When I visited Sri Lanka recently, a decade had passed since my first visit to the island. At that time, as now, there was a sense of possibility in the air. The people of Sri Lanka had cast off the Rajapaksa clan’s control over the nation. New alliances were forged transcending ethnic, religious, and regional […]
The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) has written to the Minister of Justice and National Integration, Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, calling for the repeal or amendment of Sections 365 and 365A of the Penal Code. The letter was sent in line with the Commission’s mandate under Section 10(d) of the Human Rights Commission of
Human Rights Commission Seeks Repeal of Penal Code Sections Targeting LGBTQ+ Community. Read More »
In a historic verdict highlighting accountability in law enforcement, the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka has ordered six police officers of the Thambuttegama Police to pay a compensation of Rs. 1.2 million from their personal funds to a youth who was brutally assaulted during a protest in 2012. The Supreme Court also directed the
Court Upholds Victim’s Rights After 13 Year Legal Battle Over Police Brutality Read More »
In a groundbreaking move for child protection in Sri Lanka, the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) has officially launched a dedicated Child Rights Unit, marking the first time children are being formally recognized as rights holders on par with adults. This historic step is being widely hailed as a major victory for child
Human Rights Commission Launched Sri Lanka’s First-Ever Child Rights Unit. Read More »
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 »
