A Sri Lankan police officer stationed in Mallavi has been arrested for sexually harassing female students while intoxicated at a school in the Mullaitivu District.
The incident occurred during a sports event, where the officer, dressed in civilian clothes, attempted to lure female students into a secluded area. The case has sparked outrage after a video of the incident went viral on social media, further exposing the unchecked abuses by the Sri Lankan police occupying Mallavi.
Three female students reported the harassment to the police station in Mallavi, detailing how the officer had entered the school premises inebriated and attempted to engage with them in an inappropriate manner. Following their complaint, an investigation confirmed that the suspect was a 43-year-old police constable from the occupying Mallavi Police Station.
He was subsequently arrested and produced before the Mullaitivu Magistrate’s Court on 18 February, where he was remanded until 5 March. Further investigations are currently being carried out by the Sri Lankan police in Mallavi.
This incident has reignited concerns over police violence and abuse against Tamil women by the Sri Lankan security forces who continue to occupy the North-East. Sri Lankan police officers have long been accused of sexual harassment, torture and sexual violence including rape, with many cases going unreported due to fear of retaliation and lack of accountability.
Women in the North-East have repeatedly spoken out about police intimidation and abuse, highlighting the ongoing climate of impunity.
