Wijewickrama Manamperig Leelawathi Udahawatta v. Priyantha Kulathunga et al. – SC FR APPLICATION NO. 85/2015-2023

In Wijewickrama Manamperige Leelawathi Udahawatta v. Priyantha Kulathunga and Others, the Supreme Court considered allegations of torture and assault resulting in the death of the petitioner’s son, Liyana Arachchige Samantha, during arrest by police officers. The central legal issue focused on whether fundamental rights under Articles 11 and 13(4) of the Constitution were violated due to the actions of police officers or as a result of subsequent prison custody. Upon review of medical evidence, including a post-mortem report on 32 ante mortem injuries, and witness testimonies, it was held that violations of fundamental rights occurred as a result of the conduct of police officers. The Court ordered compensation from both the responsible officers, to be paid personally, and from the State.