Author: editor

HRCSL Marks Human Rights Day 2024 with Four Key Publications

editor

Colombo, December 10, 2024 – The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) celebrated International Human Rights Day at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) with the theme “Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now.” The event emphasized the need for immediate action on human rights challenges to build a more sustainable and inclusive future. A key highlight of the event was the launch of four significant publications, underscoring HRCSL’s commitment to advancing human rights in Sri Lanka. Overview of the Publications Guidelines and Recommendations Two dedicated documents provide actionable…

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Controversy Over Attorney General’s Move to Close Mahara Prison Case

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Welisara Magistrate Thusitha Dhammika Uduwavidana expressed surprise yesterday over the Attorney General’s decision to close the case file concerning the deaths of 11 inmates during the 2020 Mahara Prison unrest. The Magistrate raised concerns about the decision during a hearing at the Welisara Magistrate’s Court, noting that the Attorney General had previously assured the Court of Appeal that indictments against the officials implicated in the incident would be filed within three months. Prominent attorney and rights advocate, Senaka Perera, highlighted the seriousness of the Attorney General’s directive to halt further…

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Supreme Court to Hear Women’s Rights Violation Petition

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The Supreme Court has agreed to hear a fundamental rights petition filed by a group, including Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, alleging police misconduct during a peaceful protest in Polduwa in 2023. The petition accuses former Acting Inspector General of Police Deshabandu Tennakoon and several officers of violating the rights of women from the National People’s Power during the protest. The case will be heard by a bench comprising Justices Yasantha Kodagoda, Achala Wengappuli, and Priyantha Fernando. The respondents include Deshabandu Tennakoon, Officers-in-Charge (OICs) of the Welikada, Thalangama, and Mirihana…

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16-year-old student dies months after assault by teachers

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A 16-year-old girl from a well-known school in Wennappuwa has passed away following a serious head injury, allegedly caused by two teachers. She had been in the hospital for over three months before she died on November 13 while receiving treatment at the Ragama Teaching Hospital. The post-mortem examination confirmed that the student died from brain bleeding caused by the assault. The incident occurred on August 9 when the teachers punished the student and another classmate for taking over 20 minutes to return to the classroom. The teachers reportedly hit…

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An In-Depth Analysis of Violence Against Children in Sri Lanka: August 2024

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  Child abuse remains a critical issue in Sri Lanka, as highlighted by ECPAT Sri Lanka’s media monitoring report for August 2024. This analysis provides a sobering insight into the various forms of violence affecting children and underscores the pervasive nature of the problem. Overview of Reported Incidents In August 2024, 94 incidents involving 108 victims of child abuse were reported through media coverage. These cases span diverse forms of abuse, each with significant impacts on children’s well-being. Types of Abuse Sexual Abuse: The most reported category, with 41 incidents…

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Decade-Long Fight for Justice: Family of Nimal Chandrasiri Wins Compensation After Police Custody Death

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In a tragic case dating back to April 2012, Nimal Chandrasiri, a fisherman from Thalpitiya, Wadduwa, faced a brutal fate while in police custody. Arrested under suspicious circumstances, he was found in severe pain in the Wadduwa police cell. Despite pleas from his family for medical help, police officers dismissed his agony as mere pretense. Hours later, Chandrasiri was rushed to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The case, shrouded in allegations of police brutality, faced prolonged delays, leaving his family in search of justice for over a decade.…

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Strengthening Protections Against Torture and Ill-Treatment in Sri Lanka: Reflections on 30 Years of CAT Ratification

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By Basil Fernando As Sri Lanka commemorates the 30th anniversary of its ratification of the UN Convention Against Torture (CAT), the time has come to reflect deeply on both the progress made and the persistent gaps that hinder the full realization of this vital human rights treaty. Though Sri Lanka has shown some legislative advancement over the decades, the country continues to grapple with endemic torture and ill-treatment, particularly in police custody. Despite the proactive efforts of organizations like the Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) and other advocates, the state’s…

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Attorney General Withdraws Case on Mahara Prison Inmate Deaths During COVID-19 Period

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The Attorney General has withdrawn the case related to the deaths of 11 inmates at Mahara Prison during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the Attorney General, it was concluded following a comprehensive investigation that the police Special Task Force officers had acted lawfully to protect both officers and inmates during the incident. Furthermore, the investigation revealed that officers had not exceeded their right to personal safety, as established under law. Consequently, the Attorney General indicated that no further legal action would be necessary, and the case would…

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Attorney Dhanushka Silva Explores History and Impact of the Prevention of Terrorism Act

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Attorney Dhanushka Silva recently presented his insights on the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) during a two-day conference organized for regional leaders by the Right to Life Human Rights Centre. The event, held at the Camelot Hotel in Negombo, attracted many regional representatives and staff members of the Right to Life Human Rights Centre. In his presentation, Attorney Silva explored the historical and contextual background of the PTA, highlighting its introduction to Parliament in 1979 by the former State Minister, Lalith Athulathmudali. Silva explained that Minister Athulathmudali, in justifying the…

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Bentara Police Accused of Assaulting Hotel Employee in False Arrest

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Beruwala – Hasitha Malinga, a 24-year-old hotel employee from Beruwala, was allegedly assaulted by Bentara Police officers after being falsely accused of theft. Malinga, who works at a hotel in Bentara, completed his shift and returned home in the early hours of August 9, 2024. Later that morning, around 9:00 AM, he received a call from his workplace, asking him to return. Upon his arrival, police officers were waiting for him and arrested him on allegations of misplacing a foreign guest’s wallet. During his detention, Malinga was reportedly subjected to…

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