Name: Hettitantrige Lasitha Sameera Madusanga, 17 years old, a student of Gurukula MV studying in Grade 12 A/Level class in the Science stream
Address: No. 245, Dias Place, St. Francis Mawatha, Dalugama, Kelaniya. Tel 907804.
The Date of the Police Assault: 17th Oct 2002 after 4.00 p.m. up to 18th Oct 2002 Morning
Alleged Perpetrators: Crime Branch of Peliyagoda Police
A neighbour of Sameera reportedly lost some money and personnel of the Crimes Branch approached the residence of Sameera in a very friendly manner and told Sameera’s mother that he would be required to make a statement. She was not told that her son was considered a suspect.
He was escorted to the police vehicle with their arms round him in a cheerful way. No one suspected any thing serious. As soon as they entered the vehicle, the friendly mood changed and the police became very hostile and asked several questions that Sameera had no clue about. Policemen in both civilian clothes and also in uniform asked questions regarding the theft; he denied any involvement because he knew nothing about it. They showed a bunch of keys and asked whether he recognised them, to which he replied negatively. From then on he was assaulted, starting with slapping, then body blows and later kicking, while in the vehicle. Some of his friends saw this assault while being taken from his house in the vehicle, and reported the matter to his parents.
At Peliyagoda Police Station he was taken to the Officer in Charge (or OIC), Mr. Wanigasekera. Under his charge, those who were on duty at that moment began to torture him. He was taken to a room and while several people held him, pins were pricked into his ears, nose and lips. He then was tied up by his legs and hands and beaten repeatedly with clubs, which severely damaged his fingers and toes. After a few hours he was taken to a cell, but did not have time to rest there. He was taken out and told to walk. He found it difficult and when he stopped a boy attacked him with a stick.
Having heard that Sameera was taken to the station and assaulted this way, his brother went to look for him but was chased away by police saying that he had come to look for a thief. Then his father intervened, and through a lawyer known to the police officers had him released without any charge on the October 18 at about 10.30 a.m. Once released, he was taken to the Accident Ward of the National Hospital in Colombo. The doctors admitted him to Ward 72. He had several injuries on his legs and hands, including a broken toe and swollen legs.
At the very inception of the medical examination, Sameera informed the doctors that policemen of the Peliyagoda Police Station had been responsible. He made a statement to the police post, which he read and signed. On the October 19 he was discharged. On October 20, complaining of severe chest pain, his parents again admitted him to Ward 72 of the National Hospital.
SUGGGESTED ACTION: Write to the Prime Minister, Attorney General, and Inspector General of Police
Honourable Prime Minister
Mr. Ranil Wickremasinghe
Cambridge Place
Colombo 7
Sri Lanka
Tel/Fax: +94 1 682905
Email: secpm@sltnet.lk
SALUTATION: Hon. Prime Minister
Mr. T. E. Anandrajah
Inspector General of Police
New Secretariat
Colombo 1,
SRI LANKA
Fax: +94 1 446174
SALUTATION: Dear Inspector General of Police
Hon. Mr. K.C. Kamalasabesan
Attorney General
Attorney – General’s Department
Colombo 12
SRI LANKA
Fax: +94 1 436 421
SALUTATION: Dear Attorney General
To support this case, please click here: SEND APPEAL LETTER
SAMPLE LETTER
Dear [Honourable Prime Minister]
Torture of Hettitantrige Lasitha Sameera Madusanga by Peliyagoda Police
The above-named 17-year-old boy was allegedly brutally assaulted by several offices of the Crime Branch of Peliyagoda Police, with the knowledge and participation of the Officer In Charge of the police station. The police hit the boy with their hands and sticks, kicked him and tortured him with pins. He has several injuries on his legs and hands, and has now developed severe chest pains.
I am aware that the Asian Legal Resource Centre on issued a report on October 3, 2002, detailing 22 cases of torture in Sri Lanka’s police stations, recommending measures to stop this widespread practice. However, the case of this young boy shows that torture by the police in Sri Lanka continues with the same brutality and impunity. I urge you to inquire into this matter urgently and to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Thank you.
