Geared had previously been awarded compensation in a fundamental rights case against Police officers who had tortured him .

He was due to testify in another court case where police officers were charged with torture.

The hearing was to take place on December 2nd at the Negombo high Court.

Gerard Mervin Perera’s brother, Ranjith Perera speaking to Sandeshaya accused police officers in having a hand in his brother’s death.

He said “We have no other enemies other than the police officers in the Wathala police who tortured my brother”.

The villagers of Handala,a suburb close to Colombo, where the deceased lived held a protest and shouted out slogans blaming the police .

Buddhist and catholic clergy also joined in the protest.

Venerable Walisara Soratha, chief priest of Mulagundakuti, Vihara said that the police have still not been able to make an arrest and this is not acceptable.

Rev. Nihal Rodrigo of St Josephs Kerawalapitiya said “this is not an isolated incident and police brutality is widespread”

Assistant Superintendent of Police, Wimal Jagodaarachchi admitted that the people in the area are accusing the police of this crime and added that necessary investigations leading to arrest the culprits are underway.

Police Spokesman Reanzie Perera told Sandeshaya that Six police officers including the Officer in charge have been transferred.

When the police spokesman was questioned regarding investigations he said that he does not know any other details as the investigations are being handled by the Criminal Investigations Department.