M.W. Leelawathie Hariot Perera et al. v. N.K. Illangakoon et al. – SC FR/APPLICATION NO 372/2015-2017

In the case between M.W. Leelawathie Hariot Perera and others (Plaintiffs) and N.K. Illangakoon (Inspector General of Police) and others (Defendants), the court addressed the issue of whether the failure of law enforcement authorities to conduct prompt and effective investigation—including delays in both investigation and prosecution—constituted a violation of fundamental rights, specifically under Articles 12(1) and 11 of the Constitution. The court held that the protracted police inaction and delays following the fatal stabbing of Rumesh Liroshan Fernando amounted to a violation of the right to equal protection under Article 12(1), but found that the evidence was insufficient to establish a violation of Article 11. The principle reaffirmed is that executive and administrative inaction in