Tracing history and going back to the colonial era, President Ranil Wickremesinghe has said that despite the adverse impact of world wars and internal conflicts, Sri Lanka has steadfastly upheld its democratic value of ensuring the functioning of both the government and the opposition without interruption. The president was addressing members of the student parliament …
In a recent meeting held on March 14th, 2024, President Ranil Wickramasinghe met with representatives from various civil society organizations (CSOs) to address their concerns regarding the proposed draft NGO Act 2024. The meeting, convened at the Presidential Secretariat, aimed to facilitate dialogue between the government and civil society on the potential implications of the …
President Addresses Civil Society Concerns Over Proposed NGO Act Read More »
A major problem in Sri Lanka is the gap between aspirations and reality, words and deeds, laws and their implementation. Gender relations is no exception.ย The Women Organised for Inclusion through Community Engagement (WOICE) Learning and Advocacy Symposium organized by the National Peace Council (NPC) brought together more than 120 women leaders and activists …
WOMENโS SYMPOSIUM CALLS FOR INCLUSION OF WOMEN AT ALL LEVELS OF DECISION MAKING Read More »
By Jehan Perera The northern town of Vavuniya which was once at the front lines of the war is now a peaceful and bustling urban centre. Its physical infrastructure leaves much to be desired, with rundown buildings, and open drains that emit an unpleasant smell. Vavuniya has not had the fortune of a political patron …
In a significant step towards promoting human rights, the Gampola Human Rights First Aid Center officially opened its doors during a ceremony attended by key figures in the field. The inauguration ceremony, graced by Mr. Philip Dissanayake, Executive Director of the Right to Life Human Rights Center, marked a crucial moment for the cause. The …
In commemoration of International Women’s Day, the Right to Life Human Rights Centre expresses solidarity with women globally, emphasizing the urgent need to address the grave issue of torture against women. Particularly highlighting psychological torture, the Centre underscores the lasting impact it leaves on women’s lives. Despite legislative alignment with the United Nations Convention against …
Right to Life Human Rights Centre Stands Against Torture on International Women’s Day… Read More »
The Colombo High Court has handed down a death sentence to two former police officers from the Peliyagoda Police Station after finding them guilty of the brutal assault and subsequent death of a suspect in their custody in 2005. In a landmark verdict delivered by Colombo High Court Judge Navaratne Marasinghe today, the Sub-Inspector of …
Former Peliyagoda Police Officers Sentenced to Death for 2005 Custodial Death Read More »
In a scathing media statement released today, the Sri Lankan Collective Against Torture has vehemently condemned the appointment of Mr. Deshbandu Tennakoon as the Inspector General of Police. The collective, a coalition of human rights organizations, strongly objects to the decision made by the President, expressing deep concern over what they perceive as a grave …
In a landmark national symposium organized by the National Peace Council on the theme of “Religions to Reconcile: Strengthening Inclusive Reconciliation,” political leaders, religious clergy, and grassroots representatives converged to discuss the imperative shift from negative peace to positive peace in resolving the ethnic conflict and achieving national reconciliation. The symposium witnessed the participation …
National Symposium Highlights the Path to Reconciliation Read More »
Sri Lankan victims have lost count of the number of government commissions established to look into gross violations of human rights, as yet another one is about to be established, said four international rights groups in a joint statement. It has been issued by ITJP, WAN, FOD and CHRD. Their statement says, “The Truth, Unity …
In a recent gathering on February 13th, the Sri Lanka Collective Against Torture (SLCAT) convened to discuss pressing issues related to human rights violations, with a particular focus on the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) and the Yukthiya anti-drugs operation. SLCAT, formed in 2009 and consisting of 27 organizations working together to combat torture in …
SLCAT Addresses Human Rights Concerns in Recent Meeting Read More »
In a bold move, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) actively engaged in the co-creation of Sri Lanka’s third National Action Plan have collectively decided to withdraw from the Open Government Partnership (OGP). This withdrawal serves as a powerful expression of opposition to recent actions taken by the Sri Lankan Government, notably the passage of the controversial …
