials, to exercise extreme caution and responsibility to prevent further such incidents.

The Association noted that past encounter killings have not been properly investigated, leading to allegations of State-sponsored impunity.

“The failure to take meaningful action in previous cases has called the administration of justice into question and resulted in a significant loss of public confidence,” the BASL said.

The statement strongly criticised extrajudicial killings, stressing that such actions can never be a legitimate means to curb crime. Instead, the BASL emphasised that adherence to the rule of law is paramount in addressing criminal activities effectively.

Calling for urgent accountability, the BASL urged the Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP) to initiate an impartial and immediate inquiry into the recent killings and ensure that those responsible are held accountable. The Association also called for stringent action against officers involved in custodial deaths and extrajudicial killings to eradicate such practices from law enforcement.