Former Senior DIG Lalith Jayasinghe Sentenced to Four Years

In a landmark verdict, the Vavuniya High Court has sentenced former Senior Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police, Lalith Jayasinghe, to four years of rigorous imprisonment. The ruling, delivered today, found Jayasinghe guilty of aiding and abetting Mahalingam Shashikumar, alias Swiss Kumar, the prime suspect in the harrowing 2015 murder of Jaffna schoolgirl Vidhya.

Verdict and Charges

The prosecution, led by Senior State Counsel Nishanth Nagaratnam, established that Jayasinghe had facilitated the escape of Swiss Kumar from police custody. The suspect, who was apprehended by local residents and handed over to law enforcement officials shortly after the crime, managed to flee allegedly due to Jayasinghe’s intervention.

The court’s ruling marks a significant moment in Sri Lanka’s judicial history, underscoring the commitment to ensuring justice irrespective of rank or status within law enforcement. Jayasinghe, who held a key leadership role in the police force, was convicted on charges of obstruction of justice and misuse of power.

Background: The Tragic Murder of Vidhya

The case dates back to May 13, 2015, when 18-year-old Vidhya, a schoolgirl from Punkuduthivu, Jaffna, was abducted, raped, and brutally murdered. The heinous crime sent shockwaves across Sri Lanka, sparking national outrage and calls for swift justice. The brutality of the act galvanized the country into demanding better protections for women and stricter enforcement against perpetrators of sexual violence.

Following the incident, a group of vigilant local residents captured Swiss Kumar, who was suspected of orchestrating the crime, and handed him over to the police. However, within days, allegations surfaced that Senior DIG Jayasinghe had used his authority to allow the suspect to escape, raising suspicions of a cover-up and complicity within the police ranks.

Legal Proceedings and Public Reaction

The case against Jayasinghe has been a prolonged legal battle, with multiple hearings and extensive evidence presented by the prosecution. The sentencing serves as a stern warning against abuse of power within law enforcement agencies. Legal experts and human rights activists have hailed the ruling as a necessary step toward restoring public trust in the judiciary and law enforcement.

“This verdict reinforces the principle that no one is above the law, especially those entrusted with upholding it,” said a legal analyst following the ruling.

The sentencing of a high-ranking police official for aiding a criminal in such a notorious case highlights the broader issues of systemic corruption and accountability within Sri Lanka’s police force. Activists and citizens alike continue to call for deeper reforms to prevent similar injustices in the future.

A Step Toward Justice

The verdict not only delivers long-awaited justice in the case but also sends a message about the importance of integrity within law enforcement. With the sentencing of Jayasinghe, the legal system has demonstrated its willingness to hold even the most senior officials accountable for their actions.

The impact of the Vidhya case continues to resonate across Sri Lanka, serving as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance against gender-based violence and the necessity for an unyielding legal system that upholds justice for victims. The judgment against Jayasinghe is seen as a crucial victory for those who have fought tirelessly to bring justice to Vidhya and her family.