HRCSL summons three police officers over suspect’s death in Homagama

Daily Mirror and Newswire report that a suspect who died while held at Homagama Police Station had three broken ribs; Daily Mirror reports bleeding in the brain, while Newswire says investigators had information indicating head injuries and possible brain bleeding. Newswire attributes to Western Province Senior Deputy Inspector General Sajeewa Medawatte the view that an assault may have caused the death, while saying the precise cause and circumstances awaited medical examinations and the investigation.

Newswire reports that police were examining information suggesting the man may have been assaulted at the Homagama Police Crimes Division before he was placed in a cell, and that this allegation had not been conclusively established. According to Newswire, he was taken to hospital after an altercation between two groups, initially said he had fallen from a bicycle, and later left hospital without medical authorisation.

Newswire reports that the Senior DIG acknowledged officers had failed to follow proper procedures in handling the suspect. Sri Lanka Mirror and Newsfirst (සිංහල) report that the Homagama station’s headquarters inspector was suspended over alleged negligence or failures in supervision; Lankadeepa also reports the station chief was suspended, citing the failure to provide information about the death before the Senior DIG’s inquiry.

WhatNews (සිංහල) and Newswire report the arrest of the Homagama Police Crimes Division OIC in connection with the death. Newsfirst (සිංහල), Ada Derana and Sri Lanka Mirror report that the officer was remanded by the Homagama Magistrate’s Court until November 12; Sri Lanka Mirror gives the year as 2026. Newswire also reports disciplinary action against several other officers.