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Torture Prevalence in Sri Lanka 2011 (Part 01) By Janasansadaya.


2011/01 Illegal arrest and F abrication of Charges Matugama police Dodangoda Hewage Anura Piyathissa, is a fifty years old father of three children, works as a teaplanter (Tea plantation), and a resident at Aluthhena road, Panthiya, Mathugama. On December 28.2010 at around11.30 12 noon, five policemen including Sub Inspector Dammika and two home guards attached to Mathugama police entered his house through the back door and arrested him. According to Anura Piyatissa, Sub Inspector Dammika had asked him were you in joy and dragged him holding by his shirt color to the mangusteen tree which was in the front compound. Again he asked him whether he gave goods or he would take it. Keeping him under the tree, Sub Inspector Dammika assaulted him on his face. Another police officer also assaulted on his face and handcuffed his hands holding them in front of his body. After that the entire police party, searched every corner of his house and apprehended two bullies from the house which were used to water the tea plants. After that, Sub Inspector Dammika went to the house of his brother in law Sudarman alias Manika and returned in a short while and said that you had hakka patus in your tea-grow and showed him something like a tin. These police officers had come to his house in three motorcycles. Then he was put in a motorcycle which was rode by a home guard and taken to Mathugama police station. At the police station, handcuffs were removed and he was put into the police cell. After some time, the brother in law of Anura, Sudarman came to the police station and entered the room of Sub Inspector Dammika. Around 4.00 p.m. wife and son of Anura Piyatissa came to the police station and told the Sub Inspector Dammika that these things were done by younger brother. For that, the Sub Inspector Dimmika blamed her and said her to be silent. At around 5.30 p.m. in the evening, a statement was recorded from Anura Piyatissa, and his signature was taken on to it forcibly. After an hour Sub Inspector Dammika took him out of the cell and brought him to the room of the Officer in Charge. Sub Inspector Dammika complained to the OIC that he was a professional arrack brewer and hakkapatus were also found in his possession. Anura Piyatissa explained all the reasons in detail to the OIC, but nothing was considered. At night he was released on police bail. According to police instruction, he appeared in the Magistrate Court of Matugama on 06.01.2011.There, he came to know that there was a fabricated charge of possessing of 1900drams of liquor and equipments which were used to brew liquor. He pleaded innocence for the fabricated

charges and the Magistrate released him on money bail valued Rs.15, 000/= and two sureties and the bearing number of the case is 69468/11. On an earlier occasion, two and a half years ago, he was arrested on fabricated charges of possessing of two bottles of mahara by Sub Inspector Dammika and police officers attached to Mathugama police station under the guidance of his brother in law, Sudarman (Manika). He says that Sudarmanis having close relationship with Sub Inspector Dammika and the other police officers attached to the Mathugama police station for a long period. He further confirms that Sudarman is having direct involvement in illicit liquor selling. He also says that Sudarman bribes Sub Inspector Dammika frequently to avoid him being arrested. Anura Piyatissa made written complaints, to Human Rights Commission and the Inspector General of Police, regarding continued harassment and unjust paved on him by Mathugama police.

2011/02 Illegal Arrest, Torture and Fabrication of Charges Wadduwa Police. Happuararchchige Chaminda Kumara, a bachelor of 24 years old and an army deserter, resides at 20/3 Achara hena, Mahamastiya, Wadduwa. According to him, he did not report back for duty after he deserted the SL Army on September 2010, and on a later date, joined as a soldier at 5th Gamunu regiment, Wellavaya. As he was an army deserter, on December 19, 2010 around 11.00 p.m. he was arrested by four police officers attached to Wadduwa police station while he was sleeping in his home. He was brought to Wadduwa police station and was locked in the cell. Next day (20.12.2010) morning a police officer came to the cell, dragged him out by his shirt collar, assaulted on his face several times and asked as to whether his family member had involved in motor cases. When, he was outside, the police inquired about his personal details (name, address etc.),recorded a statement and took his signature forcibly without reading the recording or explaining the purpose for it. After that, he was brought to the Panadura Magistrate Court and produced before the Chamber of a Lady Magistrate. As it was a Poya day-public holiday, he was remanded until 23rd. Later, he was produced before the Court only on the 31st instead of 23rd. Due to this; he was detained in remand prison for 07 more days. He complains that the policemen attached to Wadduwa police station, including the Officer In Charge, have violated his fundamental rights. He further states that he was not granted bail while there was a possibility to give bail, the date in the detention order was not adhered to proceed him before the Court, by all these malpractices, his fundamental rights are violated. NB:Chaminda Kumara had stated the above facts in the affidavit submitted to the Chief Justice.

2011/03 Illegal Arrest and Fabrication of Charges Panadura South Police Dayamali says, My husband, Sumith Kumara, was arrested by Panadura South Police and remanded on fabricated charges. Her written complaint, to the Human Rights Commission, National Police Commission, IGP and Panadura Senior Superintendent of Police, reads as follows. Yonmaragna Simenhevage Dayamali Silva is a 40 years old married woman with one child. She resides at No. 2/6 A, Near Dammikaramaya, Pinwatta, Panadura. Her husband Pathiranage Sumith Kumara is a trishaw driver by profession. According to her complaint, on January 17, 2011 evening Sumith Kumara found a hire near Panadura Hospital and went to Pinwatta, Keels housing scheme where he parked the trishaw and went to a nearby shop. While he was waiting there, at around 3.30 - 4.00 p.m. a group of police personal who came there in two jeeps had told him that they want to search the trishaw. So, when he allowed them to search the trishaw, a police officer called Disanayaka, had taken something from inside of the trishaw, had said that it was prohibited drug and arrested him. She continues, On that day, I was admitted in the hospital because of my illness. My daughter, and mother in law, went to the Panadura South Police Station looking for my husband where they came to know that the police had taken my husbands thumb impression on several envelops. Next day also my mother in law went to the police station and in the mean time I came home discharged from hospital. On the19th my daughter and I went to Panadura South Police to see my husband. My husband was locked in the police cell. When I asked him as to what happened, then he told me the above incident and cried saying that he did not know anything about the drug. After that, I went to meet the police officer in the reserve and asked him whether my husband would be produce before the Court. Then that police officer asked me for the name of my husband. When I said Sumith he said that there was a detention order against my husband and also told that my husband was brought by a police officer called Dasanayaka and so, they could not do anything. After waiting there for a little while, we returned home. Until January 24, 2011 since the date of arrest, my mother, my daughter and I very often visited Panadura South Police to see my husband. On 24 th my husband was produced before the Court. The police also produced the trishaw. We hired Attorney at Law Wijayapala on behalf of my husband. He pointed at the Court that my husband is an innocent trishaw driver who never had involvement in any illegalities. The fabricated charge against my husband was of transporting illicit drugs. He was remanded till 28.01.2011. The case was heard again on 28.01.2011, but we did not hire a lawyer on that day. Then the case was postponed to 11.02.2011. Bearing number of the case is 97019.

