Colombo, 1 November 2026 – The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) has launched an investigation into the death of a man who allegedly died following an assault by officers attached to the Homagama Police Station after he was taken into custody.
The Commission said it initiated the inquiry on its own motion under reference number HRC/SUO/MOTU/13/26 following media reports about the incident. Two separate complaints have also been lodged with the HRCSL by relatives of the deceased.
As part of the investigation, HRCSL officers have visited the Homagama Police Station to gather information and have recorded statements from the victim’s family members at their residences.
The Commission expressed serious concern over the continuing occurrence of deaths in police custody and deaths following arrest. According to a review of complaints received by the HRCSL, 49 deaths in police custody and a further 30 deaths resulting from confrontations with police after arrest were reported between January 2020 and 31 March 2025.
In response to growing concerns over custodial deaths, the HRCSL said it had developed guidelines governing the treatment of suspects in police custody following consultations with the Inspector General of Police. The guidelines were subsequently circulated to all police stations across the country through an official police circular.
Preliminary findings from the Commission’s investigation into the Homagama incident indicate that the police officers involved may not have acted in accordance with those guidelines.
The HRCSL has summoned the police officers concerned to appear before the Commission at 1.30 p.m. on 29 October 2026 as part of the inquiry. It has also decided to obtain the post-mortem report from the medical officer who conducted the examination of the deceased.
Reiterating its grave concern about deaths occurring in police custody and following arrest, the Commission stressed the importance of ensuring that all persons deprived of their liberty are treated in accordance with human rights standards and established procedures.
The HRCSL said it would issue its final determination once all relevant investigative procedures have been completed.