In a statement today (13), the BASL pointed out that the Attorney-at-Law representing Tharaka Wijesekera had made representations to the Police as well as the IGP, the Director of the CID and the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) with regard to their safety prior to their deaths.

“These deaths have all the hallmarks of extra-judicial killings and we call upon the State to ensure the safety and security persons in their custody,” the BASL said, adding that “such deaths are an affront to the Rule of Law and will tarnish the image of Sri Lanka.”

"The BASL calls upon His Excellency the President and the Government to take serious note of these incidents and to take action to prevent such occurrences. The BASL also requests the authorities to conduct an independent and impartial investigation into these incidents."

"As far back as 2013 the BASL highlighted the issue of the killing of suspects in the custody of Police and will use all means at its disposal to prevent similar acts of omission and commission on the part of the State authorities in the future," the statement concludes.