More than five years ago, one of my cousins named S Nilantha Kumara alias Ukkuva was imprisoned on illegal drugs who then began to very closely associate with police officers including Dassanayaka attached to Panadura South police. Nillantha Kumara alias Ukkuva was not in good terms with both of my husband and I, because he doubted that we give clues against him. Before this incident, he had threatened us saying that he would catch my husband by police on drugs and kill him. So, I believe and state that basing on his information and relationship, my husband was arrested on fabricated charges by the police officers including Dasanayaka attached to Panadura South Police. So I request: please, 1. Take legal action against the police personal including Dasanayaka attached to the Panadura South Police regarding illegal arrest, illegal detention and fabricating charges against my husband. 2. Ensure freedom and safety living of my husband and my family members.

Y. S. Dayamali Silva

2011/04 Illegal Arrest and Inhuman Torture. Panadura NorthPolice Allahendra Acharige Dinesh Priyankara Perera, a 26 years old father of two children, is a trishaw driver and resides at 43/1, Sri Dammananda Mawatha, Gorakana, Keselwatta. Three police men who were in civilian clothes attached to the Panadura North police arrested Dinesh while he was sleeping in his residence. They said that their boss, the big gentleman, wanted them to bring him to Panadura North Police to record a confession, and confirmed that he could return home in 10 minutes. On the way to the police station they asked him of the whereabouts of tiles belongs to DIG. At the police station he was channeled to the crime division where he was asked to tell the truth, but Dinesh replied that he did not know anything about the tiles. At the police station, Dinesh was assaulted and kicked by policemen. They punched him on his head and face. A policeman battered on his chest using his fists, while another policeman holding his neck around by hand. After that he was taken to the OICs room and there he was forced to kneel down and was assaulted by hands and legs. They then locked him in the police cell. After awhile, he was again taken to the crime division. There also he was assaulted by hands and legs. Several blows were directed to his head, chest, back and one policeman while treading his legs assaulted him and again he was put in the cell. In the evening, another police officer took him to the OICs room. There the OIC shouted and blamed saying that, your mother had gone to the Human Rights Organisation when she was there. The OIC also blamed his mother and wife and scolded them using filthy language. He also asked his mother as

to whether she was aware of how her son would be killed? Then the OIC came near Dinesh from his seat and assaulted Dinesh once again. At that time Dinesh fell on the ground. While he was lying on the floor, the OIC treaded his one hand and another policeman stood on his other hand, two other policemen also stood on his both legs and they all collectively pressed him to the ground. They put a book on the back side of Dineshs head and hit onto it. Because of this barbaric assault, blood began to ooze from his nose. As his nose began to bleed, policemen took him to the toilet and poured water to stop bleeding. After that he was brought back and locked inside the cell. While he was in the cell, through the iron poles of the cell they punched on his belly, and chest. After a while they came inside the cell and put a pole on Dineshs legs and stood on it and rolled it up and down. Next day at around 11.00 - 11.30, they took Dinesh outside the cell and produced him before the Court. At the Court Dinesh, gave statement and told the Magistrate that he was tortured by policemen including the OIC. The Court ordered the Judicial Medical Officer of Panadura General Hospital to examine him and submit report. Further Court also ordered the Superintendent of Police, Panadura to investigate the matter and report to the Court. Now, A.A. Dinesh Priyankara Perera filed a fundamental rights application against the Panadura North Police. Police tries its best to influence him to withdraw the complaint by continuously filling cases based on false allegations against him. Dinesh complained also to the Human Rights Commission and the Inspector General of Police.

2011/05 Illegal Arrest and Torture; Demanding Bribes. Aluthgama Police Abdul Vadood Mohamed Fasi, a 46 years old father of four children is a trader and resides at 622/06, Coorey Road, Kalutara South. According to Abdul Vadood Mohamed Fasi, on December12, 2010 around 10.30 in the morning two persons in civilian clothes alleged him saying cow thief, assaulted him, put him into a vehicle and took him away. The said vehicle was followed by a lorry. A person who was in the backside of the vehicle squeezed his neck threatening that I would kill you like the way you killed my cow. After searching for the skin of a missing cow in several garbage dumping areas, they brought him back to Aluthgama Police Station and locked him inside the cell. At the police station he was beaten by a thick cane. In the evening, a police officer named Dammika came closer to cell and told Vadood that he would not be produced in Court if he pays the value of two cows which was between Rs. 100,000/= to 160,000/= to him (Dammika). Then he was taken to the OIC of crime division named Sirimanna. This OIC Sirimanna also confirmed that he would not be produce before Court if he pay the value of two cows and proposed him to bring Rs. 100,000/= on the day after the following day and the balance on a later date. The OIC

further told that, we would allow you to go home now, but if you fail to pay the money we would put you in a bomb case and send you to jail in a threatening manner. At that time another two, Isam and Mohamed Rasi were also present there. The police also ordered those two persons to bring Rs.25, 000/- each on 09.12.2010 and ordered Vadood to bring Rs.100, 000/= on the same date. Abdul Vadood made complaints to the Human Rights Commission, National Police Commission, Inspector General of Police and the Senior Superintendent of the Police, Kalutara about the incident and the threatening made by Aluthgama Police. He also claimed to take legal actions against the police officers named Dammika, Pradeep, and Sirimanna, OIC-crimes attached to the Aluthgama Police Station.

2011/06 Baseless Allegation and Mental Torture. Central Anti-vice StrikingUnit, Walana. Kaluvajja Mulla Gamage Imesha Gayani, a 19 years old young woman works in AS Sels Lanka Pvt Limited in Katunayaka and resides at no 64, Levagoda, Bundala, Hambanthota. On January 21st 2011 a police officer came to Imesha Gayanis house and left a police message. This message was sent by the Central anti-vice striking unit, Walana. This message from the police anti-vice unit was not clear and some parts of it were difficult to read. It read about an order regarding a raid made at a brothel which was on a lawsuit bearing number 1588/2010 and ordered her to appear to record a statements.

