The Attorney General’s Department has officially notified the Court of Appeal that the Inspector General of Police (IGP) has issued a circular explicitly prohibiting police officers from conducting training sessions, lectures, or seminars that dehumanize and discriminate against the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, and Questioning (LGBTIQ) community in the country.
In response to a writ petition filed by civil society activists challenging the escalating abuse, harassment, and discrimination against the LGBTIQ community by the police, the Court of Appeal took up the case. Subsequently, the court issued notices to the respondents, and the State, acknowledging the concerns raised, resolved the matter by agreeing to the issuance of a circular by the IGP.
The circular, directed to all senior police officers, explicitly prohibits any discriminatory acts against the LGBTIQ community and their rights. It further prohibits the violation of the right to equality under Article 12(1) of the Constitution for members of the LGBTIQ community.
President’s Counsel Sanjeeva Jayawardena informed the court that this circular adequately addresses the petitioners’ concerns. The IGP has now publicly issued this circular, marking the conclusion of the case on these terms.
The petitioners, including Equal Ground, Rosanna Flamer-Caldera, Dr. Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu, Tamara Andrea Flamer-Caldera, Jade Sison Jayawardena, Anusha Shyami David, Gowrie Ponniah, Savithri Roseanne Rodrigo, Chamindra Katugaha, Marisa Sharika Anjali Jayewardene, and Kalpanee Nuwangee Gunawardana, filed the petition to safeguard the rights of the LGBTIQ community in Sri Lanka.
The respondents in the case include Inspector General of Police C.D. Wickramarathna, Ama Dissanayake, a counselor and psychologist who conducted a training program in Kandy, and Deputy Inspector General of Police Chandana Alahakoon.
Citing an island-wide survey conducted in 2020-2021 titled “Mapping LGBTIQ Identities in Sri Lanka,” the petitioners highlighted that 12% of the surveyed population identified as LGBTIQ, totaling an estimated 1,469,574 individuals within the projected base of persons aged 18-65 in Sri Lanka. The petitioners emphasized the pervasive prejudice faced by the LGBTIQ community in their daily lives, including situations that pose a direct threat to their lives and well-being, often at the hands of individuals and public authorities.
Sanjeeva Jayawardena PC, along with Counsel Rukshan Senadheera, represented Equal Ground, while Suranga Wimalasena DSG appeared for the Attorney General.
