Kandy Attorney Files FR Petition in Supreme Court Over State Negligence During Cyclone Ditwah
By Lions Roar News Desk | December 31, 2025
COLOMBO — A prominent attorney-at-law from Kandy has filed a Fundamental Rights (FR) petition in the Supreme Court, alleging that the government’s failure to take adequate precautionary measures during the catastrophic Cyclone Ditwah constitutes a violation of basic human rights.
The petitioner, Keerthi Bandara Kiridena, filed the application naming several high-ranking officials as respondents, including the Attorney General (representing the President), Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, the Cabinet of Ministers, and members of the National Disaster Management Committee.
Personal Loss and Professional Impact
In his petition, Mr. Kiridena stated that his law office, located adjacent to the Kandy Court Complex, was completely destroyed by the floods and landslides triggered by the cyclone. The destruction resulted in the loss of critical computer systems containing invaluable professional data, causing severe damage to his legal practice.
Allegations of “Gross Negligence”
The core of the petition argues that the disaster’s impact could have been significantly minimized if the respondents had performed their statutory duties. Key allegations include:
- Failure to Warn: The petitioner highlights a critical lack of communication regarding the release of water from the Kothmale Reservoir.
- Predictable Disaster: He argues that had the public in Gampola, Galaha, Peradeniya, and Kandy been alerted in time, the massive loss of property and life could have been mitigated.
- Inaction: The petition characterizes the state’s response as a “failure of duty” or “negligence,” asserting that the disaster was intensified by the lack of prior preparation.
Mr. Kiridena is seeking a ruling from the Supreme Court declaring that the respondents’ conduct violated his fundamental rights and is calling for accountability regarding the disaster management protocols used during the crisis.