Until the receiving of this message, she was not aware of such an incident and she was frightened that she might be arrested if she report alone. So, she decided and went with an Attorney at Law, Mr. Wijayapala to the anti-vice unit at Walana at around 11.30 in the morning on the January 26th 2011. At the Unit, the lawyer met the OIC, conversed with him in English and according to the suggestion of the OIC, he asked for her mobile phone number which was 0714253579. After that the OIC compared her mobile phone number with another mobile phone number which was indicated in the documents and said that there was a typing error, because the number in the documents was ironically typed as 071 4253579 instead of 071 4053579. Then the lawyer said that the ironical typing caused all the troubles and it was already known by the Hambanthota police. The OIC also said that he would inform the Habanthota police about the mistake. While, the lawyer charging Rs.22, 000/- from Imesha Gayani as his fee, told the OIC that a small error created all problems and requested him to make a note that she was not proved guilty at the inquiry which was held that day. So, the OIC called for a police officer who wrote her name, address,

personal details and noted down that it was not proved her to be guilty of an offence during the inquiry which was held regarding this matter. When, on the previous day i.e. on 25.01.2011, her relatives went to Walan, anti-vice unit to find out what the matter was, the OIC had told that it was useless to talk with them and asked them to accompany with their younger sister (Imesha Gayani) tomorrow, then they could see her work. Allegations made before inquiring into the truth of the matters/incidents created unnecessary mental stress to her and to her family members. This is also harmful to their dignity and self respects. So, she made complaints to the Human Rights Commission and the Inspector General of Police demanding legal action on the relevant officers against degrading made by them..

2011/07 Illegal Arrest and Torture Kalutara NorthPolice Gunamunige Kamal Kithsiri, a 30 years old father with one child resides at Uggalbada, Duwegama and works as a driver. Ms. H K Nimalawathi from Dickhena, Dodangoda says that Gunamunige Kamal Kithsiri is her son and was arrested by Kalutara North Police on 05.01.2011 while he was in his house at Uggalbada. She further says that he was arrested as a hostage to locate and arrest two murder suspects who were absconding. From the date of the arrest he was inhumanly treated and tortured by the said police. She made written complaints to the Human Rights Commission and the Inspector General of Police requesting to interfere into the illegal action of Kalutara North Police and put an end of torturing her son. She also begged to provide opportunity for her son to access treatment and medication.

2011/08 Inhuman Assault on a 14 Years old Student. Kochchikade Police Wijesooriya Arachchige Meril Mark Ranjan is a 46 years old father with one child resides at 33/2, De Finance Watta, Thoppuwa, Kochchikade and works as an electrician. He says that Wejesooriya Arachchige Nimesh Vishvajith is his son who is a 14 years old school student. On 03.01.2011 around 5.00 p.m. in the evening his Canter vehicle bearing number 26 sri 2478 was collided with a tipper near Katana Vidyaloka School. His vehicle was damaged due to the collision. After receiving the information about the accident, his son and one of his neighbors called Eric, came to the spot. They came there in a trishaw which was in his house. When his son asked the driver of the tipper about the accident, it created an atmosphere of argument between them.

After receiving information his brother in law and some other relatives also came to the scene. They sent back his son and Eric home by the trishaw they came there. Noticing this, a police officer who was in civilian clothe attached to the Kochchikade Police Traffic Branch named Herath and two other police officers, shouted and followed the tri shaw and blocked it. When the trishaw was stopped the said police officers dragged his son outside of it and assaulted him inhumanly. After that Meril informed the incident to the OIC at Kochchikade Police and took his son to the Negombo Base Hospital. His son was admitted there and treated until 04.01.2011. After that on 05.01.2011 they made complaints to the Assistant Superintendent of Police, Negombo. He says the police officers including Herath attached to the Traffic Branch of Kochchikade Police were acted illegally and partially in support of the alleged person who made the accident, but arrested his son and inhumanly assaulted him. He requests the relevant authorities including the Human Rights Commission and the Inspector General of Police to take legal and disciplinary action against the police officers including Herath attached to Kochchikade Police Traffic Branch who illegally arrested his son and inhumanly tortured.

2011/09 Failure to take legal action. Kahawatta police Ponnayiya Lekkayiya, a 61 years old father with four children resides at 1st division Pelmadulla Watta, Kahawaththa. His wife called Nallama Sornam died at the age of 52. On07.08.2009, while fetching firewood in an estate where dangerous electric wires illegally fixed, she collided with the wires and died due to electric shock. It is clear and no doubt that this death occurred due to recklessness and illegal electric wiring made by the authorities of Pelmadulla Estate. The coroners inquest report read that it was a natural death due to heart attack, but nothing was mentioned about the cause of death. Postmortem on the dead body was performed and report was issued by one Edwin Liyanaarachchi. Kahawatta Police who conducted investigations hided the true nature of information they received about the incident and acted in the manner of protecting the suspects of the crime. Kahawatta Police also failed to take legal actions against the Superintendent of the Estate who permitted illegal and reckless electric wiring and the coroner who produced forged inquest report. Lakkayiya, Died Nallama Sornams husband, is an innocent estate worker who cannot read or write Sinhala. All inquiries and reports regarding the death were done only in Sinhala language. Herhusband Lakkayiya complained the injustice to all relevant authorities and demanded compensation, but nothing happened. The police actions caused all denial of justice.

2011/10 Collecting premiums on behalf of Abans Dodangoda Police Pehebiya Baduarachchige Manoj is a 34 years old father with one child. He works as a laborer and resides at Akkara 33, Bombuwala, Kalutara South. In December 2010, while he was engaged in his job a police officer attached to Dodangoda Police informed him to come to the Police Station on 13.12.2010. He further told that there was a complaint against Manoj regarding failure to pay premium of equipment bought from Abans Ltd. According to the call, on 13.12.2010 Manoj went to Dodangoda Police, but he was sent back because the complainant was not present at the police station. Again, a police officer who came to his house gave him a chit and informed him to come to police station on 25.12.2010. A number on the chit was CIBI 314/204. He went to the police station on the specific date around 10.00 a.m. in the morning. When he showed the chit to a police officer he said him to stay and went out. He waited until 1.00 in the afternoon and showed the chit to a police woman in the minor crime division as he was fed up with waiting there for a longtime. That woman police officer took a telephone call and told him to stay because they would arrive now. After an hour an officer attached to the Abans Ltd came to the police station. The officer of Abans and the second highest police officer and another police officer went outside and had a chat among them and came back. After that Manoj was taken to the room of Officer in Charge of the police station. This second highest officer questioned him about goods and asked him whether he would pay the areas or not. Manoj said that he did not know anything and told that his wife in abroad bought those equipments for her friend. Then the second highest police officer blamed him using filth and locked him inside the cell according to the direction of the OIC. The officer attached to the Abans Ltd came near to the cell and said that he also fell sorry and it had affected his job and asked Manoj was there any other way to resolve the matter. Again the second highest police officer came and took Manoj outside of the cell. He took Manoj to the place where complaints are written and took his signature to a statement telling that he would pay the money, by force and threatening to assault. Manoj made complaints to the Human Rights Commission and the IGP requesting to take legal actions against the relevant police officers attached to the Dodangoda police station who acted partially in support of Abans Ltd, illegal arrested, forcefully cruelly took his signature to a statement.

