A total of 79 people died while in police custody between 2020 and May 2025 alone, according to an official report issued by the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL).
Of these, 49 died while being held in police cells, while another 30 died during police operations involving confrontations, including incidents in which suspects were taken to locations to recover concealed weapons following their arrest.
Accordingly, the total number of deaths in police custody during the five-year period stands at 79.
This month, two suspects who were in police custody died in incidents reported in areas including Homagama and Kobeigane.
Several police officers have been arrested in connection with the incidents, and further investigations are under way.
The Human Rights Commission has issued a set of special guidelines to the police to ensure the safety of people in custody and prevent deaths in custody.
The Bar Association of Sri Lanka has also called on the Government to take measures to prevent such deaths.
Speaking to the media on the matter, HRCSL Commissioner Attorney-at-Law Nimal G. Punchihewa stated that officers who are currently on remand or have been suspended in connection with the Homagama incident are also scheduled to be questioned in the coming days.
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