The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has said the government’s failure to take action against those responsible for extra-judicial killings has led to allegations of a culture impunity.

The BASL has emphasised the need for the police to take all necessary action against officers who are responsible for custodial deaths and extra-judicial killings.

The following is the text of the statement issued yesterday: “On 19th February 2025, a suspect was shot dead inside the Magistrate’s Court of Colombo whilst in the custody of Prison authorities.

Thereafter, on the night of 21st February 2025, two suspects were shot by the Police whilst in custody, allegedly during a confrontation. It is alleged they were involved in a killing which occurred earlier that night in Kotahena.

The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) expresses grave concern over the spate of incidents, which pose a grave threat to the rule of law in the country.

It is imperative that the law enforcement agencies, namely the Police and Prison Authorities, exercise great caution and act with utmost responsibility to prevent such incidents, as such incidents would tend to erode public trust in the legal system.

The BASL regrets to note that similar encounter killings have occurred in the past without proper investigation, and no meaningful action has been taken to bring the culprits to justice.

This inaction on the part of the law enforcement authorities has led to allegations of a climate of impunity on the part of the State. Such failures have resulted in the administration of justice being called into question and a significant loss of public confidence in its efficacy.

Extra Judicial killings can never be a solution in confronting increase in criminal activity. Crime can best be curbed when there is adherence to the rule of law by the State.

The BASL calls upon the Acting Inspector General of Police to launch an immediate impartial inquiry to investigate how the said two persons were killed at the hands of the Police and to take all necessary measures to prevent the recurrence of such serious incidents of encounter killings and custodial deaths.

Further, the BASL strongly emphasizes the need for the Police to take all necessary action against officers who are responsible for the culture of custodial deaths and extrajudicial killings to ensure that such incidents are eradicated from society.

This is imperative to strengthen the rule of law and restore public confidence in the justice system. The BASL will continue to closely monitor the progress of the investigations and assure its unwavering support in the efforts to ensure that the law enforcement system provides safety and security to all citizens.”

Leader of the House and Transport Minister Bimal Ratnayake informed the House yesterday that Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya had been appointed Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on High Posts.

The Committee on High Posts examines the suitability of persons who have been either appointed to any post or nominated to hold office in any post determined by the Cabinet of Ministers and makes recommendations regarding such persons.

By Saman Indrajith

Opposition and SJB Leader Sajith Premadasa told Parliament yesterday that President Anura Kumara Dissnaayake had downplayed the seriousness of the ongoing killing spree.

Premadasa raised concerns over the alarming rise in violent crimes. He said that eight homicides between 18 and 20 Feb., pointed to a serious threat to public security.

“The President has downplayed the issue, which is very serious, and it is reported that there is ongoing violence among underworld gangs. Whatever it is, it is escalating into a major security crisis,” he said.

Premadasa referred to the recent courtroom murder, highlighting media reports about an intelligence document containing colour photographs of a woman linked to the incident.

Premadasa called on the government to understand the gravity of the situation and demanded an explanation for such a security failure, especially when intelligence information was available.

He said that the government should adopt a more systematic approach to handling intelligence data, stressing that the actions of these ruthless criminals have become a significant national concern.

Responding to queries raised by Premadasa, Chief Government Whip and Health and Mass Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said that several officials attached to the Judiciary would be questioned over the killing of Ganemulla Sanjeewa.

“We have already arrested a few who are attached to the security forces and police. The government is not taking the incident lightly,” the Minister said.

NPP MP Lakshman Nipuna Arachchi said that the MPs should not get scared and harbour fears when rival underworld gangs go on killing each other. “If MPs are scared, it proves that there are links between the underworld and politicians. If there is a clash among underworld gangs, why seek security for MPs? Why do MPs get scared when underworld gangs clash? Being a ruling party MP, I walk at the Piliyandala Junction alone. If so, I also must feel the need for security. I do not maintain connections with the underworld. If MPs get scared, it proves that politicians and the underworld have links,” he said.