Regarding the brutal murder of lawyer Buddhika Mallawarachchi and his wife
As lawyers of the National People’s Power, we are deeply saddened by the death of our professional colleague, lawyer Buddhika Mallawarachchi, and his wife, who lost their lives on 13.02.2026 as a result of an attack carried out by criminals.
We condemn with the utmost disgust the attack on a community that is committed to and speaks out for the rights of citizens, both inside and outside the courts, by thugs who were nurtured in the Deep State by the previous rulers to achieve their narrow personal political goals.
The current government is working to bring an end to the dark period of the Deep State in which armed criminals were empowered to murder unarmed citizens in broad daylight, even in places where ordinary people gather. This incident demonstrates that we must act more swiftly than ever before.
Our concern arises not only because the victims were a lawyer and his wife, but because this was a cruel and inhumane attack on two citizens of this country. Colourful narratives may be offered until an issue reaches its true context; however, once confronted with the real situation, everyone recognises its seriousness—and fears for their own lives. The targets of bloodthirsty elements within the state may be different at different times: sometimes a journalist, sometimes a police officer, sometimes a judge. As last Friday showed, the target can even be a lawyer. There is no way to predict which profession may be targeted next.
As lawyers, we state clearly that the state cannot evade responsibility. The machinery of the justice system—including investigations and mechanisms to prevent crime—must operate more swiftly than ever.
We expect the National People’s Power Government, appointed to ensure dignity and a better life for all citizens, to fulfil its responsibility. We further expect the Sri Lanka Police and the relevant state institutions to conduct a prompt, thorough investigation into this crime and to bring the perpetrators before justice.
Chairman
Lawyers of the National People’s Power
2026.02.15
( Translated from the Sinhala Language statement)