The legal development followed a Fundamental Rights (FR) petition filed by two Galle-based lawyers, Ajith Kumara and Amaradivakara Liyanage. They alleged that their fundamental human rights were violated when police forcibly intervened during their demonstration. The case was taken up before a three-judge Supreme Court bench comprising Chief Justice Preethi Padman Surasena, Justice Achala Wengappuli, and Justice Sampath Wijeratne.
The petition named the then-DIG of Galle, K.N.G. Wedasinghe, the then-Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) for the area, and the Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of the Galle Police Station as respondents. All three police officials were present in court during the hearing.
During the proceedings, the State Counsel representing the police officers informed the bench that the respondents wished to extend an unconditional apology to the petitioners for the incident. Furthermore, the State Counsel noted that a formal written document expressing their apology would be submitted to the court.
President’s Counsel Saliya Pieris, appearing on behalf of the victimized lawyers, informed the Supreme Court that his clients accepted the apology. Following the mutual agreement, the Supreme Court recorded the settlement and decided to officially conclude the hearing of the petition.
After recording the settlement, Chief Justice Preethi Padman Surasena addressed the respondent police officers in open court, acknowledging the gravity of the incident and praising the petitioners' willingness to compromise.
> "The complaint made by these lawyers was regarding an unlawful action that took place on that day. They have traveled all the way from Galle for this case. You must appreciate their willingness to come forward and settle this matter, as such relief is not easily obtained," the Chief Justice remarked.
According to the petition, which was filed through Attorney-at-Law Manjula Balasuriya, the incident occurred on July 6, 2022, amidst widespread public unrest over the country's economic collapse. A group of lawyers had staged a peaceful demonstration near the Galle Fort, holding placards to express their grievances.
The petitioners maintained that police officers stormed the location, disrupted the peaceful gathering, and tore down their placards. The lawyers had subsequently sought a ruling from the apex court declaring that the police actions amounted to a direct infringement on their fundamental rights.
