Colombo, Sri Lanka — A Sri Lankan High Court has sentenced 12 individuals to death in connection with the killings of a government lawmaker and his police guard during protests that led to the ouster of President Gotabaya Rajapakse in 2022. The court’s decision, which also included suspended sentences for four others and the acquittal of 23, has sparked debates over its fairness and implications for civil unrest in the country.
The violent incidents took place amid widespread protests on May 9, 2022, ignited by anger against state-sanctioned attacks on peaceful demonstrators gathered at Galle Face Green. Supporters of the ruling party, armed with weapons, assaulted protesters, igniting a nationwide outcry and a wave of defiance against the government’s actions. The police, who had been dispatched with riot gear, allegedly failed to intervene during the violent episodes, resulting in significant injuries to over a hundred demonstrators.
As tensions escalated, mass protests erupted. In a significant show of solidarity, workers from key sectors, including healthcare and postal services, abandoned their posts in protest against the government. The public unrest reached a crescendo as demonstrators attacked residences of government officials, demanding accountability.
The situation escalated fatally when Lawmaker Amarakeerthi Athukorala, accompanied by his security detail, was confronted in Nittambuwa by protesters. The altercation reportedly began after Athukorala or his guard opened fire on the crowd, leading to casualties. Ultimately, both died as they sought refuge nearby, with official reports initially suggesting suicide but later revealing evidence of physical assault.
Following these events, political groups, including the Socialist Equality Party, denounced the violence and raised crucial questions about government complicity in the attacks. They urged workers to participate actively in the protests while cautioning against unplanned acts of violence that could play into the government’s hands.
The recent court ruling to impose death sentences has raised concerns of political retribution, with critics claiming that it seeks to intimidate those opposing the current government’s austerity measures. Notably, many key figures responsible for organizing the violent crackdown on protesters have not faced legal consequences.
Reports indicate that there are significant gaps in the evidence presented during the trial, with the ruling relying heavily on circumstantial evidence. The judges determined that the defendants could be found guilty based solely on their presumed involvement, resulting in broad interpretations of their roles. Notably, the decision was reached by a split panel, with one judge vocally disputing the prosecution’s case.
Political leaders and media outlets within the establishment have hailed the verdict as a deterrent against future protests, reinforcing perceived government authority. Some opposition members have publicly supported the ruling, illustrating divisions even within the political sphere.
The JVP/NPP government is now under scrutiny for its endorsement of this controversial ruling. Officials have characterized the judgment as a clear judicial outcome, distancing the ruling from political motives.
In light of the death sentences, social groups have rallied against the ruling, arguing that capital punishment is a tool of oppression, historically used to stifle dissent. Advocacy groups are calling for the charges against the defendants to be dropped, emphasizing the need to address the real perpetrators who incited violence on that fateful day.
The protests in May 2022 symbolized a pivotal moment in Sri Lankan history, reflecting deep discontent with deteriorating living standards and governmental policies. As public unrest continues to simmer, many see the recent court decision as a signal of the ruling class’s willingness to use severe measures against dissent.
As opposition to the JVP/NPP government grows, the call for a unified movement among workers and marginalized communities becomes increasingly important. Advocates underscore that securing democratic rights is intertwined with a broader struggle for socialist principles in governance, urging a departure from traditional political affiliations in favor of grassroots mobilization.