On September 10, 2024, the Right to Life Human Rights Centre filed a fundamental rights case on behalf of Ranawila Arachchilage Shanaka Chaminda, a 33-year-old resident of Hokandara, who has accused the Malabe police of severe brutality during his arrest. Shanaka Chaminda alleges that police officers coerced him into making false statements implicating his brother-in-law, […]
A three-member bench of the Supreme Court ruled yesterday (10th) that the fundamental rights of Mrs. Bimshani Jasinghaarachchi, the current Senior Superintendent of Police and the first female officer to hold the position of Acting Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of the Community Police Unit in Sri Lanka, had been violated. As a result, the court
Sri Lanka has reaffirmed its commitment to engaging constructively with the United Nations Human Rights Council and other human rights bodies, though it strongly opposes certain international measures. Himalee Arunatilaka, Sri Lanka’s Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva, voiced objections to Human Rights Council Resolution 51/1, which established an external evidence-gathering mechanism without the
During the 57th session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Gaurav Kumar Thakur, Counsellor at the Permanent Mission of India, expressed optimism that the forthcoming elections in Sri Lanka would advance the cause of national reconciliation. Thakur emphasized India’s long-standing commitment to supporting Sri Lanka, particularly since 2009, by aiding in the island
India Hopes for National Reconciliation in Sri Lanka Through Upcoming Elections Read More »
During the 57th session of the Human Rights Council’s interactive dialogue on the OHCHR report concerning Sri Lanka, the European Union (EU) delivered a statement acknowledging the report on the country’s human rights situation. The EU acknowledged Sri Lanka’s efforts in tackling the challenges of the past two years, particularly the financial crisis of 2022.
The INFORM Human Rights Documentation Centre has released its latest “Repression of Dissent” report, detailing the human rights situation in Sri Lanka during July 2024. The report highlights ongoing challenges to freedom of expression, assembly, association, and dissent within the country, based on incidents reported in both mainstream and social media. The July 2024 report
The presidential election in Sri Lanka, held on September 21, marks the first of its kind since the severe economic crisis of 2022, which left the nation grappling with shortages of essential items and eventually led to its bankruptcy. This year’s election sees 39 candidates vying for the presidency, with nearly 17 million out of
Sri Lanka’s Presidential Election: Media and Candidates Under Scrutiny Read More »
–Jehan Perera With little over a month before presidential elections are due, the speculations about elections not being held have come to a halt which is a testament to the democratic spirit in the country. The election commission has invited Commonwealth and EU election monitors to observe the elections. Political parties and parliamentarians alike
CONSENSUAL GOVERNMENT AFTER PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS Read More »
On August 17th, a program titled “Anti-Terrorism Laws of Sri Lanka” was held in Ratnapura to educate civil society activists and citizens about the impacts of the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) and the concerns surrounding the new Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA). The event was organized by the Right to Life Human Rights Center and
Program on Anti-Terrorism Laws Held in Ratnapura Read More »
Trincomalee, August 4, 2024 — In a significant step towards strengthening human rights advocacy, an advanced training program was conducted at Kulakottam Hall for human rights activists associated with the Human Rights First Aid Center in Trincomalee. The program, held on August 4th, aimed to update and enhance the knowledge and skills of human rights
Empowering Human Rights Activists: Advanced Training Held in Trincomalee Read More »
A retired Officer-in-Charge (OIC) who had served at the same police station for 24 years has reportedly suffered severe eye damage following an alleged attack by officers from the Mahabage Police Station. The incident occurred on the night of July 17 and the victim is currently receiving treatment at Ragama Hospital. The retired OIC,
Retired OIC Suffers Severe Eye Damage in Alleged Attack by Mahaba Police Officers Read More »
June 26, 2024 – As the world observes the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, calls for the stringent enforcement of anti-torture laws in Sri Lanka have intensified. This follows a landmark judgment by the Matara High Court, which sentenced three police officers, including the former Officer-in-Charge of the Tissamaharama Police, to seven
