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Custodial deaths erode public trust and confidence in administration of justice: BASL
The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) says deaths in police custody erode trust and confidence in the system of administration of justice.
The BASL has called for the adoption of a zero-tolerance policy on custodial deaths and expressed its readiness to work with law enforcement authorities, including the Police, says a statement issued by the Association’s President Rajeev Amarasuriya. The statement has expressed grave concern over the death of a youth while in the custody of the Welikada Police in the early hours of April 02, 2025.
The youth reportedly sustained fatal injuries while in custody, which are said to have been self-inflicted. It has also been reported that the youth was not in a proper mental state at the time. He was subsequently transferred to Mulleriyawa Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.
“The BASL calls upon the Acting Inspector General of Police to ensure the conduct of an immediate and impartial investigation into this incident. The BASL will closely monitor the developments in this respect, and would take whatever measures that may be necessary to ensure due process is followed and that the rule of law is ensured,” Amarasuriya said.
He further reiterated that for decades, the BASL has consistently warned that law enforcement agencies, including the Sri Lanka Police, must act with the highest degree of care, caution, and responsibility to prevent such incidents.
“These incidents erode trust and confidence in the system of administration of justice,” he noted.
The BASL also expressed regret that custodial deaths continue to occur, despite longstanding concerns and repeated calls for reform. Amarasuriya stated that the BASL was concerned that the authorities are slow in taking meaningful action to prevent such incidents, as well as in taking expeditious steps to bring the culprits to justice.
“The repetition of such incidents will lead to the allegation of a climate of impunity on the part of the State, which is most detrimental to all citizens of this country,” he added.
The BASL has affirmed its support for the adoption of a zero-tolerance policy on custodial deaths and expressed its readiness to work with law enforcement authorities, including the Sri Lanka Police, in capacity-building efforts aimed at preventing future occurrences.
The Indian Naval Ship (INS) Sahyadri which arrived at the Port of Colombo on a formal visit on 04 Apr 25, departed the island today (07 Apr). The Sri Lanka Navy bade customary farewell to the departing ship at the Port of Colombo, following naval traditions.
During the ship’s stay in Colombo, crew members of INS Sahyadri took part in several programmes organized by the Sri Lanka Navy, aimed at enhancing mutual cooperation. In addition, they also explored some tourist attractions in the country. Further, personnel of Sri Lanka Navy had the opportunity to visit INS Sahyadri, gaining insights into her operational capabilities.
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Advisory for severe lightning issued for Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Hambanthota district
The Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre has issued an Advisory for Severe Lightning for the Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Hambanthota district.
The advisory issued at 02.00 p.m. today [07 April 2025] is valid for the period until 11.00 p.m. 07 April 2025
The public are warned that thundershowers accompanied by severe lightning are likely to occur at several places in for Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Hambantota district. There may be temporary localized strong winds during thundershowers. General public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by lightning activity.
ACTION REQUIRED:
The Department of Meteorology advises that people should:
Seek shelter, preferably indoors and never under trees.
• Avoid open areas such as paddy fields, tea plantations and open water bodies during thunderstorms.
• Avoid using wired telephones and connected electric appliances during thunderstorms.
• Avoid using open vehicles, such as bicycles, tractors and boats etc.
• Beware of fallen trees and power lines.
• For emergency assistance contact the local disaster management authorities.
The report of the “Census of Population and Housing 2024,” conducted by the Department of Census and Statistics, was officially handed over to President Anura Kumara Disanayake this morning (07) at the Presidential Secretariat.
This preliminary report has been prepared based on island wide data collected between October and December 2024.
The report provides details on Sri Lanka’s population, its growth and the distribution of the population across districts.
The information gathered through the census is vital not only for the government but also for other institutions in formulating policies and development plans essential for the country’s progress. Significantly, for the first time in the history of census-collecting in Sri Lanka, data collection was carried out using tablet computers and user-friendly mobile devices.
The event was attended by Deputy Minister of Finance & Planning, Harshana Suriyapperuma, Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Secretary to the Ministry of Finance Mahinda Siriwardana, Director General of the Department of Census and Statistics D.D.G.A. Senevirathne and several other officials.
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Advisory for severe lightning issued for Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Hambanthota district
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