Supreme Court has held that the Police assault on the peaceful demonstrators within the Katunayake Free Trade Zone in May 2011 was a violation of the fundamental rights of the aggrieved demonstrators.

SC also ordered that they be awarded compensation each ranging from Rs 250,000 to Rs 50,000, payable by the State. Court ordered Rs 250,000 compensation to the Petitioner who was shot and grievously injured, and Rs 100,000 to Rs 50,000 to other Petitioners.

Supreme Court Order stated the Petitioners’ fundamental right to the freedom of conscience, freedom from torture, and freedom of association had been violated.

The Bench comprised Chief Justice Nalin Perera Justice Buwaneka Aluvihara, Chief Justice Nalin Perera and Justice Priyantha Jayawardane.

In this case a total of 14 Petitioners cited the OICs of Katunayake and Seeduwa Police Stations, Negombo DIG, former IGP Mahinda Balasooriya, Board of Investment, former Army Commander Lt. Gen. Jagath Jayasooriya, and the Attorney General as Respondents.

J.C. Weliamuna PC, instructed by Gowry Shangary Thavarasha, appeared for most of the Petitioners.

Saliya Peiris PC, Shantha Jayawardena, Chrishmal Warnasuriya, Uditha Egalahewa PC, Eraj de Silva, and Niran Ankatell, appeared for other petitioners.
Senior Deputy Solicitor General Parinda Ranasinghe appeared for the Attorney General.