News

Local think tank’s assessment of 31 public authorities including Ministries, the Prez’s/PM’s Offices, finds low levels of Govt. openness  Observes only a marginal lifting of the veil of secrecy  Despite the fact that it has been five years since the Right to Information (RTI) Act was fully operationalised in Sri Lanka, various aspects pertaining to […]

In an era marked by rapid technological advancements, the delicate balance between digital innovation and internet freedom faces unprecedented challenges. The upcoming release of the “Freedom on the Net 2023: The Repressive Power of Artificial Intelligence” report by Freedom House sheds light on the evolving landscape of online repression. Scheduled for release on October 4,

In a world facing unprecedented challenges such as unresolved conflicts, climate change, and financial instability, the International Day of Democracy, observed on September 15, takes on a new significance. This year, the theme, “Empowering the Next Generation,” highlights the crucial role young people play in advancing and safeguarding democracy. Established by a UN General Assembly

The 54th session of the Human Rights Council is scheduled to convene at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland. This regular session will span from September 11th to October 13th, 2023. Commencing at 10 a.m. on Monday, September 11, Ambassador Václav Bálek from the Czech Republic will preside over the opening ceremony. The opening

  In a recent report released by PEaCE/ECPAT Sri Lanka, concerning incidents of child abuse and exploitation during July 2023 have raised alarming concerns within the country. The report, which aggregates and verifies data from media coverage, highlights a disturbing trend of child abuse cases and the targeted involvement of drug dealers towards school children.

In a recent incident that has sparked outrage, a formal complaint has been filed with The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) and the Inspector General of Police (IGP) against the Yakkalamulla Police in Galle district. The complaint centers around the alleged wrongful arrest and assault of a civilian. The victim, identified as Koggala

The life of a seemingly insignificant 17-year-old youth named Sandun Malinga from Meegaskiwula in the Badulla District took a tragic turn. His value as a person appeared to hold little weight to the group of five police officers and a civil defense officer who subjected him to a fatal beating on a dark night in

Some citizens of this country are still struggling for a long time to get justice against the violence faced by them and their beloveds which is a tragedy. But the real tragedy is obtaining justice is not a quick task in our country. According to Minister Ali Sabri, it usually takes 9 1/2 years to

The Torture Journal is a distinguished publication that delves into the multifaceted field of survivor engagement and rehabilitation in the context of torture survivors. This latest issue serves as a platform for diverse voices and perspectives, featuring a collection of insightful contributions from experts, practitioners, and individuals directly impacted by torture and ill-treatment. Opening with

By  Basil Fernando. On the larger questions raised by the arrest of Tharindu Uduwaragedera, a young journalist of very wide reputation. Tharindu Uduwaragedera who was attending a meeting on Friday (28 July) for the purpose of reporting on the meeting was forcibly dragged out of a three-wheeler, grabbed by his hair and roughly manhandled by a group of

By Basil Fernando The draft Bill entitled ‘Contempt of Court, Tribunal or Institutions’, has been included in the parliament’s order paper and the issue of the constitutionality of this Bill will now be subjected to debate. There are several key questions arising from this draft Bill. These are:- Does this proposed law amounts to repeal