Police brutality is not at all new to Sri Lanka, and it is one of the key reasons, if not the most predominant one, that has created a rift between the Police and the public. Numerous acts ranging from using excessive force during arrests or even regular checks to custodial torture and deaths have been reported, prompting the public to question how public-friendly the Police actually is.

These long-standing concerns have resurfaced yet again with several troubling incidents reported this month alone. Among them is the alleged assault of a Catholic priest under questionable circumstances, which led to the arrest and subsequent granting of bail to several Police officers. Also alarming is the fatal Police shooting of a youth who was reportedly wielding a machete, which raised serious questions about the Police’s judgment and handling of firearms in tense situations. In another incident, allegations emerged that a youth, misidentified as a shooting suspect, was taken into Police custody and subjected to physical harassment in an attempt to extract a confession. The gravity of these incidents within such a short period underscores a systemic problem which has been pointed out countless times but does not seem to have been rectified.

At the centre of these developments is a recurring and very concerning issue, i.e. the use of disproportionate, often excessive, force by Police officers. In other words, this shows a failure to adhere to the principles of proportionality, which is one of the most basic principles in policing. 

Police officers, particularly those issued with firearms, are expected to exercise the highest level of restraint and judgment. The use of lethal force is meant to be a last resort, used only when there is an imminent threat to life with no immediate alternatives. However, the aforementioned incidents suggest a serious failure to adhere to those basic standards, which now has resulted in the loss of life. The consequences of such actions extend beyond individual victims and their families. Each incident of alleged Police brutality damages the credibility of the Police as an institution meant to protect and serve the public. When the public begins to fear those tasked with ensuring their safety, the social contract between law enforcement and the society breaks, which can make policing more difficult due to the lack of cooperation from the public. 

Over the years, Police conduct involving excessive force and violent or illegal interrogation methods has been challenged through various ways. Complaints have been lodged with the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka, while Fundamental Rights petitions have been filed before the Supreme Court in various such cases. Internationally, these issues have also been raised at forums such as the United Nations Human Rights (HR) Council. In response, the authorities have announced various reforms, guidelines, and training initiatives aimed at curbing such abuse. However, the recurrence of serious incidents, including those reported this month, suggests that these measures have fallen short.

What is urgently required is a shift in focus from reactive disciplinary action to proactive capacity-building. Accountability is crucial, but punishment after damage has occurred cannot be the only response. Police officers must be equipped with practical skills in de-escalation, conflict resolution, and crisis management. The ability to calm tense situations without resorting to violence should be at the core of policing. While such elements may already be part of Police training programmes, their apparent ineffectiveness calls for a thorough review and restructuring of training programmes to ensure applicability.

Moreover, the increasing issuance of firearms to ordinary Police officers must be accompanied by standards of safety, supervision, and accountability. Traditionally, the baton served as both a tool and a visual deterrent. Introducing firearms into everyday law enforcement without proper safeguards significantly raises the risk of fatal outcomes. Public safety cannot be compromised in the name of enforcement, nor can the dignity of the Police force survive continued allegations of abuse. At the end of the day, restoring public trust in the Police requires more than statements of concern or isolated reforms. It demands effective plans, transparency, and a genuine commitment to upholding HR.