SP Ajantha Rodrigo’s new appointment cancelled amidst public backlash

The appointment of Superintendent of Police (SP) Ajantha Rodrigo as Acting Director of the Public Order Management Division has been cancelled following a wave of public outrage. Acting Inspector General of Police Priyantha Weerasooriya initially announced the appointment via RTM 66, but the decision was reversed the same day after significant backlash from the public and human rights activists

Rodrigo, notorious for his controversial role in several violent incidents, became widely known for his brutal actions during the 2022 citizens’ struggle. Many who had participated in the protests took to social media to express their anger, sharing personal accounts of being assaulted or injured by Rodrigo’s excessive force. Protestors accused him of exceeding his official duties, using unnecessary violence against civilians.

One of the incidents involving Rodrigo occurred in 2023, during a peaceful memorial for the victims of the July 1983 riots in Borella, where he was seen crushing lamps and candles lit in remembrance. In this altercation, activist Sandya Eknaligoda was injured after being pushed back by the police. Additionally, in March 2023, Rodrigo led the dispersal of a protest by university students in Colombo, during which tear gas fired by the police was believed to have caused the death of a security officer at the University of Colombo.

In another incident in February 2023, activist Vidarshana Kannangara suffered a fractured hand while being dispersed by Rodrigo during a peaceful protest in Maradana. Kannangara, along with many others, used social media to demand an explanation for the officer’s appointment before the reversal was announced. 

Rodrigo also faced serious accusations from Wasantha Mudalige, the former Convenor of the Inter-University Students’ Federation (IUSF). Mudalige claimed that Rodrigo gave false evidence against him, leading to his 167-day detention under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) in 2023.

Despite numerous complaints lodged with the Police Headquarters and the Human Rights Commission regarding his conduct, there has been little action taken against Rodrigo until now. He has also been promoted to the rank of SP since the time of the incidents.