Police Have Excessive Powers: President's Counsel Saliya Peiris

01-Nov-2026

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President's Counsel Saliya Peiris has pointed out that the powers of arrest and detention must be subjected to adequate review and restrictions to prevent violations, including deaths in police custody.

He warned that excessive powers would only perpetuate a culture of torture and impunity.

The death of an individual in police custody at the Homagama Police Station has triggered considerable controversy, with various parties expressing their condemnation of the incident.

Commenting on the matter, President's Counsel Saliya Peiris stated that the death in police custody in Homagama had once again highlighted the consequences of granting excessive powers to law enforcement authorities.

He further emphasised that the powers of arrest and detention must be subjected to adequate scrutiny and limitations to prevent such incidents from recurring.

Saliya Peiris also stated that excessive powers coupled with inadequate safeguards would only contribute to the continuation of a culture of torture and the further entrenchment of impunity.