Sri Lanka Police have warned the public against filming or photographing crime scenes and victims for the purpose of sharing content on social media, stressing that such actions can seriously undermine criminal investigations and violate the dignity of victims.
Addressing the growing problem of social media interference at crime scenes, Inspector Chamara Wijerathna, Officer-in-Charge of the Crime Scene Investigation Training College, said unauthorized recording or photography can compromise evidence and obstruct police investigations. He cautioned that storing or sharing images and videos of crime scenes or victims could lead to legal action under the Penal Code, with offenders facing serious consequences.
Inspector Wijerathna urged the public to act responsibly and cooperate with law enforcement by allowing investigators to carry out their duties without interference.
In a video released by Sri Lanka Police, the public was given a rare insight into crime scene investigation work at the Crime Scene Investigation Training Complex at the Kalutara Police College. Inspector Wijerathna said the “SOCO” (Scene of Crime Officer) unit, established in 2006 with assistance from the Swedish Police, has expanded to 44 units island-wide, with more than 360 officers operating around the clock.
He explained that SOCO officers are specially trained as independent scientific investigators, linking crime scenes with expert analysis from institutions such as the Government Analyst’s Department and Judicial Medical Officers.
Inspector Wijerathna highlighted a common mistake where well-meaning citizens or local authorities clean or rearrange crime scenes before investigators arrive. Using a mock scene, he explained that actions such as moving furniture, sweeping floors, or washing clothes can destroy vital microscopic evidence, including hair, fibres, and biological traces. He stressed that crime scenes should be left exactly as they are, even if they appear untidy, to allow investigators to accurately reconstruct events.
The SOCO Training Complex houses the largest forensic laboratory within the Sri Lanka Police, equipped with 199 specialised instruments imported from overseas. The facility handles complex forensic work, including bloodstain pattern analysis and latent fingerprint development.
Police further warned that interfering with crime scenes, whether intentionally or through negligence, carries severe legal consequences. Inspector Wijerathna explained that altering or destroying evidence can significantly obstruct investigations and the administration of justice. If the original offence is punishable by death, such as murder, those found guilty of tampering with evidence may face up to seven years’ imprisonment. The same maximum sentence applies to cases where the original offence carries a prison term of 10 years or more.
For offences punishable by less than 10 years’ imprisonment, the penalty for evidence tampering is proportional to the original sentence and may include imprisonment and fines.
