Editor

250 artists demand immediate arrest of Mahinda Rajapaksa, Johnston Fernando and other members of government for the attack on GGG

May 13, 2022 Editor

STATEMENT ON THE EVENTS OF 9TH MAY 2022 On the morning of 9th May 2022, pro-government mobs, transported to Colombo in busses, brutally assaulted peaceful protestors outside Temple Trees and in GotaGoGama, Galle Face. We condemn, in the strongest possible terms, this attack by mobs wielding wooden poles and steel rods, on unarmed protesters, where tents were burned, property destroyed and civilians intimidated and beaten. It is now clear that the mobs were brought to the official residence of the then-Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa; and that their assault originated from…

BASL calls for the introduction of the 21st Amendment & a national unity govt

April 25, 2022April 25, 2022 Editor

At a special meeting of the Bar Council to discuss the BASL proposals to restore economic and political stability in Sri Lanka, thirteen proposals were approved unanimously by the Bar Council consisting of representatives of the branches from throughout Sri Lanka. The proposals include: The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) (23) issued a release highlighting a number of proposals to restore political and economic stability in the country. 1. Passing of the 21st amendment repealing the 20th amendment. The 21st amendment should improve on the 19th amendment. It will…

SLCAT Condemns Police Brutality in Rambukkana

April 25, 2022 Editor

Sri Lanka Collective against Torture (SLCAT) condemns the violence by the Sri Lanka Police on 19th April 2022 at Rambukkana, Kegalle in the Sabaragamuwa Province of Sri Lanka. Police officials are alleged to have used violence, including beating with batons, and firing live ammunition repeatedly at people fleeing. These actions are alleged to have caused grave injuries to civilians agitating against government actions particularly the hike in fuel prices and bystanders. Reports have been received of at least one confirmed death and over 12 citizens injured with two in critical…

Open Letter to the Protesters – Prof. Indrawansa de Silva

April 25, 2022 Editor

Congratulations, you made history! And you won an early battle. You made history because there hasn’t been a mass protest like yours in recent Sri Lankan history. It is also historical because your protest is not organized by a political party, a charismatic leader or an identified entity, although, as you know by now, many parties, individuals and wizards behind virtual curtains are claiming at least the partial, if not entire, ownership of it. As the saying goes, success has many fathers and failure is an orphan. If, heaven forbid,…

TID officers said I’m a terrorist because I didn’t own Buddhist books: Ahnaf Jazeem

January 20, 2022 Editor

Former PTA detainee poet : says they threatened to detain him for 20 years if he did not sign a confession Ahnaf Jazeem, a poet and teacher from the East of Sri Lanka, was arrested in May 2020 under the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act No. 48 of 1979 (PTA). Initially arrested in connection to his Tamil-language poetry anthology, titled Navarasam, which the authorities alleged to be promoting “extremist” ideologies, Jazeem was finally granted bail on 15 December, after over a year in prison. Speaking to the media for…

Sri Lanka Human Rights Commission downgraded by UN body, the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions

January 19, 2022 Editor

SLHRC downgraded by UN body, the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions

Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka has been downgraded to B status by the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI), a United Nations Institute of National Human Rights Organisation. UN General Assembly adopted the guiding principals for NHRCs, known as “Paris Principals ” in 1993. Sub-Committee on Accreditation of the GANHRI was held in June 2021 but the report has been make public recently. This is the second time HRCSL has been downgraded by the GANHRI. First it was in 2007 only under the previous government it was…

Accused of enforced disappearance of 11 youth, Rear Admiral Karannagoda to be appointed as a Governor

December 10, 2021 Editor

Admiral of the Fleet, Wasantha Karannagoda is tipped to be appointed as the Governor of the North Western Province The Morning reports. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has appointed dozens of serving and retired military generals to influential administration positions. This appointment also seen as a continuation of militarisation of administration under Rajapaksa. Karannagoda’s new appointment is likely to take place later today (09). War time Navy commander is 14th accused of the case of abduction and enforced disappearance 11 young men in the Abduction of 11 Youth between August 2008 and…

Author: Editor