In a shocking turn of events, legal professionals and academics in Sri Lanka have issued an open letter to the President, urging immediate action following a landmark Supreme Court decision in the case of Sumangala v Bandara and Others (SCFR 107/2011). The three-judge bench unanimously ruled that Respondents, including Acting IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon, violated fundamental […]
Colombo, December 12, 2023 – In commemoration of the 75th International Human Rights Day, the Sri Lankan Collective Against Torture organized a significant event titled “The Root of Police Torture.” This initiative aimed to address concerns surrounding police torture and discuss potential solutions. A policy dialogue named “Context and Solutions” took place on December 11
Policy Dialogue on Combating Police Torture Marks Human Rights Day Read More »
On December 4th, R2L (Rights to Life), a human rights organization, took a significant step in seeking justice for Nagaraja Alex, a young individual who was tragically tortured and killed by the Vadukkodai police. During this critical meeting, R2L engaged with Nagaraja Alex’s family to discuss strategies and support mechanisms for the upcoming legal proceedings.
R2L Joins Forces with Nagaraja Alex’s Family to Pursue Justice Against Police Brutality Read More »
In an effort to address a critical issue affecting vulnerable populations, an upcoming webinar titled “Screening, Documentation, and Monitoring of Torture in Children” is set to take place on December 6, 2023, at 3 PM CET. The event aims to shed light on the importance of identifying, documenting, and monitoring cases of torture among children.
Advocacy Webinar Focuses on Combating Torture in Children: Register Now! Read More »
The focus group meeting held in Anuradhapura district on November 25th provided a crucial platform for a nuanced discussion on the operational dynamics of Sri Lanka’s social safety net, as gleaned from lived experiences. Participants, representing diverse socio-economic backgrounds within the district, engaged in a robust dialogue, sharing personal stories and insights that illuminated the
In a press release issued today, the Right to Life Human Rights Center of Sri Lanka (R2L) has demanded justice for the untimely death of 25-year-old Nagarasa Alex, who reportedly succumbed to injuries inflicted during his custody by the Sri Lankan police. This tragic incident has ignited a fervent call for comprehensive police reform and
R2L Demands Justice for Nagarasa Alex: Calls for Urgent Police Reform in Sri Lanka Read More »
On November 14th, the Supreme Court delivered a landmark ruling, declaring the arrest of Ramzy Razeek in April 2020 under the ICCPR Act a violation of his Fundamental Rights. The court ordered the State to compensate Razeek with Rs 1 million. Furthermore, Chief Inspector B.M.A.S.K. Senaratne and former CID Director DIG W. Thilakaratne, the first
Supreme Court Rules in Favor of Ramzy Razeek, Declares Arrest Unlawful Read More »
In a historic ruling on November 14, the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka found former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, former Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, and several other high-profile figures guilty of violating public trust and breaching Article 12 (1) of the Constitution. The judgment, a result of a Fundamental Rights Petition (SC/FRA/212/2022) filed by Transparency International
In a bid to foster national unity and reconciliation, the government has proposed the establishment of an Office for National Unity and Reconciliation (ONUR) through an Act of Parliament. The draft law, known as the ONUR bill, aims to ensure equal opportunities for all citizens across economic, social, cultural, and political spheres, while preserving individual
National Unity and Reconciliation Bill Sparks Concerns Over Civil Society Oversight Read More »
By Dr.Thushara Wickramanayake “History will judge us by the difference we make in the everyday lives of children” – Nelson Mandela Three decades after ratifying the UN Convention of the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), the treaty signed by the largest number of countries in the world, Sri Lanka’s rhetorical promises to protect and promote
Will UNCRC Recommendations on Children’s Rights Be Honored by Sri Lanka? Read More »
