As the Right to Life Human Rights Center, a leading organization advocating for human rights and democratic space in Sri Lanka, we urge the Government of Sri Lanka to meaningfully implement the stipulations of the latest resolution, A/HRC/60/L.1/Rev.1, adopted at the 60th Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva on October […]
A critical human rights discussion has been ignited in Sri Lanka following the government’s proposal to amend the Penal Code to prohibit corporal and psychological punishment. While the objective to protect children from physical and mental abuse is fundamentally sound and aligned with international human rights standards, the specific language of the bill introduces a
The Right to Life Human Rights Centre welcomes the growing national conversation surrounding the LGBTIQ+ community in Sri Lanka. As an organisation committed to upholding the fundamental rights and freedoms of all individuals, we recognise that the current legal framework poses a significant human rights challenge that must be addressed urgently. Our position is that
A Human Rights Imperative: Decriminalising Consensual Same-Sex Relations in Sri Lanka Read More »
The case of Mohamed Suhail, a 21 year old aviation student, highlights the arbitrary and unjust application of Sri Lanka’s Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA). Arrested in October 2024, Suhail was detained for nine months, with his case showcasing the deeply flawed nature of the PTA and its disproportionate use against individuals, particularly minorities, who
The Human Rights and Social Entrepreneurship Development Center (HRSEDC) represents a bold evolution of the Human Rights First Aid Center concept. This initiative goes beyond structural changes, combining social entrepreneurship principles with traditional rights defense to create a forward looking, sustainable model for human rights advocacy. A key dimension of this transformation is the
Training Today’s Defenders for Tomorrow’s Challenges Read More »
The Right to Life Human Rights Center has plans to transform its long standing Human Rights First Aid Center (HRFAC) service into Human Rights and Social Entrepreneurship Development Centers beginning in January 2026. Established in 2009, the HRFAC network currently operates in 24 locations across 19 districts, providing legal advice, guidance, and awareness programs on
Chandradasa Ranasinghe, a young law student and activist from Weerapane, Opatha, Matara, remains one of the many who disappeared during the turbulent period of 1989 in Sri Lanka. At the time of his disappearance, he was just 23 years old and in his first year of studies at the Open University. Ranasinghe was not only
25-year struggle for justice in the Lasantha Jagath Kumara case reveals systemic failings A public discussion titled “Delays in Sri Lanka’s Justice System and the Functioning of Anti-Torture Mechanisms” was held on July 15, 2015, at the Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute in Colombo, drawing attention to longstanding issues within Sri Lanka’s criminal justice system. The event
Public Dialogue Highlights Delays in Justice and Anti-Torture Mechanisms in Sri Lanka Read More »
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming an integral part of our daily lives, from social media recommendations to government services. While these technologies can bring great efficiency and progress, they also create serious risks, especially in the form of deepfakes and manipulated media. This is a critical challenge for Sri Lanka, and the Right to Life
Unmasking the Deepfake Threat: A Human Rights Crisis in Sri Lanka Read More »
The dates May 18-19 highlight a continuing divide in the country with few willing to look at the losses on the other side though they were all Sri Lankans. These two days in particular surface the uncomfortable truth that the country’s people have different memories, including the manner in which the three decade long
Regaining Trust of Minorities Requires More Than Symbolic Actions Read More »
Minister of Agriculture K D Lalkantha, one of the most senior members of the government, has made a statement regarding former president Ranil Wickremesinghe which has been a subject of speculation. Minister Lalkantha said that the former president has the best understanding of the present international economic order and the economic challenges facing the
Government is covering all bases but one Read More »
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is moving rapidly into Sri Lanka’s daily life — from social media algorithms shaping public opinion to AI-powered analytics in banking, and soon, into government services like digital IDs and welfare distribution. While these tools can bring efficiency and new opportunities, they also pose serious risks to rights, democracy, and social equity.
AI Accountability: Why It Matters for Sri Lanka Read More »
