News Archives - Right To Life Human Rights Center

Public Dialogue Highlights Delays in Justice and Anti-Torture Mechanisms in Sri Lanka

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 »

CSO-NGO Collective Urges Government to Protect Fundamental Freedoms in Proposed NGO Law

News / Editor

Colombo, July 2, 2025 – The Civil Society Organization – Non-Governmental Organization (CSO-NGO) Collective has called on the Sri Lankan government to ensure that any new legislation related to NGOs upholds the fundamental freedoms of association, assembly, and expression. This appeal was made following a meeting held on June 11, 2025, between representatives of the

CSO-NGO Collective Urges Government to Protect Fundamental Freedoms in Proposed NGO Law Read More »

Official Statement from the Right to Life Human Rights Centre on the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture

News / Editor

On this International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, the Right to Life Human Rights Centre reaffirms its unwavering commitment to stand with survivors of torture, to advocate for justice and accountability, and to push for meaningful structural reforms that prevent future abuses. This day, observed annually on June 26, was proclaimed by the

Official Statement from the Right to Life Human Rights Centre on the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture Read More »

Victims of Torture with Call for Independent Investigations and Structural Reforms

Events, News / Editor

The Right to Life Human Rights Centre solemnly observed the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture on June 25, 2025, by organising a high-level intellectual forum at Tulip Hall, BMICH. Titled “Beyond the Law: The Hidden Darkness in Sri Lanka’s Anti-Torture Justice,” the event brought together survivors, legal experts, institutional representatives, and human rights activists

Victims of Torture with Call for Independent Investigations and Structural Reforms Read More »

HRCSL Urges Justice Minister to Repeal PTA, Citing Rights Violations in Key Case

News / Editor

Colombo, 19 June 2025 — The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) has formally written to Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Minister of Justice and National Integration, urging the Government to expedite the repeal of the Prevention of Terrorism Act, No. 48 of 1979 (PTA). This intervention comes as part of the Commission’s continuing efforts to

HRCSL Urges Justice Minister to Repeal PTA, Citing Rights Violations in Key Case Read More »

Restoring people’s faith in a political system that works for all – Open Society Foundations President Binaifer Nowrojee

News / Editor

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

Restoring people’s faith in a political system that works for all – Open Society Foundations President Binaifer Nowrojee Read More »

Human Rights Commission Seeks Repeal of Penal Code Sections Targeting LGBTQ+ Community.

News / Editor

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 »

Court Upholds Victim’s Rights After 13 Year Legal Battle Over Police Brutality

News / Editor

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 »

Human Rights Commission Launched Sri Lanka’s First-Ever Child Rights Unit.

News / Editor

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 »

Human Rights Commission Issues Guidelines to Prevent Custodial and Encounter Deaths in Police Operations

News / Editor

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

Human Rights Commission Issues Guidelines to Prevent Custodial and Encounter Deaths in Police Operations Read More »

The Ministry of Women, Child Affairs, and Social Empowerment Launches Multi-Sectoral National Action Plan to address Sexual and Gender-Based Violence.

News / Editor

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 Ministry of Women, Child Affairs, and Social Empowerment Launches Multi-Sectoral National Action Plan to address Sexual and Gender-Based Violence. Read More »

Local Government Election Outcome a Call for Inclusive Governance

News / Editor

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 »

News

MEDIA PLATFORMS