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 »
Trincomalee, August 4, 2024 — In a significant step towards strengthening human rights advocacy, an advanced training program was conducted at Kulakottam Hall for human rights activists associated with the Human Rights First Aid Center in Trincomalee. The program, held on August 4th, aimed to update and enhance the knowledge and skills of human rights
Empowering Human Rights Activists: Advanced Training Held in Trincomalee Read More »
A retired Officer-in-Charge (OIC) who had served at the same police station for 24 years has reportedly suffered severe eye damage following an alleged attack by officers from the Mahabage Police Station. The incident occurred on the night of July 17 and the victim is currently receiving treatment at Ragama Hospital. The retired OIC,
Retired OIC Suffers Severe Eye Damage in Alleged Attack by Mahaba Police Officers Read More »
In a shocking incident, Malaka Weeravarnakula, the principal of Hambantota Debokkawa Maha Vidyalaya, assaulted a 12-year-old student, resulting in a severe spinal cord injury. The incident occurred after the student, who was the class monitor, failed to clean the trash in the classroom. According to witnesses, Principal Weeravarnakula grabbed the student by the ear, dragged
Principal Assaults 12-Year-Old Student, Causing Severe Injury Read More »
In a landmark judgment delivered today, the Supreme Court has ruled in favor of Madhavi Buddhika Rajaguru, a nurse who filed a Fundamental Rights Application against Consultant Surgeon Ashoka Wijemanne. The case involved an incident where Wijemanne assaulted Rajaguru on her head with a bone cutter at the Kurunegala General Hospital. The court held that
During an awareness conference held under the People Unite for Justice and Accountability (PUJA) program, Specialist Psychiatrist Prasad Mohotti emphasized the crucial role of cultural and spiritual activities in healing society after serious human rights violations. He highlighted the importance of religious activities such as lighting lamps, chanting “Pirith,” Bodhi Poojas, and even the act
