The Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLFEB) has raised strong objections to the E-8 visa system, introduced for seasonal employment in South Korea, alleging irregularities and significant risks to Sri Lankan workers. SLFEB Chairman Kosala Wickramasinghe disclosed that the E-8 visa agreement was unlawfully signed by a former minister without Cabinet approval or legal […]
Welisara Magistrate Thusitha Dhammika Uduwavidana expressed surprise yesterday over the Attorney General’s decision to close the case file concerning the deaths of 11 inmates during the 2020 Mahara Prison unrest. The Magistrate raised concerns about the decision during a hearing at the Welisara Magistrate’s Court, noting that the Attorney General had previously assured the
Welisara Magistrate Questions Attorney General’s Decision in Mahara Prison Incident Case Read More »
The Supreme Court has directed that a fundamental rights petition filed by a group, including Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, be taken up for hearing. The petition alleges that former Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP) Deshabandu Tennakoon and several other officers violated the rights of women from the National People’s Power during a peaceful
A disabled prisoner has been hospitalized following an alleged assault by a prison guard at the Weerawila Open Prison Camp. The prisoner, W.A. Nishan Sanjeewa Hetti Arachchi, a resident of Badalgama, Katukenda, was arrested by the Mattakkuliya Police on October 22, 2024, for possession of 200 milligrams of heroin. On October 23, 2024, the Mattakkuliya
Disabled Prisoner Hospitalized After Assault by Prison Guard Read More »
A 16-year-old Grade 10 student from a popular school in Wennappuwa has tragically passed away after being hospitalized for over three months. She died on November 13 while receiving treatment at the Ragama Teaching Hospital. According to the post-mortem examination, the cause of death was brain bleeding caused by an alleged assault by two of
Grade 10 Student Dies After Alleged Assault by Teachers in Wennappuwa Read More »
Child abuse remains a critical concern in Sri Lanka, as evidenced by the findings of PEaCE/ECPAT Sri Lanka’s media monitoring report for August 2024. This analysis underscores the urgent need for collective action to safeguard children and address the pervasive issue of violence against them. Overview of Reported Cases In August 2024, 94 incidents of
A Comprehensive Review of Violence Against Children in Sri Lanka: August 2024 Read More »
In a tragic case dating back to April 2012, Nimal Chandrasiri, a fisherman from Thalpitiya, Wadduwa, faced a brutal fate while in police custody. Arrested under suspicious circumstances, he was found in severe pain in the Wadduwa police cell. Despite pleas from his family for medical help, police officers dismissed his agony as mere pretense.
Justice Delayed for Nimal Chandrasiri: A Decade-Long Battle for Accountability Read More »
The Right to Life Human Rights Centre recently organized a two-day workshop called “Bolstering Advocacy Capacities of Human Rights Defenders.” The workshop aimed to strengthen the skills of individuals who work to protect human rights in Sri Lanka. Mr. Philip Dissanayake, the Executive Director of the Right to Life Human Rights Centre, spoke about the
Empowering Voices: Strengthening Human Rights Advocacy in Sri Lanka Read More »
The “Essential Skills for Young Lawyers” workshop, organized by Right to Life, successfully concluded today ( 2nd November) at Hotel Janaki in Narahenpita. The event, attended by aspiring legal practitioners, featured expert-led sessions focused on the foundations of criminal defense, writ jurisdiction, fundamental rights actions, and the critical role of public interest litigation (PIL)
Colombo High Court Judge Adithya Patabendige ordered a five-year suspension of an attorney’s legal license following an investigation prompted by a complaint filed by the judge himself. According to the complaint, the attorney, who had been appointed by the government to represent a defendant in a criminal case before the Colombo High Court, failed to
Attorney’s Legal License Suspended for Five Years Read More »
By Basil Fernando As Sri Lanka commemorates the 30th anniversary of its ratification of the UN Convention Against Torture (CAT), the time has come to reflect deeply on both the progress made and the persistent gaps that hinder the full realization of this vital human rights treaty. Though Sri Lanka has shown some legislative advancement
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
