Former Deputy Inspector General of Police for the Galle region K.N.G. Wedasinghe and two other senior police officers have tendered an unconditional apology before the Supreme Court (SC) of Sri Lanka over the disruption of a peaceful protest held by lawyers near the Galle Fort during the 2022 economic crisis.

The Fundamental Rights petition was taken up before a three-judge bench comprising Chief Justice Preethi Padman Surasena and Justices Achala Wengappuli and Sampath Wijeratne.

The petition had been filed by attorneys Ajith Kumara and Amaradiwakara Liyanage, who alleged that police actions violated their fundamental rights.

During the hearing, State Counsel appearing for the respondents informed court that the officers wished to offer an unconditional apology and would submit a written statement formally conveying it.

President’s Counsel Saliya Pieris, appearing for the petitioners, informed the bench that his clients accepted the apology.

The petition stated that a group of lawyers had staged a peaceful protest with placards near Galle Fort on July 6, 2022, during the economic crisis, and alleged that police officers disrupted the protest and tore the placards.

Following the settlement, the Supreme Court concluded consideration of the petition.