Court Dismisses Case Against STF Officers Over Suspect’s Shooting

The Balapitiya Magistrate’s Court has dismissed the case against Police Special Task Force (STF) officers accused of fatally shooting a suspect in custody during a criminal investigation in 2022.

On October 12, 2022, STF officers launched an investigation under the orders of the then-Inspector General of Police (IGP) into a shooting incident where an organized crime group had critically injured a three-wheeler driver near the RIU Hotel in Ahungalla, Balapitiya. STF Inspector Colombage and his team apprehended the main suspect hiding in the Dickwella Police Division. During interrogation, the suspect revealed critical details that led to the recovery of the firearm, the perpetrator of the crime, and the car used in the shooting, which had been fitted with fake license plates.

While transporting the suspect to Ahungalla for further investigations, the suspect allegedly opened fire on the STF officers. STF Inspector Colombage retaliated, injuring the suspect, who later died in the hospital.

Following a lengthy investigation, the Balapitiya Magistrate’s Court, on July 21, 2024, ordered the arrest of STF Inspector Colombage, citing potential wrongdoing. The STF officers involved provided statements, and case files were forwarded to the Attorney General (AG) for further instructions. The AG, after reviewing the evidence, concluded that there was insufficient evidence to pursue criminal charges against any individual.

This decision was presented to the court during a hearing on November 5, 2024. Subsequently, the court reconvened on December 10, 2024, and officially dismissed the case.

A separate facet of the case involved allegations of false testimony against STF Commanding Officer Senior DIG Waruna Jayasundara. The mistress of the deceased suspect testified in November 2022 that Senior DIG Jayasundara, dressed in civilian clothing, was present at the time of the arrest. This claim was later proven false. Senior DIG Jayasundara informed the court of the false testimony in June 2023, prompting the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to investigate.

Based on the AG’s instructions, the woman was arrested and charged with providing false evidence. Her case is scheduled for hearing on March 25, 2025.

The dismissal of the case marks the conclusion of a high-profile investigation, exonerating the STF officers of wrongdoing in the shooting incident. (LankaXpress)