In a significant development, the Supreme Court has granted permission to Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) to intervene in Case No. SC/FR 168/2021. This case was originally filed by the Centre for Environmental Justice, with the aim of securing fair compensation for the victims affected by the X-Press Pearl disaster. TISL’s intervention petition, filed earlier […]
In a recent ruling, Chief Magistrate and Additional District Judge Mr. Bandula Gunaratne found former surgeon Ashoka Wijemann guilty of injuring a nurse with scissors in the operating theater of Kurunegala Teaching Hospital. The incident, which occurred around March 12, 2019, led to a case filed under Section 314 of the Ceylon Penal Code at
In a significant development, the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) has addressed concerns surrounding the proposed Online Safety Bill, which was published in the Official Gazette on September 18, 2023. The HRCSL’s preliminary observations and recommendations were conveyed in a letter sent to Hon. Tiran Alles, Minister of Public Security, on October 2,
Sri Lanka’s Human Rights Commission Raises Concerns Over Online Safety Bill Read More »
A seminar by Journalists for Rights to commemorate the International Day for the Universal Access to Information Journalists for Rights organization held a seminar in Colombo National Library on 26 September 2024 to commemorate the International Day for the Universal Access to Information which falls on 28 September every year. The theme of the
Future of Right to Information in the Limits of Cyberspace Read More »
In celebration of National Law Week 2023, the Bar Association of Sri Lanka is extending a helping hand to those in need of legal assistance. The association will be hosting legal aid clinics on multiple dates and locations, ensuring accessibility to justice for all. On 28th and 29th September, from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm,
Legal Aid Clinics Offered by Bar Association of Sri Lanka During National Law Week 2023 Read More »
Bangkok/Kathmandu, 18 September 2023 – The Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA), in collaboration with its member organizations, has expressed its steadfast support for Adilur Rahman Khan and ASM Nasiruddin Elan, two prominent Bangladeshi human rights defenders. The duo recently faced conviction and were sentenced to two years in prison, along with a
Sri Lanka Collective Against Torture held a seminar in Colombo on September 25 to discuss the Anti-Terror Bill that the government has published on the gazette. This bill was first introduced in March but later it was withdrawn due to protests from the civil society. Opening the dialogue, Dulan Dasanayake, AAL, pointed out that
Can we abolish terror laws completely? – Sri Lanka Collective Against Torture discusses Read More »
In a recent analysis, legal expert Ermiza Tegal, an Attorney-at-Law, has shed light on the striking similarities between the Anti-Terrorism Bill (ATA) gazetted in March 2023 and the revised version published in September 2023. Tegal’s preliminary observations highlight that the contentious provisions of the March 2023 ATA remain largely intact in the September 2023 iteration.
In a resounding statement of concern, the Lawyers’ Collective, a prominent legal advocacy group in Sri Lanka, has vehemently condemned the recently gazetted Anti-Terrorism Bill and Online Safety Bill, calling them a threat to democracy and civil liberties in the country. The Anti-Terrorism Bill and Online Safety Bill, which were gazetted in September 2023 by
Lawyers’ Collective Strongly Condemns Sri Lanka’s ATA & Online Safety Bills Read More »
Colombo, September 21, 2023 – In a poignant demonstration of resilience and determination, families of 11 individuals who were abducted and disappeared by a Navy team on September 18, 2008, gathered in front of the United Nations office in Tummulla, Colombo today. The event marked the 15th anniversary of this tragic incident, which still haunts
Families of Abducted Individuals Demand Justice After 15 Years Read More »
Local think tank’s assessment of 31 public authorities including Ministries, the Prez’s/PM’s Offices, finds low levels of Govt. openness Observes only a marginal lifting of the veil of secrecy Despite the fact that it has been five years since the Right to Information (RTI) Act was fully operationalised in Sri Lanka, various aspects pertaining to
Local Think Tank Finds Low Government Openness in Sri Lanka Despite RTI Act Read More »
The Right to Information is the right of the citizens to obtain the information held by public authorities or institutions that use public funds. Right to Information Act No. 12 of 2016, which has been in force since 2016 guarantees citizens’ right to information and it can be considered a positive development in Sri Lankan
