Why Every Citizen Must Understand the Law
Photo courtesy of BBC
The aragalaya became one of the most powerful and widespread public uprisings in Sri Lanka’s modern history. It was a people’s movement that shook the political system, brought down a government, and led to the formation of a new one. More importantly, it delivered a powerful message not only to Sri Lanka but to the world.
What made aragalaya unique was that it was not led by any political party. It was led by ordinary citizens. It began as a response to the severe economic crisis that affected daily life across the country. Shortages of fuel, food, medicine and electricity pushed people to their limits. What started as scattered protests soon grew into a national movement. People from all walks of life came together demanding accountability, reforms and a better future. For perhaps the first time in decades, Sri Lankans from different ethnic, religious and social backgrounds stood united. The focus shifted from division to common purpose. That unity became one of the most significant aspects of the movement.
Although aragalaya began as a peaceful protest, the situation changed dramatically on May 9, 2022. On that morning, supporters of Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa gathered near Temple Trees in Colombo. After the meeting, some of them moved toward the main protest site at GotaGoGama in Galle Face, where demonstrators had been peacefully camping for weeks demanding the resignation of the government and economic reforms.
Clashes broke out when the groups confronted each other. Reports shown that some government supporters attacked protest tents and individuals at the site. The violence created panic and anger, and chaos quickly spread across Colombo. Within hours, unrest escalated throughout the country. Retaliatory attacks and confrontations occurred in several districts, leading to injuries, property damage and deep political instability.
What began as a peaceful people’s struggle had taken a tragic turn.
Among those present at the Temple Trees meeting was Amarakeerthi Athukorala, MP from Polonnaruwa District. After the meeting, he left Colombo with his personal security officer, Police Sergeant Jayantha Gunawardena, intending to return to his hometown.
However, by evening tensions from the Galle Face clashes had spread nationwide. In Nittambuwa, their vehicle was blocked by a crowd amid the unrest. According to reports, protesters stopped the car and a confrontation followed. During the incident, shots were fired and two individuals were seriously injured.
Following the shooting, the MP and his security officer abandoned their vehicle and sought refuge in a nearby building. Later, both were found dead inside the building. Initially, reports suggested that the MP had committed suicide. However, police investigations later confirmed that he had not shot himself. It was concluded that he had been assaulted and killed by members of the mob during the chaos. He was reportedly beaten to death while attempting to escape.
Following preliminary proceedings at the Attanagalla Magistrate’s Court, the Attorney General filed indictments under 14 charges against 41 individuals. Considering the seriousness and public significance of the case, the Chief Justice appointed a special three judge High Court Trial-at-Bar to hear it.
On February 11, 2026, the case was taken up before a three member bench of the Gampaha High Court Trial-at-Bar, comprising Judges Sahan Mapa Bandara (President of the bench), Rashmi Singappuli and Rasantha Godawela. During the trial, the 13th and 31st defendants passed away. The 39th and 40th defendants fled the jurisdiction and proceedings continued in their absence.
The verdict was divided. While Judge Mapa Bandara ordered the acquittal and release of all defendants, the other two judges convicted 16 of the 41 accused. Among those convicted 12 were sentenced to death, 23 accused were acquitted and discharged by the High Court, and four others received six month prison terms suspended for five years. The court further ordered each of the four to pay Rs. 50,000 in compensation in respect of the deaths of Athukorala and his security officer.
This story began as a peaceful protest aimed at transforming the country. But where did it end?
While the Sri Lankan situation was serious, it did not descend into prolonged instability like some incidents seen in Nepal, 2025. However, the events of 9 May clearly showed how quickly public anger can turn into violence. Most people may not have intended to cause harm. In moments of sudden aggression and emotional tension, individuals may act without considering the long term consequences. Sadly, such moments can lead to irreversible loss of life.
This is why understanding the law is essential.
Under Article 12(1) of the Constitution, all persons are equal before the law and entitled to equal protection of the law. Article 13(5) guarantees that every person is presumed innocent until proven guilty. Article 14(1)(c) protects the freedom of peaceful assembly, allowing citizens to protest peacefully. Article 11 guarantees absolute freedom from torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. This right is non-derogable and applies to everyone within Sri Lanka’s jurisdiction.
In the trial, the defendants maintained their innocence. Some may have been involved, others may not have been. Ultimately, however, the justice system is designed to examine evidence and deliver a verdict based on law. Whether one agrees or disagrees with the outcome, respect for the rule of law is essential in a democratic society. Justice must be guided not by emotion but by evidence.
As human beings, we naturally respond to situations with emotion. We may feel injustice, excitement, fear or pressure from social trends and group movements. Sometimes in the heat of the moment, people act without carefully thinking about the long term consequences of their actions. Yet the law does not measure responsibility based only on emotion. It measures actions according to established rules designed to maintain order and protect the rights of all.
This judgment serves as a powerful reminder that freedom is always connected to responsibility. While emotions are natural, accountability is unavoidable. Before acting, especially in tense or public situations, individuals must pause and consider their responsibilities. Every action carries consequences, whether positive or negative. Respecting the law is not merely about avoiding punishment; it is about preserving justice, stability and fairness for future generations.
