Ada Derana

Highly Factual

The Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP), Priyantha Weerasuriya, has recommended to the National Police Commission that the Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of the Welikada Police Station be transferred to enable an impartial inquiry into the death of a youth in police custody in the early hours of April 2, 2025. Furthermore, the Acting IGP has taken steps to suspend a Police Sergeant and a Police Constable (PC) attached to Welikada Police, according to the Police Media Division.

Daily Mirror

Highly Factual

Colombo, April 6 (Daily Mirror) - The Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP), Priyantha Weerasuriya, has recommended to the National Police Commission that the Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of the Welikada Police Station be transferred to enable an impartial inquiry into the death of 26-year-old Sathsara Nimesh, who died while in police custody at the Welikada Police Station. Furthermore, the Acting IGP has taken steps to suspend a Police Sergeant and a Police Constable (PC) attached to the Welikada Police, according to the Police Media Division. Earlier, Attorney-at-Law Senaka Perera, representing the Committee for Protecting Rights of Prisoners (Guarantee) Limited, had formally requested Acting IGP Priyantha Weerasooriya to investigate into the circumstances surrounding Nimesh's death, which occurred shortly after he was transferred to the Mulleriyawa Mental Hospital by the Welikada police on the night of April 1. According to police, Nimesh was arrested on April 1 following a complaint about an unauthorized entry into a house in Nawala. Police claim that during questioning, Nimesh displayed signs of mental distress, prompting his detainment for his own safety. It was reported that while in custody, Nimesh exhibited erratic behaviour, repeatedly banging his body against the walls of his cell, making it difficult for officers to manage him. Consequently, he was transferred to the Mulleriyawa Mental Hospital, where he passed away in the early hours of April 2 while receiving treatment. The investigations into the death are being conducted by the CID.