President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is showing the change for the better that a single individual can bring by challenging old ways of doing things by those who have traditionally governed the country. According to the news media and first person accounts by commentators contacted in Jaffna, the president’s visit to the Jaffna peninsula last week […]
Beyond the Promises Made in Jaffna Read More »
Local non-governmental organizations (NGOs) fear that funding for human rights, gender equality, and diversity-related initiatives could be significantly impacted following the United States’ decision to halt USAID funding. The National NGO Secretariat has requested a meeting with USAID to discuss the possible repercussions for NGOs operating in Sri Lanka, as well as the potential impact
Concerns Rise Over Potential USAID Funding Cuts for NGOs in Sri Lanka Read More »
Colombo, January 31, 2025 – The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) has issued a detailed report on the status of 116 Rohingya asylum seekers detained at the Mullaitivu Air Force Camp, calling for immediate action to ensure their well-being and rights under international human rights standards. According to the HRCSL, the group, which
Colombo, Sri Lanka – On August 13, 2024, human bones were accidentally discovered during excavation work for the highway connecting Igurukade Junction and the Colombo Port. Following the discovery, the Colombo Extra Line Magistrate ordered an official excavation of the site, which commenced on September 5, 2024. During the initial phase of excavation, which lasted
Human Bones Discovered During Highway Excavation: Third Phase of Excavation Underway Read More »
Right to Life Human Rights Centre, in collaboration with RDPO Sri Lanka and with the support of Misereor, successfully conducted a Human Rights Defenders Training program in Batticaloa. The training, aimed at empowering local human rights defenders, was a significant step toward building a robust foundation for the protection and promotion of human rights in
Today(26th), a collaborative discussion took place in Batticaloa with lawyers and journalists, focusing on pressing human rights issues in the region. The meeting explored effective solutions and mechanisms to address these challenges while emphasizing the role of active citizens in safeguarding rights. Participants shared insights, strategies, and experiences, reinforcing the importance of collaboration between legal
Meeting in Batticaloa Highlights Human Rights Challenges and Solutions Read More »
The latest issue of the Torture Journal: Journal on Rehabilitation of Torture Victims and Prevention of Torture (Vol. 34 No. 3, 2024) has been released, offering a compelling range of articles that address pressing issues in the fight against torture and the protection of human rights globally. With contributions from leading experts in human rights,
The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) has expressed concerns regarding the abuse and harassment faced by women on social media platforms. This issue was prominently featured in the Commission’s Parallel Report submitted to the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) on January 6, 2025. Sri Lanka, as a
HRCSL Highlights Online Harassment of Women in Parallel Report to UN Committee Read More »
A Major Step Forward! Today, the Right to Life Human Rights Center and the National Peace Council proudly launched www.puja.lk, a transformative platform dedicated to promoting victim-centered Transitional Justice in Sri Lanka. What is Transitional Justice and Why Does it Matter? Transitional Justice is a critical process for societies recovering from conflict and injustice.
New Platform PUJA.LK Launched to Champion Peace and Justice in Sri Lanka Read More »
President Anura Kumara has increased the Aswesuma (Relief) benefits as a Christmas gift, according to a social media post by his Media Director General, MP Najith Indika. Aswesuma refers to a transitional assistance provided to alleviate poverty using the taxes collected from the public, and not a gift distributed by politicians. Welfare benefits should not
Is “Aswesuma” a Relief or a Christmas Gift? Read More »
By Dr.Jehan Perera The participation of Deputy Minister of National Integration, Muneer Mulaffar, in a conference on “Building a peaceful pluralistic Sri Lanka through Social Cohesion and Coexistence” organized by the Association of War Affected Women (AWAW), together with other peacebuilding organisations, was the highlight of the event. The Minister spoke eloquently on the government’s
Minorities want Government to solve their problems directly Read More »
The Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC), a regional human rights organization based in Hong Kong, has written to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, urging the newly elected National People’s Power (NPP) government to initiate crucial justice reforms aimed at restoring the rule of law and human rights in Sri Lanka. In a letter signed by Basil
