'This is a landmark judgement. It is the first time that the court has awarded compensation to a rape victim, confirming that rape in custody constitutes torture ,' Amnesty International said.

Amnesty International is urging the Sri Lankan authorities to ensure that the criminal prosecution of the three soldiers and three police officers allegedly responsible for raping Velu Arshadevi, who are currently released on bail, will proceed shortly. If it were to go to trial, it would set another precedent, constituting the first prosecution of members of the security forces in relation to rape in custody.

It is also urging that justice is assured to the other victims of rape which the organisation documented in a recent report, Sri Lanka: Rape in custody.