In a significant move to uphold human rights and prevent custodial and encounter deaths, the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) has issued its General Guidelines and Recommendations No. 1 of 2025 to the Sri Lanka Police. The newly introduced guidelines aim to strengthen protections for the right to life and bodily integrity, especially […]
The Ministry of Women, Child Affairs, and Social Empowerment has officially launched the Multi-Sectorial National Action Plan to Address Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) in Sri Lanka (2024–2028), marking a significant policy step towards creating a society free from gender based violence and discrimination. The Action Plan, described as an “all-inclusive strategy,” brings together 13
The peaceful and orderly conduct of the recently concluded local government elections which were held without the large-scale abuses of state power or otherwise that marred previous electoral cycles has marked a refreshing change from the past. It demonstrates a commendable commitment by the present government to uphold electoral integrity and democratic norms. We congratulate
Local Government Election Outcome a Call for Inclusive Governance Read More »
In a vital step toward strengthening grassroots human rights initiatives, a series of successful programmes were conducted in Kantale and Anuradhapura, bringing together human rights defenders, young journalists, and small and medium entrepreneurs (SMEs). These sessions focused on the transformation and improvement of Human Rights First Aid Centers (HRFACs) to better meet the needs of
A harrowing case of alleged police brutality has come to light in Yakkalamulla, Galle, where a completely disabled man claims he was assaulted, abused, and falsely accused by officers from the Yakkalamulla Police Station. Eriyana Bandara Indika Prabath, a 36-year-old father of one residing at Mbivitawatta, Magedara, was reportedly subjected to an illegal search, physical
Alleged Police Assault on Physically Disabled Man in Yakkalamulla. Read More »
Colombo Additional Magistrate Keminda Perera yesterday (9) ordered the exhumation of the body of Sathsara Nimesh, a youth from Meegahakivula, Badulla, who died while in Welikada Police custody. The Magistrate directed that a full post-mortem examination be conducted by a board of three specialist doctors, and the report submitted to the Colombo Magistrate’s Court. The
The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has expressed deep concern over the death of Sathsara Nimesh, who died while in the custody of the Welikada Police on April 2. The BASL has called for an immediate and impartial investigation into the incident. In a statement issued on April 5, the BASL raised alarm over
Bar Association Issues Statement on Sathsara’s Death in Police Custody Read More »
A 26-year-old man, identified as Muthuwadige Sathsara Nimesh from Meegahakiwula, Badulla, has died while in police custody at the Welikada Police Station, raising serious concerns about alleged custodial torture. According to police reports, Nimesh was arrested on the night of April 1st in response to a complaint about a house break-in in the Nawala area.
Youth Dies in Custody at Welikada Police Station Amid Allegations of Torture Read More »
The UK government’s decision to impose sanctions on four Sri Lankan individuals, including three former military commanders, has ignited significant debate. This move comes at a time when large-scale violence continues unchecked in other parts of the world, raising concerns about the application of different standards to different countries. As a non-partisan civil society organization,
Sri Lanka Needs a Comprehensive Solution Not Selective Justice Read More »
Journalists and legal professionals from Anuradhapura and Kantale have raised concerns over a range of pressing civil and human rights issues, calling for immediate action and reforms. Anuradhapura: Land Disputes and Legal Aid At a journalist collective meeting in Anuradhapura, journalists highlighted land-related issues, particularly unauthorized constructions and problems with irrigation channels. Many residents are
Jakarta, March 17, 2025 – A coalition of civil society organizations, including the Right to Life Human Rights Organization, has strongly rejected proposed amendments to Law No. 34/2004 on the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI Law). The revisions would expand military roles in civilian governance and law enforcement, threatening democracy and human rights. OMCT, together
Civil Society Opposes Amendments to Indonesia’s TNI Law Read More »
Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP) and Attorney-at-Law Priyantha Weerasuriya has instructed Sri Lanka Police officers to strictly follow the guidelines issued by the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) to protect the rights of transgender individuals. He emphasized that the HRCSL receives daily complaints regarding instances where police officers allegedly violate the human
Acting IGP Instructs Police to Adhere to Human Rights Guidelines for Transgender People Read More »
