Author: editor

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

editor

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

editor

  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

editor

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

editor

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

editor

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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Supreme Court Rules Fundamental Rights of First Female Acting DIG Violated; Orders Reconsideration of Appointment

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A three-member bench of the Supreme Court ruled yesterday (10th) that the fundamental rights of Mrs. Bimshani Jasinghaarachchi, the Senior Superintendent of Police and the first female officer to serve as Acting Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of the Community Police Unit in Sri Lanka, had been violated. As a result, the court directed the National Police Commission to reconsider her appointment as Acting DIG of the Community Police Unit, effective from October 5. Mrs. Jasinghaarachchi was appointed Acting DIG of the Community Police Unit on December 14, 2020. However, after…

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IGP and Police Commission Found Guilty of Failing to Enforce Anti-Torture Directives

editor

To protect individuals in police custody from being subjected to torture, the court had previously issued several directives. However, these measures have not produced the intended results, as stated by Justice S. Thurai Raja, Chairman of the three-judge Supreme Court bench, on August 26. Justice Thurai Raja made this declaration during the consideration of a fundamental rights petition related to a case of severe torture. Despite the court’s various orders, warnings, and guidelines aimed at preventing such abuses during police arrests, incidents of torture continue unabated. The National Police Commission…

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Principal of Debokkawa Maha Vidyalaya Accused of Assaulting 7th Grade Student

editor

A serious allegation has emerged from the Hambantota district as the principal of Debokkawa Maha Vidyalaya faces accusations of assaulting a 7th-grade student. The complaint, lodged with local police and supported by the Hambantota Human Rights First Aid Center, claims that despite the student’s parents reporting the assault three months ago, no investigation has been initiated. The incident has raised concerns about the handling of such cases and the safety of students within the school. The Hambantota Human Rights First Aid Center has expressed its commitment to seeking justice for…

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