In a deeply troubling development, the Mount Lavinia Magistrate’s Court has released 25 individuals who were arrested by the Dehiwala and Kohuwala police on drug possession charges—after forensic reports revealed that the substances in question were not narcotics. The arrests had initially been made on allegations of possessing heroin and methamphetamine (‘ice’), leading to months of remand custody for many of the accused.
Among those exonerated was a man who tragically died by suicide shortly after returning home. His family had reportedly endured severe emotional and financial hardship following his arrest, and the stigma surrounding the false accusation contributed to his deteriorating mental health.
Attorney-at-Law Geethma Fernando, who represented the deceased at the Mount Lavinia Magistrate’s Court, accused the police of deliberately planting substances on her client and fabricating the charge. The police have not responded to these allegations.
The victim had been accused of possessing 3.2 grams of heroin—a non-bailable offense under Sri Lankan law. He was remanded and later had to seek bail from the High Court, incurring significant legal expenses. The Government Analyst’s report ultimately confirmed that the substance was not heroin, casting serious doubt on the legitimacy of the arrest.
In court, the victim’s sister broke down in tears when the death certificate was submitted and the judge formally declared her brother innocent. Her emotional reaction underscored the devastating human cost of wrongful detention.
Legal experts and civil rights advocates have raised concerns about systemic failures in law enforcement and the judicial process, calling for accountability and reforms to prevent further miscarriages of justice.
(C) SLB