Category: News

21-Year-Old Hospitalized After Severe Beating by Prison Officers in Agunakolapelessa

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A case of brutal assault by prison officers on a young man has been reported from the Hambantota area. According to reports, Hasitha Lakshan Wijesuriya, a 21-year-old resident of Hambantota, was allegedly beaten by prison officers. On November 27, the young man had gone to a relative’s house in Agunakolapelessa but hadn’t returned home by night, and his phone was inactive. The next day, his family received a call from the Agunakolapelessa Police stating that the young man was in police custody and would be produced in court. When his…

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HRCSL Addresses Social Media Harassment of Women in Report to UN Committee

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The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) has raised critical concerns about the harassment and abuse faced by women on social media platforms. This issue was a focal point in the Parallel Report submitted by the HRCSL to the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) on January 6, 2025. As a signatory to the CEDAW Convention, Sri Lanka is obligated to safeguard women from all forms of violence, including digital abuse. The HRCSL’s report highlighted the increasing prevalence of online harassment, particularly targeting women…

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“Prisoners Are Humans Too,” Magistrate Warns Prison Officials.

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Colombo Additional Magistrate Pasan Amarasekara issued a stern warning to prison officials, emphasizing, “Prisoners are humans too,” after witnessing 40 detainees shackled together with a single chain and brought into the courtroom. The Magistrate criticized the inhumane treatment and instructed prison officers to refrain from treating prisoners like animals. “These are human beings, not animals,” Amarasena declared, addressing prison officers directly. His intervention highlighted growing concerns about prisoner dignity and human rights within Sri Lanka’s judicial system. The magistrate explicitly ordered prison officials to cease the practice of restraining suspects…

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Petition Filed Seeking Legal Action in 2020 Mahara Prison Riot Deaths

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A petition has been submitted to the Court of Appeal, urging the resumption of legal proceedings concerning the deaths of 11 inmates during the 2020 Mahara Prison riots. The petition also seeks directives for the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and other relevant authorities to take further action. This legal move follows a letter from the Attorney General’s (AG) Department to the CID, describing the incident as an act of self-defense by the police under Section 77 of the Prisons Ordinance. The AG’s Department had subsequently indicated its intention to close…

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Prison Torture Claims: 21-Year-Old Victim Reduced to Constant Falling After Brutal Beatings

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In the Mawatwewa area of Anuradhapura, a 21-year-old man named Indika Kumara was arrested on suspicion of sexually abusing a woman. During his time in prison, prison officers have been beating him daily and have even inserted a stick into his anal passage. After being released on bail and returning home, he has now been reduced to a state of constant leg paralysis, unable to walk and frequently falling down. Prior to his imprisonment, he had no pre-existing medical conditions, and according to doctors, this medical condition has arisen solely…

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“Human Rights Day Focuses on Torture Prevention and Legal Reforms to Uphold Justice in Sri Lanka”

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On December 11, 2024, the Right to Life Human Rights Center celebrated International Human Rights Day with an impactful event themed “ CHANGE TO PROTECTION HUMAN RIGHTS” at BMICH TULIP Hall. The discussions highlighted critical issues like gender inequality, economic struggles, legal reforms, and transitional justice. With inspiring speakers, engaging discussions, and empowering moments like the book launches, we came together to advocate for a more just and equitable future for Sri Lanka. The commemorative gathering featured prominent human rights advocates and professionals who delivered insightful speeches, highlighting the importance…

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Repealing Terror Act and Expanding Prisoner Rights: A Vision for Justice

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On December 11, 2024, the Right to Life Human Rights Center celebrated International Human Rights Day with an impactful event themed “ CHANGE TO PROTECTION HUMAN RIGHTS” at BMICH TULIP Hall. The discussions highlighted critical issues like gender inequality, economic struggles, legal reforms, and transitional justice. With inspiring speakers, engaging discussions, and empowering moments like the book launches, we came together to advocate for a more just and equitable future for Sri Lanka. The commemorative gathering featured prominent human rights advocates and professionals who delivered insightful speeches, highlighting the importance…

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HRCSL Marks Human Rights Day 2024 with Four Key Publications

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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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Alleged Police Misconduct: A Shocking Incident of Violence and Threats in Kalabada

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On November 21, 2024, around 7 PM, a person attended a party at a friend’s house in his area. After the party ended and everyone dispersed, a personal confrontation occurred between him and his friend. During this confrontation, the friend came with a machete intending to attack him. Madushaan took the machete and was walking home on the Kalabada Road when a person suddenly appeared in front of him, claiming to be from the police. Madushaan dropped the machete in his hand and raised his hands, at which point the…

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Scrap Metal Collector Alleges Police Brutality in Bangama: Arrest, Assault, and Controversial Detention

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Chinthaka Prasad Abethunga, a scrap metal collector from Bangama, Akuressa, was reportedly arrested on November 25 while returning from work. According to his family, he was taken to the Bangama Police Station by three officers in a police jeep, with his wife later being informed that the arrest was related to a traffic case. On the morning of November 26, around 7:30 a.m., his wife and mother visited the police station to check on him. She claims to have witnessed the Officer-in-Charge (OIC) lying on her husband’s body as he…

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