IN THE SUPREME COURT OF THE DEMOCRATIC SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF SRI LANKA In the matter of an application under Articles 17 and 126 of the Constitution of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.

1. Kamaldeen Ilham Ahmed (Minor)

2. Hameem Siththi Nihara The 1^st and 2^nd Petitioners of;

128/3, Lechchami Janapadaya, Hatharaliyadda.

PETITIONERS S.C. (F.R.) Application No. 87/2023 Vs.

1. IP Weerakoon, Acting Officer – in – Charge, 2. SI Wedagedara, 3. Officer-in-Charge, The 1^st to 3^rd respondents of;

Police Station, Hatharaliyadda.

4. Inspector General of Police, Police Headquarters, Colombo 01.

5. Hon. Attorney General, Attorney General’s Department, Colombo 12.

RESPONDENTS BEFORE : Janak De Silva, J.

Menaka Wijesundera, J.

Sampath B. Abayakoon, J.

COUNSEL : Pulasthi Hewamanna with Harini Jayawardhana for the Petitioners P.B. Herath for 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd Respondents Varunike Hettige, ASG for 4^th and 5^th Respondents WRITTEN SUBMISSIONS : By the Petitioner on 09.05.2025 By the 4^th and 5^th Respondents on 04.09.2014 ARGUED ON : 19.05.2025 DECIDED ON : 01.09.2025 Janak De Silva, J.

At all times material to this application, the 1st Petitioner was a minor aged 16 years and 8 months. He was a student a