Civil society group Freedom Defenders – Sri Lanka has lodged a formal complaint with the Ministry of Public Security, challenging the legality and procedure surrounding the arrest of activist and Attorney- at-Law Achala Senevirathne.
In a detailed submission dated September 9, the organization alleged that Achala’s detention was marred by procedural irregularities, inaccuracies in documentation, and questionable reliance on CCTV evidence.
The complaint cites case references including BR/146/01/PC/26 and BR/236/01/PC/26, noting that proceedings initiated in early September 2026 raise serious concerns about due process.
Freedom Defenders argue that “domestic funds and legal instruments cannot conceal inaccuracies in procedure,” stressing that Achala’s arrest lacked transparency and accountability. The petition highlights discrepancies in CCTV footage and questions whether the evidence presented was sufficient to justify detention.
The group further claims that Achala’s arrest reflects broader issues of civil liberties and human rights violations, pointing to lapses in fair trial standards and inadequate safeguards for detainees. The complaint urges the Ministry to review the matter thoroughly and ensure that justice is upheld.
The document emphasizes that the human rights dimension of the case, warning that arbitrary arrests undermine public trust in law enforcement. Freedom Defenders insist that the Ministry must clarify the grounds for Achala’s detention and provide assurances that similar incidents will not recur.
The petition concludes by calling for public accountability, demanding that Parliament and the Ministry of Public Security address the matter openly.
Petition: https://www.newswire.lk/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/FDS-complaint-to-Public-Security-Ministry-on-arrest-of-Achala-Seneverathne.pdf (Newswire)
