The CPRP have been representing the family of the dead Kadurugasara Open Camp prisoner, H. Lalith Chaminda, who allege that the prisoner had been beaten to death, with further claims that point to predetermined murder. Lalith, a resident of Kananke Kandawatte, Matara was sentenced to 3 years of imprisonment with rigorous imprisonment in March of last year, for embezzling a sum of Rs.10,000.
The daughter of the deceased prisoner, Dilani Mangalika had revealed to the CPRP that she had visited the Camp on the 2nd of December, during which her father had spoken of the strenuousness of the work at the camp. After the visit, she alleged that certain Prison officials had allowed her father to call to her, in exchange for money. On 9th of January, she alleged that one of the persons facilitating their calls had called her and had spoken to her inappropriately. When she had revealed this information to her father, he had been very upset.
On the 10th of January, she had received a call by an unknown number, in which her father nimbly stated, “You will not be able to see me again, daughter.” Three days later, on the 13th of January, the family of Lalith’s was informed that he had fled the camp. The Kananke police then on the 14th confirmed that he was dead, with his body at the hospital.
Upon his death the prison officials alleged that he had been assaulted by the villagers living near the camp, once he had escaped. The officials had also unofficially stated that Lalith may have passed due to a heart attack. When Lalith’s body was bought to the hospital, his daughter Dilani had stated that he had been visibly beaten black and blue.
The CPRP have been representing the aggrieved party during each hearing of the case that has been held at the Embilipitiya Magistrate’s Court and are dedicated to bring justice to the deceased prisoner and aggrieved family.