2011/11 Nexus between Criminals and Police Mount Laviniya Police

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Shyamali Abeysinha alias Charlina Abeysinha is a 54 years old unmarried woman residingat E1, Soysa Flats, Ratmalana. In 1978 she bought E1- House in the Soysa Flats and began to live in there. After that Somavathi and Simon came to live in the next door, E2. Since1988 her mother and brothers faced many unwanted problems from Somawathi, Siman and their children. Her brothers and she complained to the Mount Laviniya Police regarding harassments made by Somavathi and others, but no action was taken by the Police, because they had involvements in organized crimes. Instead of taking legal actions for the complaint made, the police with their association arrested Charlinas brother and fabricated charges on alleged crimes, drug offenses and remanded him. On one occasion, they hit on her mothers head with a pole and caused injuries. This too was complained but the Police failed to take action against the perpetrators. In 2005, they cut Charlina using an iron sword and caused grave injuries and also robbed valuable articles from her house. There is a judgment, bearing number 92253, issued by Court regarding this incident. But no arrest was made by Police and the Police is still refraining from acting against the suspects and according to the Court order. Mount Lavinia Magistrate Court gave a judgment on a case bearing number 50715regarding illegal trespassing of five persons who associated with the above said party. But the Police failed to arrest the offenders. In the case bearing number 68030, when they tried to rob her house, Mount Laviniya Court ordered to arrest the offenders but the Police did not adhere to Court order and failed to take action against them. For this, the party assaulted her younger brother, who was sick for some time and later died due to it. Although a complaint was made at the Mount Lavinia Police no action was taken yet. On 18.08.2007, she was abducted by persons came in a white van without number plates and assaulted. This incident also was complained but the Police failed to arrest relevant criminals. Under this case, bearing number B 4556/7, it was mentioned at the Court that only one suspect appeared but the Police did not take action to arrest the rest. On16.09.2007 these criminals abducted and injured her younger brother seriously. Although it was complained, the police failed to take any legal action regarding this incident. About all the above mentioned incidents, Charlina Abeysinha complained to the Senior Superintendent of Police, Mount Lavinia, Police Headquarters and the Office of the Inspector General Of Police in Colombo. But the only action taken by the said authorities was limited to take signature to a statement. This said party, to make further harassment to Charlina, blocked toilets and built wall. She made another complaint at Mount Laviniaya Police, bearing number EPI3 489/324, on 20.08.2010 but the Police did not take any action.

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As a result of blocking the drainage system, polluted water filled into her house and she made once again a complaint at Mount Lavinia Police on 16.11.2010, bearing number CIB 1190 2010. But the Police did not take any legal action against the said party. At this moment, they threaten and try to remand her with the help of Mount Lavinia Police on fabricated charges. Charlina is reluctant to complain to Mount Lavinia Police because justice will never happen. According to her, acts of this said party put her family in danger and the Mount Lavinia Police also violates Court orders. She request relevant authorities to take legal and disciplinary actions against Police Officers attached to Mount Lavinia Police who refrain from implementing law, adhering to Court orders and arrest Somavathi, Siman and their children who have connections with criminal elements. She made written complaints regarding this on 17.01.2011 to Human Rights Commission, Attorney General and Inspector General of Police.

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Pleading Innocence on fabricated charges. Moratumulla Police. Filing cases on fabricated charges against drug addicts has become a common habit of police of now a day. Further, police take revenge by filing series of fabrication of charges on persons who plead innocence for false charges. Mahauduge Don Suranjith Samantha Perera, a 35 years old unmarried trader resides in No. 1, Peoples area, Katubedda, Moratuwa. Accepting that he was a former drug addict, he made written complaints to Human Rights Commission and IGP regarding fabrication of charges by Police. On 17.01.2011, he went to Moratumulla Police Station regarding a complaint lodged by a neighbor. A Policeman called Bandara attached to the said Police Station, told to the neighbor that Suranjith is a drug addict and one day he will be arrested and subjected in High Court Case. In May 2010, he was arrested by the said Policeman Bandara who filed a false lawsuit on an alleged drug offence. He pleaded innocence for that false charge. This case, bearing number 418, is still heard in the Moratuwa Magistrate Court. Again on 06 October 2010, he was arrested and remanded on fabricated charge of possession of 80 mg of drugs. He, again pleaded innocence on this case bearing number is 56506. The policeman Bandara said that it became possible as he pleaded innocence regarding the earlier lawsuit. Suranjith says that the Policeman Bandara acted in this manner to satisfy the wishes of the Secretary of a Security Committee in that area.

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2011/13 Illegal Arrest and Torture. Hirana Police Post Kathrithanthri Hewage Shriyalatha Peris is a 53 years old married mother with one child. She resides at No. 112/1, Bandara Watta, Gagabada Rd, Galthude, Panadura. On 10.02.2011, at around 10.00 in the morning Shriyalatha, her daughter and her son in law went to Hirana Police Post according to a request made on 09.02.2011 at around 9.45 in the night by two police officers attached to the said Hirana Police Post. At that occasion, her relatives Emalin Peris, her son Damith and his wife who were angry with her were also seen in the said Police Post. They blamed Shriyalatha using filth. The OIC, who asked her about a gold chain, commented that the appearance in her face showed that she robbed it and ordered a lady police to lock Shriyalatha inside the cell. While she was in the cell, the OIC again blamed her that her face showed that she was a thief. The OIC also blamed her son in law. They collected her National Identity Card and went saying that they were going to verify the receipts of mortgaged gold jewelries. They returned after two hours, took her outside the cell, showed her the lamp in front of a Buddha statue and asked her to promise before the statue that she did not steal the gold chain. She was also threatened by the OIC that they would not care even if she would die. After half an hour, she and her relatives were summoned to the said OICs room, given back their NIC and released to go saying that tomorrow or the other day they would be faced in a case at Court. They were released without recording any statement or taking signatures. This incident of illegal arrest, detention, and fabrication of charges were complained to the Human Rights Commission and the IGP in written form seeking legal action against illegalities made by the OIC of the Hirana Police Post.

