Warden arrested over death of teenager at children’s detention centre

• Contrary to initial reports of the boy succumbing to an illness while in  detention, forensic findings have revealed that his death resulted from  an assault

By Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya   

The female warden of a children’s detention centre in Kalmunai has been arrested following the death of a 17-year-old boy in her care.  

The teenager had been arrested for theft and brought before the Batticaloa Magistrate’s Court.   

Subsequently, he was placed in the custody of the Child Protection Authority at the designated children’s detention centre, as ordered by the court.  

Contrary to initial reports of the boy succumbing to an illness while in detention, forensic findings have revealed that his death resulted from an assault.  
As a response to these findings, the Kalmunai Police have taken the 28-year-old warden into custody in connection with the incident.  

The deceased boy is a resident of Kokkadicholai, Batticaloa.