In a historic ruling on November 14, the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka found former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, former Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, and several other high-profile figures guilty of violating public trust and breaching Article 12 (1) of the Constitution. The judgment, a result of a Fundamental Rights Petition (SC/FRA/212/2022) filed by Transparency International […]
In a bid to foster national unity and reconciliation, the government has proposed the establishment of an Office for National Unity and Reconciliation (ONUR) through an Act of Parliament. The draft law, known as the ONUR bill, aims to ensure equal opportunities for all citizens across economic, social, cultural, and political spheres, while preserving individual
National Unity and Reconciliation Bill Sparks Concerns Over Civil Society Oversight Read More »
By Dr.Thushara Wickramanayake “History will judge us by the difference we make in the everyday lives of children” – Nelson Mandela Three decades after ratifying the UN Convention of the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), the treaty signed by the largest number of countries in the world, Sri Lanka’s rhetorical promises to protect and promote
Will UNCRC Recommendations on Children’s Rights Be Honored by Sri Lanka? Read More »
The Asian NGO Network on National Human Rights Institutions (ANNI) has unveiled its much-anticipated ANNI Report 2023, shedding light on the performance of National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) across Asia. This launch marks a significant moment, coinciding with the 30th anniversary of the adoption of the Paris Principles, providing an opportunity for reflection on NHRIs’
ANNI Report 2023 Reveals Insights on NHRIs’ Performance in Asia Read More »
Exploring the Realities of Sri Lanka’s Social Safety Net: Insights from Galle, Matara, Hambantota, and Monaragala Districts Focus Group Meetings. In a recent series of focus group meetings held in the Galle, Matara, Hambantota, and Monaragala districts of Sri Lanka, a profound examination of the country’s social safety net has brought to light crucial
District Focus Groups Illuminate Sri Lanka’s Social Safety Net Read More »
In a week marred by unprecedented violence in the Middle East, seven journalists lost their lives while carrying out their duties in Gaza and Lebanon. The international organization “Reporters Without Borders (RSF)” has issued a heartfelt plea for an end to these tragic losses and called on the Israeli authorities to halt military actions that
Bloodiest Week for Journalists in Middle East: RSF Urges Israel to Protect Press Freedom Read More »
In a significant development, the Supreme Court has granted permission to Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) to intervene in Case No. SC/FR 168/2021. This case was originally filed by the Centre for Environmental Justice, with the aim of securing fair compensation for the victims affected by the X-Press Pearl disaster. TISL’s intervention petition, filed earlier
In a recent ruling, Chief Magistrate and Additional District Judge Mr. Bandula Gunaratne found former surgeon Ashoka Wijemann guilty of injuring a nurse with scissors in the operating theater of Kurunegala Teaching Hospital. The incident, which occurred around March 12, 2019, led to a case filed under Section 314 of the Ceylon Penal Code at
In a significant development, the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) has addressed concerns surrounding the proposed Online Safety Bill, which was published in the Official Gazette on September 18, 2023. The HRCSL’s preliminary observations and recommendations were conveyed in a letter sent to Hon. Tiran Alles, Minister of Public Security, on October 2,
Sri Lanka’s Human Rights Commission Raises Concerns Over Online Safety Bill Read More »
A seminar by Journalists for Rights to commemorate the International Day for the Universal Access to Information Journalists for Rights organization held a seminar in Colombo National Library on 26 September 2024 to commemorate the International Day for the Universal Access to Information which falls on 28 September every year. The theme of the
Future of Right to Information in the Limits of Cyberspace Read More »
In celebration of National Law Week 2023, the Bar Association of Sri Lanka is extending a helping hand to those in need of legal assistance. The association will be hosting legal aid clinics on multiple dates and locations, ensuring accessibility to justice for all. On 28th and 29th September, from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm,
Legal Aid Clinics Offered by Bar Association of Sri Lanka During National Law Week 2023 Read More »
Bangkok/Kathmandu, 18 September 2023 – The Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA), in collaboration with its member organizations, has expressed its steadfast support for Adilur Rahman Khan and ASM Nasiruddin Elan, two prominent Bangladeshi human rights defenders. The duo recently faced conviction and were sentenced to two years in prison, along with a
