World · Sri Lanka Bureau
Custody death linked to assault, fractured ribs reveal police official
A man who died while in police custody at Homagama suffered multiple rib fractures, authorities disclosed Wednesday. Senior police officials say evidence suggests the death resulted from assault while the individual was detained.
LSN Sri Lanka ·
The death of a detainee at Homagama Police Station is being investigated as a potential case of custodial assault, according to Sajeeva Medawatta, Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police for the Western Province.
Medawatta disclosed at a media briefing on Wednesday that the deceased sustained three broken ribs, injuries consistent with physical trauma. The revelations mark a significant development in the case, shifting focus toward the circumstances surrounding the individual's time in police custody.
The senior police official's statement comes amid ongoing scrutiny of police detention practices and procedures. Authorities have not yet released comprehensive details regarding the timeline of events leading to the detainee's death or the full results of the postmortem examination.
The incident has prompted closer examination of protocols at the police station. Officials indicated that investigations into the matter are continuing, with findings to be submitted to relevant authorities for further action.