2011/14 Alleged Sexual Abuse; Failed to investigate, but protected the offender. Dodangoda Police Yamange Hemalatha is a 50 years old married mother with two children who resides at Akkara 33, Waligodella, Bombuwala. Her 23 years old disable-daughter, who cannot walk, was sexually abused. Although the suspect was identified and arrested, Dodangoda Police compelled her to settle the matter for mere Rs.10, 000/= cash. Settling a complaint of sexual abuse and rape only for a sheer Rs.10, 000/= is unjust and illegal. The duty and responsibility of the OIC was to hospitalize the torture survivor and produce her before a Judicial Medical Officer, but he neglected his duties.

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After four days of the said incident, Hemalatha admitted her daughter at Kalutara- Nagoda General Hospital. She made a written complaints against the OIC of Dodangoda Police to the Human Rights Commission, the IGP, and the Child and Women Bureau requesting to take legal and disciplinary actions against the OIC regarding his negligence in his duties, such as failure to take legal actions against the alleged suspect, release the suspect, act in the manner to hide the crime and took signature of the complainant forcibly to a statement written in a book.

2011/15 Police Broke Hand for a Bottle of Soft-drink. Thalavakale Police Raju Valarmadi is a 45 years old married mother with two children. She resides at line No. 10, Thalavakale Estate, Thalavakele. Her 25 years old unmarried mentally retarded son Mohan Babu was arrested and assaulted by Thalavakele Police. Due to the assault his hand got injured and broke. On 15.02.2011, at around 1.00 in the noon, two policemen attached to the Thalavakele Police Station came in a trishaw to where Valarmathi resides. They were in civilian clothes. They said that they have come to take Mohan Babu to the Police Station. When two of Valarmathis relatives asked for the reason, they said that they wanted to frighten him. At the very moment, he was taken to the Police Station and was assaulted by Sub Inspector Gunarathna. After assaulting him barbarously, he was handed over to two of his relatives. When he came home, at 12.00 in the night, his condition turned to worse. He was taken to the Nuwara Eliya District Hospital by an ambulance after calling the Superintendent of the Estate where they reside. On 17.02.2011 he was transferred to Kandy General Hospital for the reason that it was impossible to treat his broken-hand at Nuwara Eliya District Hospital. At the Kandy General Hospital he was admitted and treated until 26.02.2011. Sub Inspector Gunarathna twisted his hand and assaulted her son. As a result of twisting, bone in his hand broke, had to undergoing a surgery and fix nine nails. Her son complained that they also knocked on his head. According to Valarmathi, her son was arrested, assaulted until the bone in his hand break and knocked on his head without any good reason by the Sub Inspector Gunaratne attached to the Thalavakele Police Station who responded in a murderous/savage manner, because they are innocent, poor, helpless, Estate laborers.

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On 25.02.2011, Valarmathi was asked to report to the said Police Station. She went there with two of her relatives at 1.30 p.m. in the noon. Then, SI Gunaratne said that her son was brought to the Police Station in order to be frightened, but due to assault, beyond his knowledge, her sons hand got broke and he proposed to settle the matter by giving money. Valarmathi laments as to why should she receive money when her sons hand is broken? According to Valarmathi, on 15.02.2011 (the date on which her son was arrested), her mentally retarded son took a bottle of soft drink from the boutique called Ranaweera, consumed, kept the empty bottle and went. Later, she came to know that the Thalavakele Police did all this to satisfy the wish of the owner of the boutique. She requests the relevant authorities to take legal actions against the SI Gunaratna and the other police officers attached to the Thalavakale Police Station for illegal arrest, detaining her son at the Police Station and assaulted to brake his hand.

2011/16. Illegal arrest and torture Panadura South Police Pallathannage Anoja Deepani is a 31 years old married mother with two children. She resides at 18/05, Avariyawatta road, Alubomulla, Panadura. Her son, a 12 year old student named Vannakavatta Waduge Don Vimukthi Kolitha Dananjaya Perera was illegally arrested and tortured by the Panadura South Police. On 21.03.2011, at around 4.40 in the evening his son stood and was looking at playing children on the way to a nearby boutique. Three policemen who were in civilian clothes attached to the Panadura South Police came in a police jeep, stopped at the place where her son was standing and asked him about a person named Vimukthi. Then her son asked them whether the person referred is a small child or a big one. They replied that he is a small child. Then her son replied that he is Vimukthi. Then the police asked him whether his mothers name is Anoja. When her son replied positively, asking whereabouts of some stolen golden jewels including bangles and chains, the policemen asked him to accompany them to the police station. Then her son said that he did not aware of any stolen things. When they asked once again him to come to the police station, he told them to call his father who was at home. After that her son went running towards their house while two persons who were in civilian clothes followed him on foot. The police jeep was stopped on the road. Her son went in and

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told, Father these uncles said that I stole gold jewels. Then the father asked him, who they are. For that they replied that they were from the police. Then when he requested for identification, one of them showed his identity card. When Anojas husband asked them as to the reason for taking his son to the police station, they said that a theft has taken place at the next door house. Again when her husband asked for which next door house, they said, next door, next door. They asked him to take his son to the police station. So, her husband said that they could not send his son alone and said that they all would come with the child. Then one of them said, ok lets go. Hence, Anoja, her husband, son and daughter all got into the police jeep. On the way to the police station, while asking to return stolen goods they blamed Anoja using filth , although her husband requested not to speak like that manner. After that when they all came to the Panadura South Police Station, the time was around 5.00 p.m. They were taken to the crime division. There, the police left her, her husband and daughter on aside took her son alone and a police officer started to question her son about a gold jewelry theft. The said officer blamed her son using filth in a degrading manner. When her son said that he was not aware of a theft of that type of thing, he held him by his neck, blamed using filth and demanded to tell the truth. A police officer called Priyantha, blamed Anoja using filthy abusive language which were not suitable for a child like her son to listen. Another police officer also blamed her son using filth. Her husband again requested them not to blame their son in such ugly manner. Then one officer said to another to lock her husband in the cell and detain for several months. On hearing this, her son seriously frightened. Later, she came to know that the neighbors who live behind their house complained to the police. The police officer who questioned her son also asked him about plucking coconuts. Her son refused all such allegations. Again he asked him about entering the yard of next house. Her son said that only when ball drop in; he called the occupants and got it, but never stepped in to that yard. Again when the officer questioned him whether he throw stones to that house, he flatly refused for that type of involvement. In this manner, the said officers questioned her son for about one and half hour. The officer, who questioned her son, recorded a confession and took his signature to it. The statement was not read or explains it to him or to any of the parent. The police officer called Priyantha also recorded a confession from Anoja. Her signature too was taken without reading or explaining it to her. After that they were sent back to their home. Since her sons returned from the police station, he became mentally down, frightened and stopped talking to anybody. As soon as he reached home, her son sat on a chair and then fell down unconsciously. They poured some water onto his face and took him to the Panadura Base Hospital. Anoja disclosed the incident to a lady doctor who examined her son. The

