'No One Is Above the Law' - Minister Vows Action Over Custody Death

Daily Mirror, Newswire, Sri Lanka Mirror, Lankadeepa, Ada Derana and Hiru News report that Homagama Police Station’s Headquarters Inspector was suspended over the death of a suspect in police custody. Newswire identifies him as M.R.S. Prajan Senanayake and says the suspension took effect on October 28. Daily Mirror and Sri Lanka Mirror describe the concerns as alleged dereliction of duty or negligence and failures in supervision.

Newswire reports that Homagama Police took the suspect into custody on October 25 over alleged possession of 490 milligrams of ICE narcotics, and that he later died in custody. Newswire says the review identified alleged failures to monitor his condition, give instructions to investigating officers and keep accurate records relating to the detention. Newswire also reports alleged failures of supervision connected with officers unlawfully detaining two people at the station.

Newswire and Sri Lanka Mirror report that three other Homagama officers, including the Crimes Division Officer-in-Charge, were suspended. Newswire and WhatNews (සිංහල) report that the Crimes Division chief was arrested; Newswire says this occurred on October 28 and that he was due to appear in court on October 29. Sri Lanka Mirror reports that a magistrate directed the Colombo South Crimes Division to expedite the inquiry and bring suspects before the court, after a request from the deceased man’s relatives and civil society organisations was heard.

Newsfirst reports that the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka summoned the Homagama station chief and the Crimes Division chief in connection with its inquiry. Sri Lanka Mirror reports that the man’s funeral was scheduled for October 29 at Galkanda Public Cemetery in Kiriwanthuduwa. Sri Lanka Mirror also reports that the Kesbewa District Court issued a 14-day order, following a request by Kahathuduwa Police, restricting protests and processions that could cause public inconvenience, damage property or obstruct traffic on roads from the 17th Lane in Moonamale Watta to the cemetery.

Written automatically by AI from the outlets’ own reports, and not reviewed by an editor. It can be wrong — the original report is the authority.