A public dialogue titled “Countering Terrorism while Safeguarding Social Security and Human Rights” was held on September 26, 2024, at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) in Colombo. The event featured Professor Rohan Samarajeeva, journalist Ajith Perakum Jayasinghe, and lawyers Dulan Dassanayake and Danushka Silva as resource persons. During the event, two significant publications were launched: a study book focused on the Prevention of Terrorism Act and a research book titled Aswasuma: Relief or Deception?.
The dialogue centered around the Prevention of Terrorism Act, No. 48 of 1979, with a report titled The Prevention of Terrorism Act: History, Context, and Current Practice, launched by the Right to Life Human Rights Organization. Authored by lawyer Danushka Silva, the report highlighted the negative aspects of the Act. Dulan Dassanayake discussed provisions of the Act that allow for illegal arrests and forced confessions, emphasizing their coercive impact on victims.
Journalist Ajith Perakum Jayasinghe, through his research book Aswasuma: Relief or Deception?, critiqued the replacement of the Samurdhi program with the Aswesuma program, arguing that it hindered self-employment opportunities for the poor, leading to further economic hardship. He also highlighted the crisis faced by the poor due to the burden of microfinance loans.
Professor Rohan Samarajeeva pointed out the devastating impact of Sri Lanka’s focus on IMF policies during the COVID-19 period, which, rather than alleviating poverty, exacerbated the struggles of the country’s impoverished population.
Visit the link to download these two research reports: https://www.right2lifelanka.org/research-and-books/