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doctor tried to ease the mental stress of her son but it was no use. After that her son was admitted to ward number 01. The time was around 7.55 in the evening. Her husband was also remained in the Hospital with him. No medicine was given to her son but a doctor examined him. Next day, on 22.03.2011 at 6.00 a.m. in the morning after she came to the Hospital, her husband returned home. She stayed in the hospital with her son without going anywhere. At 8.00 in the morning when her husband came again to the hospital, they came to know that their son was discharged. They also came to know that their son could go home at 12.30 in the afternoon. Again around 8.45 - 9.00 in the morning her husband left from Hospital to a nearby boutique. Again her husband came to the hospital around 10.00 in the morning. While he was out, a judicial medical officer had examined her son. Her son told his father that the JMO said while he was examining if he would not tell the truth he will be send to jail for two months. The child said this to his father in very frightened voice. When the parent came to know of this, both went to the room of the JMO. The JMO, a bold headed fat and tall person whose name, they came to be, is Prashantha. Her husband asked the JMO as to why he uttered such words to the child. For that the JMO said that he made a joke. Her husband objected this and said uttering such thing to a mentally down child would make the condition more badly. The JMO asked him as to who told it and the husband replied that it was told by the child. Then the JMO said, do anything to her husband. She and her husband left the hospital at 12.30 in the afternoon with their child. She made written complaints about the incident to the Human Rights Commission, the IGP, Women and Child bureau and the National Child Protection Authority.

2011/17

Atrocious Assault.
Galle Prison Vayihenage Saman, a 42 years old father with three children is a driver who resides at No. 366, Kalupe, Hikkaduwa. He was detained in the H ward of Galle prison as a suspect. On 29.01.2011 around 8.00 a.m. in the morning he was taken outside of the hall where he was detained by a prison officer called Pushpakumara and then was brought to a room by the same officer Pushpakumara saying that Do you know me? I was waiting to catch you, I would put you in a bomb by telling to SPO about you, I could not come earlier because I had so many works to do.

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There were a superior officer and another officer in that room. The said prison officer Pushpakumara also made death threats to Saman saying that You were not a big man to us. We can do many things to you. Did you know that I can make you dead, without trace or evidence here itself ? He also insulted Saman using abusive filthy words. After that an officer called Rathnasiri, assaulted Saman on his shoulders using a pole. Saman had to take medicine from the prison hospital to recover from the damages caused by assaults. His wife made complaints through a lawyer to Human Rights Commission and the Superintendent of Prison. She too made written complaints to the Inspector General of Police.

2011/18 You cannot just runaway to escape from us; we will fix you in a bomb and send to jail. Panadura South Police. Ms. Rohini Senevirathna made a written complaint against Panadura South Police who threatened to imprison his son on fabricated charges. It happened on 01.04.2011. Abekon Seneviratna Pandithavasala Mudiyanselage Yasanama Rohini Seneviratna is a 53 years old mother with three children who resides at No. 74/27, Sadagalawatta, Pamunugama, Alubomulla. Her son is a 33 years old married person called Badanasinha Nangallage Sanjiva Fernando. On 31.03.2011, four police officers in civilian clothes attached to Panadura South Police came to the house of Rohini. A police officer called Mubarak who was among them, asked the whereabouts of her son. She replied that her son was not at home. Then that said police officer, Mubarak blamed her using filth complaining that her son ran away on seeing the police. She told them that although her son was involved in ganja business earlier, now he does not engage in any unlawful activities. For that police officer Mubarak said that, your son can not escape by just-running away and threatened that her son would be sent to jail on fabricated charges of possessing of bombs. Again they blamed her degradingly and went away. Earlier, in two occasions, on 17.03.2011 and on 19.03.2011, the said police officer Mubarak and other policemen had come to her house, inquired of her sons whereabouts, threatened and left. On 30.03.2011, at night, she noticed that a group of police officers came and knocked at the door of her sons house and went away. Now, she affirms that, her son is involved in a small business of selling of chicks and does not engage in any illegal activities.

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Earlier too, there were three occasions, the Panadura South Police filed lawsuits on possession of ganja against her son and one of that is ended now. However, the said Police try to subject her son in fabricated charges although he has refrained from unlawful activities and engaged in chicks-selling. She requests, in her written complaint to relevant authorities to take necessary steps to stop arresting her son and fabricating charges by the police officer called Mubarak and other police officers attached to Panadura South Police and ensure protection for her son to lead a peaceful living.

2011/19 Illegal Arrest, Detention on Fabricated Charges and Torture. Wadduwa Police. Thudawe Anusha Githanjali is a 30 years old mother with four children. She resides at Korosduwa, Pothupitiya, Wadduwa. On 04.04.2011, she made written complaints to Human Rights Commission and the IGP regarding illegal arrest, detention, torture and fabrication of charges by Wadduwa police on her husband who is a 31 years old Civil Defense Force Officer attached to Civil Defense Headquarters, Bambalapitiya. On 03.04.2011, at around 4.30 p.m. in the evening, four police officers in civilian clothes, attached to crime branch of Wadduwa Police entered Githanjalis house with an allegation that her husband has mortgaged stolen jewelries and searched the entire house. They took-up three receipts of gold jewelries which she had mortgaged, arrested her husband and pushed him into a trishaw in which they came and went. When she went to Wadduwa Police Station, she was informed that her husband has been taken to upstairs for further questioning. After half an hour, when he was brought down stairs, his condition was bad, he looked very painful and said with crying that he was assaulted severely after removing his t-shirt. He showed his hands and soles to her which had marks of beating and complained that they assaulted his back and lower belly. She stated, in her complaints that her husband is an innocent person who never engage in any offence or illegal activity. She requests to produce her husband before a competent Court immediately and take legal/disciplinary actions against police officers attached to the crime branch of Wadduwa Police Station who illegally arrested/detained him on fabricated charges and inhumanly assaulted.

