Former State Minister Files Rs. 500 Million Human Rights Complaint Over Son's Robbery Case

Compensation Demand Dwarfs Original Robbery Amount

Former State Minister Shantha Bandara has filed a formal complaint with the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL), demanding Rs. 500 million in compensation in connection with a robbery case involving his son in which Rs. 20 million was allegedly stolen.

Background of the Case

The complaint centres on a robbery reportedly involving Bandara's son, in which the sum of Rs. 20 million is said to have been taken. The former State Minister has now escalated the matter to the country's primary human rights body, seeking a compensation amount that is twenty-five times greater than the value of the alleged theft itself.

Human Rights Commission Approached

By directing his grievance to the HRCSL rather than pursuing conventional legal channels alone, Bandara appears to be framing the issue as one involving fundamental rights violations rather than a straightforward criminal matter. The commission has the authority to investigate complaints concerning the infringement of human rights and make recommendations accordingly.

Political Dimensions

As a former State Minister, Bandara's decision to approach the Human Rights Commission is likely to draw significant public and political attention. The substantial compensation figure being sought has already raised eyebrows among observers who note the stark disparity between the alleged loss and the damages being claimed.

Further details regarding the specific human rights violations cited in the complaint, as well as the commission's response to the filing, are yet to be made public. The HRCSL is expected to review the submission before determining whether to proceed with a formal inquiry.