The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) has formally raised concerns with the Ministry of Public Security and the Inspector General of Police regarding the ongoing harassment and intimidation faced by Women Human Rights Defenders (WHRDs) in Sri Lanka’s Northern and Eastern Provinces.
According to the HRCSL, women human rights defenders in these regions continue to play a critical role in addressing long-standing issues affecting conflict-affected communities following the end of the armed conflict in 2009. Their work includes advocating on issues such as enforced disappearances, land disputes, challenges faced by ex-combatants, the struggles of women-headed households, and livelihood development through community engagement, social work, and peaceful protests.
However, the Commission highlighted that these women activists continue to face serious challenges that obstruct their work and undermine support provided to vulnerable communities. These challenges include gender-based violence, cultural and social stigma, limited resources, and concerning instances of mistreatment by law enforcement authorities.
The HRCSL emphasized that this statement reinforces its General Guidelines and Recommendations No. 1 of 2024 on the Protection of Human Rights Defenders, with specific attention to the treatment of human rights defenders by law enforcement officials.
Through direct engagement with WHRDs, field visits, stakeholder consultations, and formal complaints received, the Commission has documented a troubling increase in interventions by officers attached to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and the Counter-Terrorism and Investigation Division (CTID) during 2025.
These reported incidents point to potential violations of fundamental rights, including the freedoms of thought, conscience, religion, expression, peaceful assembly, and lawful occupation.
The HRCSL has called on relevant authorities to take immediate steps to address these concerns and ensure the protection of women human rights defenders, enabling them to continue their important work without fear of harassment or intimidation.