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2011/20 Illegal Arrest, Interrogation while in Illegal Detention and Threatening. Anguruwathota Police Kakiravalage Dasun Vimukthi Perera is an 18 years old married person. He resides at Annasigalahena, Dobagoda, Horana. On 07.03.2011, around 9.00 in the morning a police officer called Dayananda attached to Aguruvathota police came to Dasuns house in a motorcycle and questioned as to what he had seen on the night of 01.04.2011. He said on that day, at night, when he went outside, he saw four persons walking on the road but could not identify them. Then the police officer asked as to whether he saw them carrying hens, but he said that he did not see anything like that. Then the police officer told him to come on 08.03.2011 at 9 in the morning. Earlier to this incident, a person called Baby came and said Dasun if he would not tell the names of persons who were walking on the road on 01.04.2011, then he would tell the police that Dusun is the person suspected. According to the call from police, Dasun went to Aguruvathota police station on 08.03.2011 at nine in the morning with his mother. They met police officer Dayananda. At that moment the person called Baby was also present at the police station. The police officer Dayananda again questioned Dasun whether he knew as to who were walking on the road and produced him before the OIC. The OIC told to direct Dasun to police officer called Perera. The police officer Perera ordered Dasun to sit on a chair in the crime branch. Dasun was interrogated, blamed and threatened, until four in the evening without giving anything to eat or drink. The police officer Perera attempted to get a statement from Dasun that the four people who were walking on the road that day were Lalitha, Nakandala, Ajith and Podi who reside in the village. As his attempt gone futile, at 4 pm the police officer Perera had written his name, age, address and the telephone number of in a sheet of paper and took his signature by force without allowing him to read it. At around 5 in the evening he was released and allowed to go home. Dasun made complaints to the Human Rights Commission, the IGP, and the DIG Kalutara to take legal and disciplinary actions against the OIC, the police officer Dayananda, and the police officer Perera for illegal arrest, detention and interrogation in threatening manner.

2011/21 Inhuman Assault Poddala police

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Darmaratna Veeragunaratna Sahabandu, a 38 years old father of one child, occupied in farming, resides at Vavulagalakanda, Adurathvila, Poddala. According to him, on 28.02.2011 between 10.30 and 11 in the morning he was on his way home after dropping his daughter at Montessori. Soon after his return home, a laborer who works in the Southern Express Way requested him to go and talk to the Forman because the last part of the road too would be closed today. So, Sahabandu went and met the Forman. On his way back home, the OIC of the Poddala police called him. The OIC was in civvies and had come in a jeep. When Sahabandu went near him, the OIC blamed him in a very degrading manner using filthy language. The OIC gave a hard shot on Sahabandus ear asking, are you a big man? Do anything you could. Because of the hard blow Sahabandu fell on the ground. After that, the OIC assaulted and kicked Sahabandu using his legs. Sahabandu told to the OIC that, police has no right to assault innocent people, I would complained to the Human Rights Commission and remove your uniforms. The OIC had said that, you could go not only to Human Rights but anywhere else. After that the OIC went back in the jeep he came. When Sahabandu tried to go home he heard someone saying, stop and fire a gun-shot. Also he heard his wife Sarani screaming, dont shoot my husband. After this Sahabandu came to know that his wife Sarani and Tharanga were taken in the police jeep. Sahabandu got him admitted to the Karapitiya hospital and told the doctors that he was assaulted by police. He was discharged on 02.03.2011. The doctors advised him to visit clinic once in a week.

2011/22 Fabricating Charges basing on an Earlier Offense and Assaulting. Wadduwa Police. Hewage Ajith Kumarasiri Perera, a 40 years old father of four children is a trishaw driver. He resides at 5th Lane, Nugagodawatta, Waskaduwa. On 21.04.2011 evening, at around 4.00 - 4.30 p.m. four policemen attached to Wadduwa police named Nandana, Sepala, Lal and Susantha, came in motorcycles and went to a backside land. They brought about 10 bottles of illicit liquor from there and asked Ajith as to whether they were belonged to him. They further said that even though they were not belonged to him they would take him and file a High Court case against him. After that the police officer, Sepala, took Ajith to Wadduwa Police Station in the motorcycle on which he came there, detained him and locked in the police cell. At around 7.00 p.m. he was taken outside of the cell and brought before the OIC Nimal Karunaratna. The OIC told them not to hit him, but to write a high court case and send him to jail for 3 to 4 years. Then, he was again, locked in the

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cell. After half an hour, he was again brought to the OIC. Then the OIC said that he would give him a chance if he would tell as to whom they were belonged to. When Ajith expressed his unawareness, the OIC placed blows which caused Ajith to fall on the ground. He was detained until 24.04.2011. After that he was produced before the court. He was detained in remand prison for two days and was released on surety bail valued Rs. 500,000/= and cash bail valued Rs.50, 000/=. Bearing number of the case is 98435. He requests to take legal and disciplinary actions against OIC Nimal Karunaratna, Sub Inspector Nandana, Sergeant Sepala, Sergeant Lal, and other officers attached to Wadduwa Police.

2011/23

Incriminated in filth and threatened to file case on fabricated charges


Panadura Police. Balasuriyage Wasantha Hemamali Perera is a 52 years old mother of one child. She resides at No 59/12, D. S Senanayaka Rd, Panadura and engages in printing work. Gikiyanage Don Heshan Samira is her 26 years old unmarried son who too engages in printing work. On 08.04.2011 at 11.30 in the noon, police officer called Mubarak attached to Pandura Police came to her house and asked for her son. At that time her son was not at home. She asked for the reason as to why the police searching her son. Then police officer Mubarak said that a person called Chandi snatched a gold chain of a girl in Alubomulla area and her son knew the person called Chandi and now Chandi was hiding. The police officer said that he wanted to arrest her son to locate Chandi. Then she asked to how he could arrest her son as he could find out about that persons whereabouts from the area where resided. Then the police officer Mubarak blamed her using filth and threatened saying that he would arrest her son for snatching the gold chain and threatened her not to come to the police, if she would come then he would look into it. She requests Human Rights Commission and IGP to take legal and disciplinary actions against police officer Mubarak of Panadura Police for blaming her using filthy language and threatening to file fabricated charges against her son. 2011/24 Illegal Arrest & Inhuman Assault. Poddala Police Madaduva Liyanage Tharanga is a 37 years old married mother with two children. She resides at Vavulugala Kanda, Aduranvila, Poddala. On 28.02.2011 at around 10.30 in the morning while she was walking near the bridge in Aduranvila (which was identified as 21500) she saw a jeep belonged to Poddala police was parked under the

