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
The ongoing investigation into the 2012 death of Dasanayake Nimal Chandrasiri Appuhami, who died in police custody, saw significant developments on July 5, 2024, in the Panadura High Court. Witness testimonies were heard regarding the incident involving several police officers from the Wadduwa Police Station. Nimal Chandrasiri, a 43-year-old father of three and a fisherman
In Vavuniya, a recent training program empowered a diverse group of young individuals, ranging from university students to civil society volunteers, to become effective human rights defenders. Organized by Green Vision Social Service Organization in collaboration with Right to Life Human Rights Centre, the program aimed to equip participants with essential knowledge and skills. During
Empowering Human Rights Defenders: Training Program in Vavuniya Read More »
In a deeply troubling incident, the Embilipitiya police subjected Susil Vitaranage, a 55-year-old father of two from Sevanagala, Kiriwewa, to severe torture. Vitaranage was completely stripped, tied up with chilies, had chili juice applied to his lower back and lips, beaten with hand and hose pipe, had gasoline poured into a shopping bag which was
Torture Incident Reported to Hambantota Human Rights First Aid Centre Read More »
On June 26, 2024, the Right to Life Human Rights Centre, in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Collective Against Torture (SLCAT), hosted an Expert Forum at Hotel Janaki to mark the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture. The forum, titled “Ongoing Torture Despite Extensive Anti-Torture Legislation,” brought together prominent figures such as Shani
Expert Forum on Ongoing Torture Despite Extensive Anti-Torture Legislation Read More »
June 26, 2024 – As the world observes the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, calls for the stringent enforcement of anti-torture laws in Sri Lanka have intensified. This follows a landmark judgment by the Matara High Court, which sentenced three police officers, including the former Officer-in-Charge of the Tissamaharama Police, to seven
History of Torture Prevention Acts Worldwide The prevention of torture has been a significant concern for the international community, with efforts to eradicate this inhumane practice intensifying over the past century. The modern framework for torture prevention began to take shape after World War II, influenced by the horrors of wartime atrocities. The United Nations
Torture Prevention: Global Efforts and Sri Lankan Challenges Amidst Legal Protections. Read More »
The Committee for Protecting Rights of Prisoners (CPRP) has strongly condemned a life-threatening call received by the mother of Kapila Kumara de Silva, a forcibly disappeared activist. The threat occurred at 12:28 AM on Friday, just a day after CPRP lodged a complaint with the Attorney General under the International Convention for the Protection of
CPRP Condemns Life-Threatening Call to Mother of Disappeared Activist Read More »
Two police officers serving at Alawwa Police were arrested on May 4, 2024, by officers from the Group Robbery Investigation Unit of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in connection with a suspected disappearance and unlawful detention that occurred 13 years ago. The arrested officers are Sergeant A.L. Kumara and Constable R.D.S.B. Rajapaksha. Both officers
Police Officers Arrested in Connection with Disappearance 13 Years Ago Read More »
State Minister of Finance Shehan Semasinghe said that the impact of political power struggles must not be detrimental to addressing the economic crisis. He detailed the government’s strategic measures since 2022, which have been crucial in stabilizing the economy. The Minister emphasized that the decisions taken by the President and the government, supported by parliamentary
Colombo, May 21, 2024 — A policy dialogue held on the misuse of law, science, and media highlighted the damaging impact of irresponsible journalism and opportunistic objectives. The event, attended by eminent personalities and professionals from various sectors, scrutinized how misinformation and disinformation can lead to severe societal consequences. The policy dialogue was organized by
Policy Dialogue Highlights Need for Action against Misuse of Law, Science, and Media Read More »
