Despite many non-governmental organizations (NGOs) meeting all the required qualifications, not a single NGO has been registered in Sri Lanka since March 18, according to representatives of several organizations awaiting approval. The deadlock follows the resignation of the former Director General of the National Secretariat for NGOs on March 18, after which no successor or […]
NGO Registrations Stalled Since March! Read More »
Colombo, Sri Lanka | 25 July 2025 – Marking a decisive move to combat all forms of violence against children, the International Conference on Child Protection (ICCP’25) commenced today in Colombo and will continue until July 27. This is the first international conference of its kind hosted in Sri Lanka and brings together over 250
Sri Lanka Hosts Landmark International Conference to Tackle Violence Against Children Read More »
The Right to Life Human Rights Center, which has been actively working for over two decades to protect human rights and combat torture in Sri Lanka, has once again demonstrated the power of public engagement and social media in raising awareness. A video posted by the organization on its official Facebook page on Monday, July
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 »
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 »
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
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 »
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 »
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 »