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bridge. She also noticed that the OIC of Paddola police taking call from his mobile phone. Another police officer in civilian clothes was standing little far away from him. At the same time she heard the cries and shouts of Sarani Kariyavasam who is her neighbor from inside of the jeep. She continued that, I went near the jeep and asked her as to why she was crying. Sarani told me that Sirs of the police assaulted me on my hand with a pole and put me inside the jeep. She also told me that the Montessori would be closed by this time and there is nobody to take my child from there. Police is chasing my husband Sahabandu and firing guns shots. I did not know as to what has happen to my husband, now the police has taken me too. Tharanga had replied to her that, she was on her way to bring nutritional food to her child and she would ask somebody to bring her child from Montessori and also told her to go with the police and they would come to the police later. Then she walked passing the OIC, but he put his mobile into his pocket and said that it was not necessary for her to visit the police, but she could go with them in this jeep itself. Then the OIC ordered the police officer who was in civilian clothes to put Tharanga too into the jeep. Then the police officer in civilian clothes began to come near Tharanga to catch her. But Tharanga said that he had no right to catch her and so the police officer stopped nearing her. Then, as the OIC came near her in high speed, she begun to shiver because of fear that she would be assaulted. The OIC held her by one of her hands and dragged her. The police officer in civilian clothes too held her by her blouse and the other hand and dragged. As a result of this, her blouse was torn and she received injuries in her neck and chest. After that the OIC and the other said police officer dragged her on the ground to the jeep. They stampede the corner of her skirt which caused it to go down from her hip. This was seen by the laborers who were engaged in construction works on the high way and the crowd gathered there. After that they held her up and put into the jeep. In the jeep she sat on the steps of the jeep which is used to get into the jeep. So the two police officers held her legs bend-up and closed the door. Because of this, her skirt got caught to the door. Sarani had dragged her by hand and helped her to sit on the seat. When she told the officers that her dress was caught to the door, they opened the door and put it in order and again closed the door. The OIC dashed one door hard and held him on to it. The police officer in civilian clothes held closed the other part of the door. After being in such a way for about 5 to 10 minutes, she told the OIC that, I put my child to Montessori and I was on my way to take nutrition food. I spoke to Sarani because I saw her and I did not say anything against you sirs. Why did you do this to me?. Then they told her to shut up her mouth until they go to the police station. She again told that, we were not selling illicit liquor, do not steel goods or do anything wrong to be taken like this way, it would be reasonable to catch those type of people instead of us. If there is a need we would come to the police station. For that the OIC replied in filthy words and said that cages are built for you to go in and not for us. A little later, a police officer in uniform and a police officer in civilian clothes came from down of the road. The police officer in civilian clothes had a pole in his hand. When that officer saw Tharanga, asked the OIC as to why she was there? For that the OIC replied that her voice was too big and he got into the jeep and sat on the front seat. The other officer in uniform also got into the jeep. The officer who had a pole, got into the jeep and sat near Tharanga began to abuse her in filth and tried to assault her again by the pole. As the pole hit the top of the jeep, he pushed Tharanga to other side and sat on the place where she was seated. He hit several times on her face by his elbow. Some of the blows went direct to her two eyes.

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He grabbed her hair and hit her back using his fist. She felt difficult to breath. She also felt unconscious. Sarani told him not to hit Tharanga. A neighbor called Shriyani was going on the road. Tharanga called Shriyani and asked her to take the child from the Montessori. The OIC blamed her and asked her to go away. After that they were brought to the Poddala police station. They were dragged out of the jeep. Tharanga waited a little to correct her dress. But the police officer in civilian clothes pushed them. When Sarani was held by her right hand she shouted in pain. Tharangas dress was torn. Then Tharanga came to know that her chain in her neck was missing. At around 3.00 p.m. a woman police officer came and took both of them outside of the cell. They were taken to a table and at first a statement was recorded from Sarani. As Sarani could not write, her thumb impression was taken. Then they recorded statement from Tharanga and took her signature to it without reading or explaining it to her. Both of them were taken to the office of a Judicial Medical Officer called Munasinha in Karapitiya. First Sarani was produced before the JMO and then Tharanga. In the mean time the JMO received a phone call. Tharanga heard him saying that her hand was broken and that is why he has put her in hospital. He also said that she was not examined yet and put the receiver. Tharanga described the incident to doctor and showed him injuries and swollen places. The doctor drew them on a paper and marked. When she came outside, the police officer who hit her inside the jeep went to the doctors room and came back after a short time. After that both Sarani and Tharanga saw the OIC coming in the jeep there. They were taken to the Court in Galle by a van. Two lawyers appeared on behalf of Tharanga and Sarani and told about the police assault before the court. The judge asked them to identify the persons by whom they were beaten. Both Tharanga and Sarani showed the police officer who was present in the court. After that both were released on sureties each valued Rs.100, 000/=. After that both of them were taken to the Karapitiya teaching hospital by their parents. They explained the incident to the hospital police post but they did not record it. They were asked to go to the ward and both were admitted in ward number 08. They informed the police assault to the doctors. At around 7.00 p.m. two officers attached to hospital police post came and asked the incident but nothing was written. At night a surgery was made to Saranis hand. Although the hospital asked the police post to record a statement they ignored and said that they were having lunch and not having time. Then, Tharangas husband told them that they would record a statement in Galle. When they walked few steps away from hospital to go out, a police officer attached to hospital police post came and told them to come because they had to record the complaint. Then they again came to the hospital police post. The officer who accompanied them directed them to another two police officers for recording the statements. They recorded the incidents from both Tharanga and Sarani in two different books. Tharangas husband who was earlier in the police service asked them that the statements were not recorded in proper books and also said that there were no date or number to take copies of the statements. But the officer said it was not like that and took the signatures from Sarani and Tharanga. The officer further said that if they want copies they could go to Galle and record statements.

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On 04.03.2011, Tharanga lodged written complaints to the IGP and DIG Galle. She too made complaints to the Human Rights Commission in Matara.

2011/25 Shot on Left Ear Panadura North Police. Manikhiti Mudiyanselage Manoj Priyankara Bandara is a 34 years old married father with two children, who resides at Galvala shop, Koslanda. On 01.04.2011, while he was driving a Panadura- Colombo route-bus which was travelling to Panadura from Colombo, blocking in front of the bus, a trishaw was stopped. Three police officers who came in it, got down from the trishaw, stood in front and one of them ordered to stop the bus. When the bus was stopped they seized his license and issued a charge sheet. When Priyankara said that he did not do anything wrong and it was the trishaw which stopped in front of the bus, the said police officer who ordered to stop, hit hard on his left ear saying that he knew the behaviors of private bus drivers and warned him that he would be produce before court. Because of the hit, his ear became very painful, he could not drive further and he got himself admitted to ward number six of Pandura base hospital where received treatment. He requests the Human Rights Commission and the Inspector General of Police to take legal action against the said police officer (bearing the number 64773) attached to Panadura North Police who illegally confiscated his license and assaulted him.

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