Articles Archives - Right To Life Human Rights Center

Micro-level collective efforts, rather than macro solutions, are required for the crises faced by journalists – Dr Viranjana Herath

Dr Viranjana Herath of the Media Law Forum pointed out that, rather than relying on mere macro solutions to overcome the challenges faced by the current media sector and journalists, micro solutions should be tested through various collectives of journalists. He stated this while delivering a guest lecture at the general assembly of the ‘Journalists for Rights’ organisation, […]

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Sandhara in Kotagala: Empowering Communities Through Social Enterprise and Human Rights

Articles / suneth gajanayake

In the heart of Kotagala, a new model of community empowerment is taking shape through the Sandhara Kotagala outlet, a social enterprise initiative that brings together economic opportunity, local production, and human rights. The initiative was officially launched on 09 May 2026 in Kotagala Town, marking an important milestone in community-driven development within the plantation

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Suriya Wickremasinghe: A Life in Service of Justice, Rights and Human Dignity

Articles / suneth gajanayake

Sri Lanka has lost one of its most courageous and enduring voices for human rights and social justice. Suriya Wickramasinghe, secretary of the Civil Rights Movement of Sri Lanka (CRM), former chair of the International Executive Committee of Amnesty International, a courageous activist who stood up for political prisoners and a silent but unwavering advocate

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Unveiling the Truth: How the Istanbul Protocol Helps Us Fight Against Torture

Articles / Editor

Torture is a terrible crime. It leaves both physical scars and deep mental wounds. For victims trying to get justice, the biggest challenge is often just proving that the abuse actually happened. At the Right to Life Human Rights Centre (R2L), we see this problem every day in our fight against police brutality. When the

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Participatory Development Beyond Subsidies: The ‘Praja Shakthi’ Experiment, Ground Realities, and Rural Democracy – By Ajith Perakum Jayasinghe – Civil Society Activist

Articles / Editor

In the face of the current global crises and the context of war, both the world’s and Sri Lanka’s economy are experiencing severe impacts. Consequently, there is a possibility that poverty levels may rise further in the future. We have entered an era where the fight against poverty must be intensified more than ever before.

Participatory Development Beyond Subsidies: The ‘Praja Shakthi’ Experiment, Ground Realities, and Rural Democracy – By Ajith Perakum Jayasinghe – Civil Society Activist Read More »

Social Entrepreneurship Development Center (SEDC) Launch Marks a New Beginning for Community Empowerment in Anuradhapura

Articles / suneth gajanayake

An initiative under the Sandhara Social Entrepreneurship Network aimed at empowering marginalized communities through sustainable, human-centered entrepreneurship. On April 7, 2026, the Social Entrepreneurship Development Center (SEDC) will be officially launched in Anuradhapura under the Sandhara Social Entrepreneurship Network. This initiative will represent a significant step toward strengthening community empowerment through a sustainable and people-centered

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Justice or pleasing the crowd?

Articles, Fair Justice Campaign / suneth gajanayake

When the Supreme Court found politicians (three Rajapaksa brothers) and senior officials including two former Governors of the Central Bank responsible for the damage caused the 2021-2022 economic crisis many were unhappy. They wanted the persons found culpable jailed, fined, and otherwise punished. Former Minister Keheliya Rambukwella was recently ordered to pay LKR 75 million

Justice or pleasing the crowd? Read More »

Justice for Victims of Torture: What is a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)?

Articles, Fair Justice Campaign / suneth gajanayake

A Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) is a set of step-by-step instructions compiled by an organization to help workers carry out complex and repetitive routine operations. The primary objective is to achieve efficiency, quality output, and uniformity of performance, while reducing miscommunication and failure to comply with regulations. In Sri Lanka, the restriction of civil space

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“Liya Diriya” Social Entrepreneurship Programme Launched in Anamaduwa

Articles, Events / Editor

A new initiative aimed at building a sustainable future, strengthening families, and contributing to the national economy was officially launched in Anamaduwa under the title “Liya Diriya” Home Gardening Social Entrepreneurship Programme. This programme is implemented by the Right to Life Human Rights Centre as part of its “Sandhara” Social Entrepreneurship Network, in collaboration with

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Sri Lankan Human Rights Defender Brito Fernando Awarded Per Anger Prize 2026

Articles / suneth gajanayake

Renowned Sri Lankan human rights defender Brito Fernando has been awarded the prestigious Per Anger Prize for 2026, in recognition of his decades-long struggle for truth, justice, and accountability for victims of enforced disappearances in Sri Lanka. The award, presented by the Swedish Government, honours individuals and organisations that have made outstanding contributions to human

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Justice Delayed, Life Disrupted in Suhail’s case: Why a Mere Apology for PTA Abuses is Never Enough

Articles, Fair Justice Campaign / suneth gajanayake

The horrifying reality of arbitrary arrests in Sri Lanka was laid bare once again at the Supreme Court this week. Mohamed Rifai Mohamed Suhail, a 21-year-old Muslim youth from Mawanella, was finally vindicated after spending nearly nine agonising months in remand custody. His alleged crime? A social media post that supposedly damaged an Israeli flag.

Justice Delayed, Life Disrupted in Suhail’s case: Why a Mere Apology for PTA Abuses is Never Enough Read More »

Existing Laws Already Decriminalize Sex Work in Sri Lanka, Says Legal Expert

Articles / suneth gajanayake

Attorney-at-Law Lakshan Dias has stated that sex work is effectively decriminalised in Sri Lanka under existing judicial interpretations, suggesting that the primary focus should be on recognizing this legal reality rather than drafting complex new legislation. Providing a comprehensive legal analysis, Mr. Dias noted that the Vagrants Ordinance, introduced in 1841 to control migrant plantation

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