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.

Secretary to the Ministry of Defense, Air Vice Marshal (retd.) Sampath Thuyacontha, announced yesterday that he had ordered the immediate arrest of all military deserters.

Speaking to journalists in Colombo, Thuyacontha said the directive had been issued several days before, and the military police would lead the operation with support from other agencies.

He said that authorities would soon take action against active-duty military personnel involved in criminal activities.

According to Thuyacontha, there are reports linking deserters to several recent crimes, and those who leave the military before completing their full service period have a high likelihood of engaging in organised crime. He emphasised that individuals who deserted within a year or two of enlistment were even more prone to criminal involvement.

The Defence Secretary stressed that unlike in the past organised criminal groups no longer had political protection.

Last week, police reported identifying 58 gangs involved in organised crime, with approximately 1,400 known associates.

Organised crime remains a significant issue in Sri Lanka, and the government has pledged to intensify its crackdown. Officials have also announced plans to recruit 10,000 new police officers to combat crime, reduce traffic accidents, and enhance public safety.