The Attorney General has withdrawn the case concerning the deaths of 11 inmates at Mahara Prison during the COVID-19 pandemic. Following a detailed investigation, it was concluded that the Special Task Force (STF) officers acted lawfully to safeguard both officers and inmates. The investigation determined that the officers did not exceed their legal rights to […]
A special awards ceremony hosted by the Right to Life Human Rights Center recently took place at the Camelot Beach Hotel in Negombo, recognizing the most successful Human Rights First Aid Centers. Out of 14 shortlisted centers, the Gampaha Human Rights First Aid Center was named the most successful, with the Anuradhapura and Matara centers
A public dialogue titled “Countering Terrorism while Safeguarding Social Security and Human Rights” was held on September 26, 2024, at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) in Colombo. The event featured Professor Rohan Samarajeeva, journalist Ajith Perakum Jayasinghe, and lawyers Dulan Dassanayake and Danushka Silva as resource persons. During the event, two significant publications
By Dr.Jehan Perera The extraordinary events that took place during 2022 have reached their denouement at the recently concluded presidential election. The Aragalaya protests that lasted for over three months in the middle of 2022 that were spearheaded by youth and became a mighty protest movement by tens of thousands of people from all walks
Fulfilment of Aragalaya at Presidential Election Read More »
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 »
