NPC appoints independent committee to probe Embilipitiya death

The National Police Commission (NPC) of Sri Lanka has appointed an independent committee to probe the Embilipitiya incident where the Police are involved in the controversial death of a young man.

The NPC has appointed the committee following discussions with the Inspector General of Police N. K. Illangakoon. Secretary to the National Police Commission Ariyadasa Cooray told State media that a complaint regarding the incident from a person who has no direct connection with the incident has been lodged and the Commission discussed with the IGP in order to decide the next step regarding the matter.

A police attack on people at a party in a private residence on 4 January has resulted in the death of a 29-year-old Sumith Prasanna Jayewardene, a father of one, under controversial circumstances.

The Police say the victim jumped from an upper floor of the house when the Police chased him but the family says the Police pushed him off the building to his death. He died a day later of the injuries sustained due to the fall.

Speaking at a press briefing organised by Lawyers for Rights, the wife and the relatives of the deceased have accused the Police of complicity and the IGP of trying to cover up.

IGP Illangakoon was yesterday summoned before the National Police Commission in connection with the incident. The 21 Police officers who were transferred immediately following the incident were summoned to the Human Rights Commission yesterday to record statements on the death of Sumith Prasanna. (Colombopage)