News

The Right to Life Human Rights Centre (R2L) has unveiled its second torture monitoring report, titled “TRUTH: Targeting Rights: Unraveling Torture’s Harm.” This quarterly newsletter provides a critical examination of the ongoing issue of torture in Sri Lanka, highlighting the prevalence, prevention measures, and legal actions against perpetrators. The report’s key objectives include: Monitoring the […]

In a significant verdict issued today, the Gampaha High Court Trial-At-Bar acquitted four Sri Lanka Army personnel implicated in the Rathupaswala shooting incident, which resulted in the deaths of three individuals during a protest in 2013. The acquitted individuals include an Army officer and three soldiers. The Trial-at-Bar, comprising High Court Judges Nimal Ranaweera, Nishantha

  By Dr.Jehan Perera The visit of Japan’s foreign minister Yoko Kamikawa to Sri Lanka is an indication that the relationship between the two countries is on the mend. The manner in which Japan was ousted from the special status it had once held by the previous government headed by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa would have

A memorial service was held for Mrs. Kanchani Kodithuwakku, the former coordinator of the Galle District Human Rights First Aid Center. The event was attended by social activists from the Galle district, coordinators from other districts of the organization, and Mr. Philip Disanayaka, the executive director of the Right to Life human rights organization. The

The Bar Association of Sri Lanka convened on April 27th, 2024, to address a concerning statement made during the passing out parade at the Katukurunda STF training camp, which has since garnered significant attention across various media platforms. Reports indicate that the Minister, during the ceremony, asserted, “Eliminating criminals from the country is not a

Tracing history and going back to the colonial era, President Ranil Wickremesinghe has said that despite the adverse impact of world wars and internal conflicts, Sri Lanka has steadfastly upheld its democratic value of ensuring the functioning of both the government and the opposition without interruption. The president was addressing members of the student parliament

In a recent meeting held on March 14th, 2024, President Ranil Wickramasinghe met with representatives from various civil society organizations (CSOs) to address their concerns regarding the proposed draft NGO Act 2024. The meeting, convened at the Presidential Secretariat, aimed to facilitate dialogue between the government and civil society on the potential implications of the

  A major problem in Sri Lanka is the gap between aspirations and reality, words and deeds, laws and their implementation. Gender relations is no exception.  The Women Organised for Inclusion through Community Engagement (WOICE) Learning and Advocacy Symposium organized by the National Peace Council (NPC) brought together more than 120 women leaders and activists

By Jehan Perera The northern town of Vavuniya which was once at the front lines of the war is now a peaceful and bustling urban centre. Its physical infrastructure leaves much to be desired, with rundown buildings, and open drains that emit an unpleasant smell. Vavuniya has not had the fortune of a political patron

In a significant step towards promoting human rights, the Gampola Human Rights First Aid Center officially opened its doors during a ceremony attended by key figures in the field. The inauguration ceremony, graced by Mr. Philip Dissanayake, Executive Director of the Right to Life Human Rights Center, marked a crucial moment for the cause. The