In a shocking turn of events, legal professionals and academics in Sri Lanka have issued an open letter to the President, urging immediate action following a landmark Supreme Court decision in the case of Sumangala v Bandara and Others (SCFR 107/2011). The three-judge bench unanimously ruled that Respondents, including Acting IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon, violated fundamental […]
Colombo, December 12, 2023 – In commemoration of the 75th International Human Rights Day, the Sri Lankan Collective Against Torture organized a significant event titled “The Root of Police Torture.” This initiative aimed to address concerns surrounding police torture and discuss potential solutions. A policy dialogue named “Context and Solutions” took place on December 11
Policy Dialogue on Combating Police Torture Marks Human Rights Day Read More »
To mark International Human Rights Day – 2023, the Right to Life Human Rights Centre launched the quarterly torture monitoring report titled as TRUTH (Targeting Rights: Unraveling Torture’s Harm). The objective of this quarterly newsletter is to monitor the aspect of torture in Sri Lanka and report on the prevalence, measures for prevention, and legal
Right to Life Human Rights Centre launches torture monitoring report Read More »
In an effort to address a critical issue affecting vulnerable populations, an upcoming webinar titled “Screening, Documentation, and Monitoring of Torture in Children” is set to take place on December 6, 2023, at 3 PM CET. The event aims to shed light on the importance of identifying, documenting, and monitoring cases of torture among children.
Advocacy Webinar Focuses on Combating Torture in Children: Register Now! Read More »
In a press release issued today, the Right to Life Human Rights Center of Sri Lanka (R2L) has demanded justice for the untimely death of 25-year-old Nagarasa Alex, who reportedly succumbed to injuries inflicted during his custody by the Sri Lankan police. This tragic incident has ignited a fervent call for comprehensive police reform and
R2L Demands Justice for Nagarasa Alex: Calls for Urgent Police Reform in Sri Lanka Read More »
On November 14th, the Supreme Court delivered a landmark ruling, declaring the arrest of Ramzy Razeek in April 2020 under the ICCPR Act a violation of his Fundamental Rights. The court ordered the State to compensate Razeek with Rs 1 million. Furthermore, Chief Inspector B.M.A.S.K. Senaratne and former CID Director DIG W. Thilakaratne, the first
Supreme Court Rules in Favor of Ramzy Razeek, Declares Arrest Unlawful Read More »
In a historic ruling on November 14, the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka found former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, former Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, and several other high-profile figures guilty of violating public trust and breaching Article 12 (1) of the Constitution. The judgment, a result of a Fundamental Rights Petition (SC/FRA/212/2022) filed by Transparency International
In a bid to foster national unity and reconciliation, the government has proposed the establishment of an Office for National Unity and Reconciliation (ONUR) through an Act of Parliament. The draft law, known as the ONUR bill, aims to ensure equal opportunities for all citizens across economic, social, cultural, and political spheres, while preserving individual
National Unity and Reconciliation Bill Sparks Concerns Over Civil Society Oversight Read More »
By Dr.Thushara Wickramanayake “History will judge us by the difference we make in the everyday lives of children” – Nelson Mandela Three decades after ratifying the UN Convention of the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), the treaty signed by the largest number of countries in the world, Sri Lanka’s rhetorical promises to protect and promote
Will UNCRC Recommendations on Children’s Rights Be Honored by Sri Lanka? Read More »
The Asian NGO Network on National Human Rights Institutions (ANNI) has unveiled its much-anticipated ANNI Report 2023, shedding light on the performance of National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) across Asia. This launch marks a significant moment, coinciding with the 30th anniversary of the adoption of the Paris Principles, providing an opportunity for reflection on NHRIs’
ANNI Report 2023 Reveals Insights on NHRIs’ Performance in Asia Read More »
Exploring the Realities of Sri Lanka’s Social Safety Net: Insights from Galle, Matara, Hambantota, and Monaragala Districts Focus Group Meetings. In a recent series of focus group meetings held in the Galle, Matara, Hambantota, and Monaragala districts of Sri Lanka, a profound examination of the country’s social safety net has brought to light crucial
District Focus Groups Illuminate Sri Lanka’s Social Safety Net Read More »
In a week marred by unprecedented violence in the Middle East, seven journalists lost their lives while carrying out their duties in Gaza and Lebanon. The international organization “Reporters Without Borders (RSF)” has issued a heartfelt plea for an end to these tragic losses and called on the Israeli authorities to halt military actions that
Bloodiest Week for Journalists in Middle East: RSF Urges Israel to Protect Press Freedom Read More »
