Family alleges police brutality after suspect dies in Homagama Police custody

Daily Mirror and Newswire report that the Officer-in-Charge of Homagama Police’s Crimes Division was arrested in connection with a death in police custody. Daily Mirror says officers of the Western Province South Divisional Crimes Division made the arrest, while Newswire identifies the unit as the Western Province South Crime Investigation Division. Newswire names the deceased as Ishara Harshana, and WhatNews (සිංහල) reports that he was 29 and died while held at Homagama Police Station.

Newswire reports that the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka opened an inquiry on its own initiative after media reports, as well as two formal complaints from the deceased’s relatives. The Commission visited Homagama Police Station and family residences to gather information and record statements. Newswire says the Commission’s preliminary findings indicated that the officers involved appeared not to have followed its guidelines on the treatment of suspects. Ada Derana (தமிழ்) also reports the Commission’s concern that officers did not act in accordance with applicable guidance.

Newswire reports that the Commission summoned the officers concerned to appear at 1:30 p.m. on October 29, 2026, and decided to seek the official post-mortem report from the doctor who conducted the examination. Newsfirst reports that the Homagama Police OIC and Crimes Division OIC were summoned, while Hiru News (සිංහල) reports that three officers, including an OIC, were called before the Commission.

Sri Lanka Mirror reports that three officers at the station, including the Crimes Division OIC, had their duties suspended. Newswire says further inquiries into the death are underway.

Newswire reports that the Commission’s review found 49 deaths in police custody from January 2020 through March 31, 2025, and 30 deaths following confrontations with police after arrest. It says the Commission had previously developed suspect-treatment guidelines in consultation with the Inspector General of Police and circulated them to stations. Lankadeepa reports that the Bar Association of Sri Lanka condemned violence in custody and unlawful loss of life. Newswire reports that Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa called for an independent inquiry and that the Commission will issue its final determination after completing its inquiry.