H. M. M. Sampath Kumara vs. Officer-in-Charge, Police Station, Katunayake – SC F/R APPLICATION NO. 265/2011-2019

In the case between S. L. Gunasekera and other FTZ (Free Trade Zone) workers as petitioners and members of the Katunayake Police, the Board of Investment, the Inspector General of Police, and other state officers as respondents, the court addressed the issue of alleged violations of fundamental rights arising from police intervention during a labour protest. It was held that the police’s use of force—including tear gas, batons, and live ammunition—against protestors constituted excessive and disproportionate force, resulting in violations of constitutional rights under Articles 11, 12(1), 13(1), and 14(1)(b) of the Constitution. The court reaffirmed that state authorities have an obligation to protect the freedom of assembly and ensure law enforcement actions remain lawful and proportionat