A video showing a doctor and an engineer being questioned at the Panadura Police Station has triggered widespread public concern and drawn sharp criticism from legal professionals and privacy advocates.
Senior attorney Thishya Weragoda condemned the incident, describing the footage as a “ghost-like interrogation” and a serious violation of privacy. He noted that the video appeared to have been recorded without the couple’s consent, raising questions about citizens’ rights and the ethical conduct of law enforcement.
“This kind of action undermines public trust and discourages individuals from seeking help from the police,” Weragoda said. He also pointed out that senior police officials, including Senior DIG Ajith Rohana, had recently pledged to uphold the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA), No. 9 of 2022, during investigations. “This incident runs directly counter to that commitment,” he added.
Under the PDPA, which is being phased into full effect by March 2025, individuals have the right to control how their personal data—including video recordings—is collected, processed, and shared. The Act mandates that data controllers, including public institutions like the police, must obtain explicit consent before processing personal data unless exceptions apply (e.g., for national security or criminal investigations).
Legal experts argue that the unauthorized recording and dissemination of the video may constitute a breach of the PDPA, especially if the couple were not suspects and had approached the station voluntarily. Additionally, Sri Lankan common law, rooted in Roman-Dutch legal principles, recognizes the right to privacy as an independent personality right. A breach of this right may give rise to legal action under actio injuriarum, a remedy for personal injury or dignity violations.
The video, which quickly went viral on social media, shows the couple responding to police inquiries. According to reports, they had visited the station to file a complaint—not as suspects.
Sources suggest the recording and its release may be linked to internal tensions within the police force, possibly as retaliation after the couple allegedly refused to comply with a bribe demand.
(With the inputs from Daily Mirror)