We are very concerned that authorities in Sri Lanka are adopting a heavily security-based response to the country’s drugs problem, instead of public health policies grounded in human rights. A staggering 29,000 people have reportedly been arrested on drug related matters since 17 December, with allegations that some have been subjected to ill-treatment and torture….
Sri Lanka’s anti-corruption commission must prioritize high-profile cases and move beyond petty infractions to regain public trust, Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) said. The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) now has broader powers under the Anti-Corruption Act, but faces mounting pressure to deliver results. The public frustration stems from the deep-rooted…
By C. A. Chandraprema Whenever we hear the term Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), what comes to mind is the body by that name established in South Africa in 1995, headed by Archbishop Desmond Tutu. The South African TRC may not have been the first of its kind, but it was undoubtedly the one that…
The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) expresses deep concern about the ‘Yukthiya’ Operation, a two-week police crackdown on organized crime and drug trafficking. While its stated objective is noble, reports of widespread human rights violations paint a disturbing picture. Excessive Arrests and Torture Allegations: The operation saw over 20,000 arrests in just two…
Ajith Perakum Jayasinghe Sri Lanka’s proposed Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) is facing intense scrutiny, with its potential to unearth past human rights violations clashing with concerns about its limited power to ensure justice. Though equipped with robust investigative tools, the TRC’s inability to directly prosecute perpetrators casts a shadow over its ability to deliver…
While commending the bill’s goals of national unity and equal opportunity, a joint statement signed by 18 prominent civil society organizations calls for more time and dialogue before the passage of the Office for National Unity and Reconciliation (ONUR) bill. They raise three key concerns: Board composition: The bill gives the Minister too much control…
In a saddening announcement that resonated deeply nationwide, the passing of Dulika Marapane’s mother, a central figure in a significant legal case, has been revealed. Her legacy, however, endures, leaving an indelible mark on Sri Lanka and beyond, a testament to her strength and perseverance in the face of challenges. The story traces back to…
Fathima Rikaza and her four children found refuge in Sri Lanka, leaving behind a heart-wrenching decision and their Palestinian husband in war-torn Gaza. Rikaza and Abdul Lateef, a scholar who met and married in Sri Lanka, had built a life in Gaza surrounded by Abdul’s family. But with Israeli airstrikes turning their days into a…
While traditional Jallikattu roars back to life in Tamil Nadu, history is being made across the Palk Strait. Sri Lanka, for the first time, is hosting its own bull-taming spectacle in Trincomalee, a testament to the shared heritage between the two regions. Over 200 bulls and 100 skilled tamers took centre stage on January 6…
Get ready for breathtaking hikes, pristine beaches, and elephant encounters – all at a fraction of the price! Sri Lanka has grabbed the spotlight, landing a coveted spot among the top 13 most affordable vacation destinations globally, as recognized by Fox News. This prestigious recognition isn’t just a feather in Sri Lanka’s cap; it’s a…
