Category: News

On November 14th, the Supreme Court delivered a landmark ruling, declaring that the arrest of Ramzy Razeek in April 2020, under the ICCPR Act, infringed upon his Fundamental Rights. Consequently, the State has been directed to compensate him with Rs 1 million. In a noteworthy move, Chief Inspector B.M.A.S.K. Senaratne, the first respondent, and former CID Director DIG W. Thilakaratne, the second respondent, have been personally instructed to pay Rs 30,000 to the petitioner, Mr. Razeek, within one month from their own funds. Moreover, the Supreme Court has mandated the…

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In a distressing turn of events, the peaceful and continuous protests held by Thimbirigasyaya residents in front of the Thimbirigasaya Health Guard Pharmacy are under siege, as an organized mob attempted to disrupt the demonstration on November 12, 2023. The silent protest, which has persisted for 234 consecutive times since April 7, 2022, has faced escalating threats, prompting concerns for the safety and constitutional rights of the demonstrators. Reports indicate that a group of approximately 40 individuals orchestrated a violent attack, with evidence pointing towards a well-coordinated effort involving multiple…

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By Dr.Thushara Wickramanayake “History will judge us by the difference we make in the everyday lives of children” – Nelson Mandela Three decades after ratifying the UN Convention of the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), the treaty signed by the largest number of countries in the world, Sri Lanka’s rhetorical promises to protect and promote the rights of children is a crystal-clear reflection of the history of the nation that has failed many generations. During the recent uprising ‘Aragalaya’, the citizens demanded “a better country for our children” but the…

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On October 23, a young man filed a formal complaint with the Sri Lanka Human Rights Commission, accusing officers from the Kesbewa Police Station of violently assaulting him and issuing death threats. The incident took place on the 17th when multiple police officers apprehended him without any apparent reason. They then transported him to a secluded area, where they restrained him and subjected him to physical abuse, according to the victim’s statement. In addition to the assault, the complainant asserted that his wife was held at the police station until…

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In a shocking turn of events, Ranawila Arachchilage Shanaka Chaminda, a 33-year-old resident of Hokandara, has come forward with allegations of severe police brutality and coercion during his recent arrest by the Malabe police. According to Shanaka Chaminda, his ordeal began when his brother-in-law, Lasantha Madhushanka, was released from prison after serving time on drug charges. Lasantha Madhushanka, after his release, found himself back behind bars without any charges laid against him for an entire year. This incident led Lasantha Madhushanka to file a complaint with the Human Rights Commission.…

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In a case that has spanned over three decades, justice was finally served on October 10, 2023, as the Kalutara High Court Judge Pradeep Abeyratne pronounced the verdict for a heinous murder that occurred on January 15, 1992. The victim, Dhanapala Fernando, a resident of Pahe Kanuwa, Meagamwatta area of Dharga town, was brutally attacked with sticks and killed in Navuttuduwa, Keeranthidiya area. The trial, which had been pending under the Magistrates of Matugama Magistrate’s Court and passed through the hands of several High Court Judges of Kalutara High Court,…

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    In a recent ruling, Chief Magistrate and Additional District Judge Mr. Bandula Gunaratne found former surgeon Ashoka Wijemann guilty of injuring a nurse with scissors in the operating theater of Kurunegala Teaching Hospital. The incident, which occurred around March 12, 2019, led to a case filed under Section 314 of the Ceylon Penal Code at the Chief Magistrate’s Court. Chief Magistrate Bandula Gunaratne emphasized that surgeons should not act out of anger and must uphold discipline and restraint in their duties. He also informed the plaintiff nurse, Mrs.…

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  In celebration of National Law Week 2023, the Bar Association of Sri Lanka is extending a helping hand to those in need of legal assistance. The association will be hosting legal aid clinics on multiple dates and locations, ensuring accessibility to justice for all. On 28th and 29th September, from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, the legal aid clinic will be open at the Hulftsdorp Courts Complex in Colombo. This two-day event is an excellent opportunity for individuals seeking legal guidance and support. Furthermore, on Saturday, 30th September, a legal aid clinic will…

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In a recent analysis of the Anti-Terrorism Bill (ATA) gazetted in September 2023, attorney-at-law Ermiza Tegal highlighted that there are minimal substantive differences between this version and the earlier one from March 2023. Tegal’s examination reveals that the core contentious features of the March 2023 ATA remain intact in the September 2023 ATA. The key concerns with the legislation include: A broad definition of terrorism that could potentially target dissent, expression, assembly, and association. Extensive powers granted to the police, armed forces, and coast guard, allowing them to arrest, search,…

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