Justice Awaits: Former Soldiers

The gang of three soldiers   Accused in Gang Rape of Army Major’s Wife to Face Court Again on June 23.

High Court Judge Lakmali Hewawasam orders police officers and accused to appear in Anuradhapura for renewed hearing in high-profile 2013 case

In a case that has gripped Sri Lanka’s North Central Province, three former disabled army corporals accused of gang-raping the wife of a senior army officer are scheduled to face the Anuradhapura High Court on June 23, 2025.

The case, described by legal observers as both tragic and morally unsettling, involves a 50-year-old mother of three — the wife of an army sergeant major and the mother of two soldiers and an air force officer. The accused, at the time of the incident, were on active duty at the Nochchiyagama Lidavava Army Camp.

Court Orders Police to Appear Over Investigation Shortcomings

High Court Judge Lakmali Hewawasam, presiding over the case, has directed the officers from the Horowpathana Police — who led the original investigation — to appear before the court. The order comes amid renewed scrutiny over how the initial inquiries were conducted.

The same order was extended to the accused former soldiers, emphasizing the court's determination to re-examine the case thoroughly.

A Night of Horror in 2013: Alcohol, Motorbikes, and Violence

According to police investigations, on the night of July 28, 2013, the accused, allegedly intoxicated and riding motorbikes, ventured into the Nabadewewa area in Horowpathana where they committed the crime.

The woman, a respected army wife and mother of servicemen, was targeted in what prosecutors say was a deliberate and violent act, breaching the very code of honor military institutions are built on.

Military Responds: Accused Dismissed from Service

Following internal investigations and confessions, the Army Commander at the time ordered the immediate dismissal of the accused soldiers from active duty. Their removal from the military was one of the first steps toward justice, but the legal process has dragged on for over a decade.

One Accused Becomes State Witness

In a key development, a fourth former corporal initially named as a suspect — B. Nimaladasa — has since been turned into a state witness. His testimony is expected to play a crucial role in the upcoming hearings.

Representing the prosecution is Deputy Solicitor General Mahen de Silva, while the defense is led by attorney Kalinga Ravindra.

Justice Delayed: From Magistrate’s Court to High Court

The case began at the Kebithigollewa Magistrate’s Court, where preliminary hearings were held. Upon the filing of formal indictments, the case was transferred to the Anuradhapura High Court for full trial proceedings.

Legal experts point out that while justice may be delayed, it is essential that such cases are handled with transparency and care, given their grave implications for public trust in military and judicial institutions.

A Moral Reckoning: Protectors Turned Perpetrators

What makes this case especially disturbing is the betrayal of public trust. Those tasked with protecting the nation have been accused of committing unspeakable violence against one of their own. The case also highlights the challenges faced by military families — particularly women — in navigating justice systems where power dynamics often go unquestioned.

The Broader Message:

This is more than a courtroom drama. It is a call to uphold the dignity of women, to maintain ethical standards in national institutions, and to affirm that no uniform is above the law. The victim’s courage and the long road to justice serve as a reminder of why legal accountability is essential to a functioning democracy.