Dear friends,
The Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) has received information that Mr. Madushanka Liyanage , 23, of 271/D, Kattappuwa Galhinna, Ankumbura, Kandy District has made a complaint to the Rangala Police Station-reference No: CIB (2) 148/66 regarding the abduction of his legally married wife by her parents. The victim has provided all the necessary details but the police have not taken any steps to arrest the culprits or produce them before the courts. He seeks justice for police inaction.
CASE NARRATIVE:
The Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) has received information about Mr. Madushanka Liyanage, 23, of 271/D, Kattappuwa Galhinna, Ankumbur, Kandy District. He is a mason installing tiles as his work. He had an affair with a 19 year old girl, Gagani Nisharahey. They were legally married on 26th February 2016. Gagani’s parents were not happy with the marriage. The couple chose the husband’s house as their abode and Gagani came to Digana.
Several days later, Madushanka and Gagani visited one of their friends in Digana. While they were there, the girl’s parents came with 2 police officers attached to the Teldeniya Police Station. They were asked to accompany the officers to the police station. They followed.
At the police station, all the parties were interviewed by a senior police officer. During the inquiry it was revealed that Madushanka and Gagani had completed the marriage requirements including being of marriageable age and have entered into a legal marriage. Then the police asked all parties to return to their respective homes. Gagani went with her husband.
Early in the morning of 14th May 2016, Madushanka and Gagani were at her uncle’s home in Rangala. A group of people together with Gagani’s parents came by van and abducted Madushanka and Gagani. As they drove away, Madushanka was thrown out of the vehicle. Gagani was taken to her parent’s home at Weeraketiya. From that time on, Gagani, Madushanka’s wife has been forceably held at Weerakatiya. Gagani called Madushanka on a few occasions, pleading with him to come and take her away. Madushanka states that Gagani’s parents continue to forceably hold her against her will.
Madushanka has lodged a complaint at the Rangala Police Station, reference of No: CIB (2) 148/66. No inquiry has yet been conducted. Madushanka went several times to the police station, inquiring about the progress of his complaint. The officers did not respond positively. Madushanka said that the police did not act according to the law.
His fundamental rights were violated by police officers of the Rangala Police Station. They did not investigate the abduction-a crime-because of undue influence of the perpetrators. He further states that the police selectively implemented the law. They did not provide justice for the innocent.
SUGGESTED ACTION:
Please write to the authorities listed below expressing your concern about this case. Please request an immediate inquiry into the allegations of, not investigating an abduction case by the police, and the prosecution of those proven to be responsible under the law. The officers involved must be subject to an internal investigation for breach of Police Department orders.
To support this case, please click here: SEND APPEAL LETTER
SAMPLE LETTER
Dear ________,
SRI LANKA: Abduction denied investigation by Rangala Police
Name of Victim: Mr. Madushanka Liyanage (23) of No: 271/D, Kattappuwa Galhinna, Ankumbura, Kandy District
Alleged perpetrators: Officers attached to the Rangala Police Station
Date of incident: 14th May 2016
Place of incident: Rangala Police Division
According to the information I have received Mr. The Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) has received information about Mr. Madushanka Liyanage, 23, of 271/D, Kattappuwa Galhinna, Ankumbur, Kandy District. He is a mason installing tiles as his work. He had an affair with a 19 year old girl, Gagani Nisharahey. They were legally married on 26th February 2016. Gagani’s parents were not happy with the marriage. The couple chose the husband’s house as their abode and Gagani came to Digana.
Several days later, Madushanka and Gagani visited one of their friends in Digana. While they were there, the girl’s parents came with 2 police officers attached to the Teldeniya Police Station. They were asked to accompany the officers to the police station. They followed.
At the police station, all the parties were interviewed by a senior police officer. During the inquiry it was revealed that Madushanka and Gagani had completed the marriage requirements including being of marriageable age and have entered into a legal marriage. Then the police asked all parties to return to their respective homes. Gagani went with her husband.
Early in the morning of 14th May 2016, Madushanka and Gagani were at her uncle’s home in Rangala. A group of people together with Gagani’s parents came by van and abducted Madushanka and Gagani. As they drove away, Madushanka was thrown out of the vehicle. Gagani was taken to her parent’s home at Weeraketiya. From that time on, Gagani, Madushanka’s wife has been forceably held at Weerakatiya. Gagani called Madushanka on a few occasions, pleading with him to come and take her away. Madushanka states that Gagani’s parents continue to forceably hold her against her will.
Madushanka has lodged a complaint at the Rangala Police Station, reference of No: CIB (2) 148/66. No inquiry has yet been conducted. Madushanka went several times to the police station, inquiring about the progress of his complaint. The officers did not respond positively. Madushanka said that the police did not act according to the law.
His fundamental rights were violated by police officers of the Rangala Police Station. They did not investigate the abduction-a crime-because of undue influence of the perpetrators. He further states that the police selectively implemented the law. They did not provide justice for the innocent.
I request the intervention of your good offices to ensure that the authorities listed below open an immediate inquiry into the allegations of not investigating a case of abduction by the officers of the Sri Lanka Police Department. The officers involved must also be subject to an internal investigation for breach of Police Department orders.
Yours sincerely,
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PLEASE SEND YOUR LETTERS TO:
1. Mr. Pujith Jayasundara
Inspector General of Police
New Secretariat
Colombo 1
SRI LANKA
Fax: +94 11 2 440440 / 327877
E-mail: igp@police.lk
2. Mr. Jayantha Jayasooriya PC
Attorney General
Attorney General’s Department
Colombo 12
SRI LANKA
Fax: +94 11 2 436421
E-mail: ag@attorneygeneral.gov.lk
3. Secretary
National Police Commission
3rd Floor, Rotunda Towers
109 Galle Road
Colombo 03
SRI LANKA
Tel: +94 11 2 395310
Fax: +94 11 2 395867
E-mail: npcgen@sltnet.lk or polcom@sltnet.lk
4. Secretary
Human Rights Commission
No. 36, Kynsey Road
Colombo 8
SRI LANKA
Tel: +94 11 2 694 925 / 673 806
Fax: +94 11 2 694 924 / 696 470
E-mail: sechrc@sltnet.lk
Thank you.
Urgent Appeals Programme
Asian Human Rights Commission (ua@ahrc.asia)
