Mediation Ordered in Police-Lawyer Dispute

Police vs. Legal Fraternity? Court Moves to Defuse Tensions Through Mediation

by Staff Writer 13-10-2025 | 10:14 PM

COLOMBO (News 1st); Mount Lavinia Magistrate Pasan Amarasekara today ordered to release on bail of a police constable who had been in remand custody over allegations of assaulting a lawyer within the court premises.

The Magistrate also directed that the matter be referred to the Mediation Board and a report be submitted.

The incident occurred last Friday at the Mount Lavinia court premises, leading to the immediate arrest and remand of the police constable until today. 

The suspect, identified as PC Tharindu Dilhara, was produced before court again this morning.

During the hearing, submissions were made by representatives of the Attorney General’s Department, the Police, the aggrieved party, and the Colombo Bar Association.

Deputy Inspector General Jaliya Senaratne, along with the OIC of the Crimes Division of Mount Lavinia Police, informed the court that statements had been recorded from the driver of the prison bus, a Sub-Inspector of Mount Lavinia Police, and a female constable on duty at the main court entrance. 

Additionally, statements were obtained from a Buddhist monk and other individuals who voluntarily came forward.

Quote From Police Submission:
"These statements do not reveal any evidence that the suspect assaulted the lawyer. We request an order to obtain the CCTV footage from the court premises for further investigation. This is an offense under Section 314 of the Penal Code and can be referred to the Mediation Board."

Appearing for the aggrieved lawyer Sanjeewa Anthony, President’s Counsel Shanaka Ranasinghe presented video footage related to the incident, arguing:

"What does this show? I was asked to move the vehicle, and then I was verbally abused. It clearly states of an assault. The police claim there was no assault—this is false."

Police countered that the footage could have been edited, noting that modern technology allows manipulation of such evidence.

Counsel Kamal Silva, appearing for the accused constable, requested bail on suitable grounds.

"He cannot clash with the powerful legal community. He has served only six years in the police and has no prior offenses. Granting bail will not cause public unrest."

Deputy Solicitor General Wasanta Perera, representing the Attorney General, described the incident as unfortunate.

"This should not escalate into unnecessary conflict between the legal community and the police. There is no reason to prolong this matter. The AG intervenes as a neutral party. This can be resolved through mediation."

The Magistrate noted that the court’s CCTV system was reportedly non-functional, as informed by a previous judge. 

However, he ordered that if the system is operational, the footage should be sent to the Government Analyst for review.

The suspect was released on two sureties of Rs. 100,000 each, and the complaint was referred to the Mediation Board. 

The progress report must be submitted to court on November 17.