Stories

Basic Rights of a Person Under Arrest

January 28, 2025January 28, 2025 Editor

The Constitution’s Article 13(1) guarantees that no person shall be arrested except according to the procedure established by law. Article 13(2) stipulates that any person who is arrested must be informed of the reason for their arrest, and Article 13(3) ensures the right to consult with a lawyer after the arrest. A person under arrest has the right to inform a family member or a lawyer about their detention. If the person complains of mistreatment or shows signs of injury, they can request a medical examination. Furthermore, it is unconstitutional…

Lasantha Wickrematunge: A Voice That Refused to Be Silenced

January 28, 2025 Editor

Lasantha Wickrematunge was more than just a journalist; he was a symbol of fearless truth-telling and an unwavering advocate for justice in Sri Lanka. As the editor of The Sunday Leader, he boldly exposed corruption, human rights abuses, and the misuse of power, earning admiration and enemies alike. On January 8, 2009, Lasantha was brutally murdered while driving to work in Aththidiya, Rathmalana—a shocking attack that shook the nation. Sixteen years later, his killers remain unidentified, a haunting reminder of the challenges journalists face in seeking accountability. Lasantha’s death highlighted…

11 youths were kidnapped and disappeared after ransom demands

January 27, 2025January 27, 2025 Editor

In 2008, 11 young men were abducted and disappeared from areas around Colombo. The abductors demanded ransom from the victims’ families. The main suspect arrested in connection with these abductions and disappearances was Chandana Prasad Hettiarachchi, a Navy sailor. Reports indicate that the abducted youth were held at Navy camps in Colombo and Trincomalee. Navy Commander Rear Admiral Wasantha Karannagoda was reportedly fully aware of the detention of these 11 youth. According to Criminal Investigation Department investigations, they were held at locations where former Navy spokesperson D.K.P. Dassanayake and Commander…

15 Years Since Prageeth Eknaligoda’s Disappearance

January 25, 2025January 25, 2025 Editor

Following the end of Sri Lanka’s civil war in 2009, General Sarath Fonseka, who had been the Army Commander during the war, contested the January 26, 2010, presidential election as the common opposition candidate. Many activists who were opposing to the war and the Rajapaksa family dominance joined his campaign. Among them was Prageeth Eknaligoda, a writer, journalist, cartoonist, and social activist who maintained connections with various media organizations, trade unions, civil society groups, and political parties. President Mahinda Rajapaksa, who sought reelection, ultimately won the election. The opposition campaign focused on themes…

Police Brutality Allegations Surface at Mawanella Police Station: Innocent Man Assaulted and Threatened.

January 22, 2025January 22, 2025 Editor

On January 11th, when Mr. Piyantha Anura Bandara was waiting near the bus stop to visit his son’s house in Kondeniya, three individuals approached him and threatened him, demanding he hand over two bags they claimed he had stolen. At that moment, he stated that he hadn’t stolen anything and asked to be taken to the police. These individuals then took him to the Mawanella Police Station in a three-wheeler. After arriving at the police station, when one officer was taking him upstairs, another officer who was present asked why…

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

January 16, 2025January 16, 2025 Editor

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…

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

January 3, 2025January 3, 2025 Editor

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…

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

December 11, 2024 Editor

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…

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

December 11, 2024December 11, 2024 Editor

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

December 9, 2024December 10, 2024 Editor

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…