The presidential election in Sri Lanka, held on September 21, marks the first of its kind since the severe economic crisis of 2022, which left the nation grappling with shortages of essential items and eventually led to its bankruptcy. This year’s election sees 39 candidates vying for the presidency, with nearly 17 million out of […]
Sri Lanka’s Presidential Election: Media and Candidates Under Scrutiny Read More »
–Jehan Perera With little over a month before presidential elections are due, the speculations about elections not being held have come to a halt which is a testament to the democratic spirit in the country. The election commission has invited Commonwealth and EU election monitors to observe the elections. Political parties and parliamentarians alike
CONSENSUAL GOVERNMENT AFTER PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS Read More »
Trincomalee, August 4, 2024 — In a significant step towards strengthening human rights advocacy, an advanced training program was conducted at Kulakottam Hall for human rights activists associated with the Human Rights First Aid Center in Trincomalee. The program, held on August 4th, aimed to update and enhance the knowledge and skills of human rights
Empowering Human Rights Activists: Advanced Training Held in Trincomalee Read More »
A retired Officer-in-Charge (OIC) who had served at the same police station for 24 years has reportedly suffered severe eye damage following an alleged attack by officers from the Mahabage Police Station. The incident occurred on the night of July 17 and the victim is currently receiving treatment at Ragama Hospital. The retired OIC,
Retired OIC Suffers Severe Eye Damage in Alleged Attack by Mahaba Police Officers Read More »
In a shocking incident, Malaka Weeravarnakula, the principal of Hambantota Debokkawa Maha Vidyalaya, assaulted a 12-year-old student, resulting in a severe spinal cord injury. The incident occurred after the student, who was the class monitor, failed to clean the trash in the classroom. According to witnesses, Principal Weeravarnakula grabbed the student by the ear, dragged
Principal Assaults 12-Year-Old Student, Causing Severe Injury Read More »
In a landmark judgment delivered today, the Supreme Court has ruled in favor of Madhavi Buddhika Rajaguru, a nurse who filed a Fundamental Rights Application against Consultant Surgeon Ashoka Wijemanne. The case involved an incident where Wijemanne assaulted Rajaguru on her head with a bone cutter at the Kurunegala General Hospital. The court held that
During an awareness conference held under the People Unite for Justice and Accountability (PUJA) program, Specialist Psychiatrist Prasad Mohotti emphasized the crucial role of cultural and spiritual activities in healing society after serious human rights violations. He highlighted the importance of religious activities such as lighting lamps, chanting “Pirith,” Bodhi Poojas, and even the act
The ongoing investigation into the 2012 death of Dasanayake Nimal Chandrasiri Appuhami, who died in police custody, saw significant developments on July 5, 2024, in the Panadura High Court. Witness testimonies were heard regarding the incident involving several police officers from the Wadduwa Police Station. Nimal Chandrasiri, a 43-year-old father of three and a fisherman
In Vavuniya, a recent training program empowered a diverse group of young individuals, ranging from university students to civil society volunteers, to become effective human rights defenders. Organized by Green Vision Social Service Organization in collaboration with Right to Life Human Rights Centre, the program aimed to equip participants with essential knowledge and skills. During
Empowering Human Rights Defenders: Training Program in Vavuniya Read More »
In a deeply troubling incident, the Embilipitiya police subjected Susil Vitaranage, a 55-year-old father of two from Sevanagala, Kiriwewa, to severe torture. Vitaranage was completely stripped, tied up with chilies, had chili juice applied to his lower back and lips, beaten with hand and hose pipe, had gasoline poured into a shopping bag which was
Torture Incident Reported to Hambantota Human Rights First Aid Centre Read More »
On June 26, 2024, the Right to Life Human Rights Centre, in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Collective Against Torture (SLCAT), hosted an Expert Forum at Hotel Janaki to mark the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture. The forum, titled “Ongoing Torture Despite Extensive Anti-Torture Legislation,” brought together prominent figures such as Shani
Expert Forum on Ongoing Torture Despite Extensive Anti-Torture Legislation Read More »
June 26, 2024 – As the world observes the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, calls for the stringent enforcement of anti-torture laws in Sri Lanka have intensified. This follows a landmark judgment by the Matara High Court, which sentenced three police officers, including the former Officer-in-Charge of the Tissamaharama Police, to seven
