torture act sri lanka 1994
54: Hunting the Innocent Through Legal Loopholes
Today We premiered our latest documentary ’54’ at Sandhara Colombo, from 3:00 PM onwards. The documentary explores Dulanjali Abeyratneās harrowing 390-day experience in remand custody and sheds light on the misuse of Section 54 of the Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs Ordinance (PODDO). Following the screening, an insightful panel discussion featuring Professor Rohan Samarajeeva, Danushka
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R2L Convenes Strategic Consultation with HRFAC Coordinators to Formulate Anti-Torture SOPs
On July 30, 2026, the Right to Life Human Rights Centre convened a high-level consultation with Human Rights First Aid Centre (HRFAC) coordinators to guide the development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the management of torture cases. Moderated by Attorney-at-Law Dulan Dassanayake, the session provided a vital platform for first responders across Sri Lanka
URGENT CALL FOR ACCOUNTABILITY, MEANINGFUL JUSTICE REFORMS, AND AN END TO CUSTODIAL VIOLENCE IN SRI LANKAāS PRISONS
We, the undersigned civil society collective, express our profound concern and unequivocally condemn the tragic incidents that occurred at Negombo Prison between 5 and 7 July 2026. These clashes resulted in the loss of at least 31 lives, including 10Ā prison officers, and left over 100 individuals injured. Moreover, we are deeply alarmed by verified
Hunting the Innocent through Legal Loopholes: Stop Fabricated Cases and the Misuse of Section 54 Immediately!
āAlthough eradicating drugs from a country is an essential matter, destroying the lives of innocent citizens by imprisoning them on fabricated charges in the name of drug suppression can in no way be condoned. One of the most serious tragedies we see today is the misuse of the law by certain corrupt police officers to
Multi-Stakeholder Consultation Highlights Urgent Need for Collective Action to Eradicate Torture in Sri Lanka
COLOMBO, SRI LANKA On July 2, 2026, the Right to Life (R2L) Human Rights Centre, in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Collective Against Torture (SLCAT), hosted a vital stakeholder consultation and policy dialogue at Hotel Ramada, Colombo. Held under the theme “The Urgency of Torture Eradication and Our Collective Responsibility,” the event brought together a
Commemorating the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture: A Call for Justice and Unity
On June 26, 2026, human rights defenders, legal experts, and citizens gathered to observe the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture. The event brought together voices from the Human Rights First Aid Centre (HRFAC) in Anuradhapura, the Anuradhapura District Citizensā Committee, and Right to Life (R2L) to shed light on the urgent need
Supreme Court Grants Leave to Proceed in Fundamental Rights Petition Filed Against Sri Lanka Police Officers Attached to Ittapana Police Station
The Supreme Court of Sri Lanka has granted leave to proceed in the Fundamental Rights application bearing No. SCFR/28/2025 filed by Mr. Dinesh Madhusanka Liyanage, a resident of Yagirala Neluwa Mahagedarawatta, alleging unlawful arrest, illegal detention, and torture by officers attached to the Ittapana Police Station. The petition was taken up before a three-judge bench
“Is Torture Indispensable?” – Colombo Dialogue 02
The Right to Life Human Rights Centre together with the Colombo Human Rights First Aid Centre today hosted āColombo Dialogue 02ā at Sandhara CafĆ© as part of a series of events marking the upcoming International Day in Support of Victims of Torture. The dialogue brought together legal professionals, activists and civil society representatives to discuss
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“Gulf War: Destruction or Change?”.
The inaugural dialogue of the Colombo Dialogue Forum, organized by the Right to Life Human Rights Centre, took place on March 13 at 3.30 PM at the Sandhara Dialogue Cafe. The event, organized by the Colombo Human Rights First Aid Centre and moderated by Amandi Hitinayake, explored the theme “Gulf War: Destruction or Change?”. The
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