Image: G.K Tishan was killed by police fire on 12 January 2026.
Colombo, March 4 — Attorney‑at‑Law R.H. Senaka Perera has lodged an urgent complaint with the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) alleging harassment, professional intimidation, and interference with the administration of justice by senior police officers during proceedings at the Polonnaruwa Magistrate’s Court.
In a letter dated March 4, 2026, addressed to BASL President Rajeev T. Amarasuriya, Perera claims that false and prejudicial allegations were made against him in open court on March 3, while he was appearing for the family of a deceased man in Case No. AR/73/25.
Background to the Case
The case arises from a police shooting incident on January 12, 2026, in Welikanda, Polonnaruwa, in which a 28‑year‑old man was killed. According to police accounts referenced in the proceedings, officers opened fire after suspects allegedly failed to stop at a roadblock and one individual attempted to attack police with a sharp weapon. The matter is currently under magisterial inquiry, including the recording of autopsy evidence and witness testimony.
Perera states that he has appeared for the aggrieved party—the deceased’s family—on multiple dates, including January 26, February 9, and February 17, 2026.
Objection to Legal Representation
According to the complaint, police objected to Perera’s appearance on February 17, arguing that he had “no legal right” to represent the aggrieved party. The Magistrate rejected this objection and allowed Perera to continue making submissions.
Perera further notes that he subsequently wrote to the Inspector General of Police on February 20, raising concerns about what he describes as repeated attempts to prevent him from appearing in the case.
Allegations Made in Court
The complaint centres on events that allegedly occurred on March 3, when Senior Superintendent of Police Buddhika Manatunga, in charge of the Polonnaruwa Division, addressed the court during proceedings to record autopsy evidence.
Perera alleges that SSP Manatunga told the court that the case was being influenced externally, including through media coverage, and produced a document referring to a website article. The officer further alleged that Perera had influenced two witnesses who testified earlier in the case.
Perera categorically denies the allegation, stating that he has made no media statements regarding the case and that the witnesses concerned made no complaint of influence when they testified on February 17. He also notes that the Magistrate rejected the claim that his actions amounted to contempt of court, directing that appropriate action be taken only if evidence of witness interference existed.
Counter‑Allegation by the Deceased’s Family
The letter also refers to a separate complaint filed on March 3 by the deceased’s mother, H.M. Damayanthi, at the Polonnaruwa Police. According to that complaint, she and her younger son allegedly overheard police officers at the court premises instructing witnesses to claim that Perera had influenced them, with the stated aim of removing him from the case.
Concerns Raised with BASL
Perera describes the allegations made against him in open court as part of a concerted effort to prevent him from representing the aggrieved party, to divert attention from the substantive issues in the case, and to intimidate him professionally.
He states that the incident has damaged his professional reputation, undermined public confidence in the legal profession, and interfered with the independence of the Bar.
In his letter, Perera urges the BASL to:
- Immediately inquire into the matter;
- Take up the issue with the Inspector General of Police and relevant authorities;
- Take steps to safeguard the dignity and independence of the legal profession.
A copy of the complaint has also been sent to Lakshan Dias, Chairman of the BASL Human Rights Committee.