- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Nov 24, 2023
- Event Description
The Mullaitivu Magistrates Court issued an order on Friday 24 November 2023, prohibiting all remembrance events and places in Mullaitivu dedicated to fallen Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) cadres ahead of Maaveerar Day (27 November 2023). The order, prompted by complaints made by the Mullaitivu police department, specifically targets several individuals and organisations involved in organising the commemorative events in the district.
Following the issuance of the order, a remembrance event in Mullaitivu was disrupted after the police presented the court order to attendees.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Man, Other (e.g. undefined, organisation, community)
- Violation
- Administrative Harassment
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of assembly, Freedom of expression Offline
- HRD
- Community-based HRD, Minority rights defender
- Perpetrator-State
- Judiciary
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Mar 17, 2024
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Dec 4, 2023
- Event Description
Police have used water cannons to disperse a protest near the Parliament Roundabout a short while ago, Ada Derana reporter said.
The relevant protest march was organised by the women’s wing of the National People’s Power (NPP) this morning (04) against the rising cost of living, unbearable tax burden on the people and other issues in the country.
Riot police had resorted to using water cannons as the protesters attempted to march towards the Parliament along the Parliament Road, the reporter said.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Other (e.g. undefined, organisation, community), Woman
- Violation
- Violence (physical)
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of assembly, Freedom of expression Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment, Right to Protest
- HRD
- Community-based HRD, WHRD
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Mar 17, 2024
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Nov 9, 2023
- Event Description
A group of journalists visiting to Mayilathamadu Batticaloa to interview farmers who were protesting for more than 50 days has been stopped Mayilathamadu checkpoint by police today without any legal basis.
In a letter to the Inspector General of Police in a singed letter the group has urged to pay immediate attention to the incident, response to it and hold those responsible accountable.
The letter:
As a media team, we came to visit Mayilathamadu to interview farmers an report on land issues today 9th November 2023. Police personnel at Mayilathamadu checkpoint stopped us around 1010am and refused to let us pass through. But we saw others were allowed to go.
We called the Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police (SDIG), Eastern Province twice, but didn’t receive a proper response.
We were informed by police officers Herath (60073) and HMM Widyaratne (36739) at Mayilthmadhu checkpoint at about 1230pm that they would not allow us to proceed to Mayilathamadu to talk to farmers, as per SDIG East’s orders. The Director of Investigations of Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka, Mr. Lal also informed us same. Neither informed us the legal basis an authority to stop us. We messaged SDIG East asking legal basis for stopping us but didn’t receive a response.
We believe this is a violation of our constitutional rights to freedom of speech, expression, and publication (article 14-1-a), freedom to engage in a lawful occupation (article 14-1-g), and freedom of movement (article 14-1-h), equal protection of the law (article 12-1) non-discrimination (article 12-2).
This is also an offence against Article 332 of the penal code (wrongful restraint)
We kindly request your immediate attention and response to this and hold those responsible accountable. And ensure such violations are prevented in the future.
Thank you.
-
Mr. Rukshan Fernando (Ruki Fernando). Columnist for newspapers such as The Morning, Daily Mirror, Sunday Observer, Anidda.
-
Ms. Kamanthi Wickramasinghe Deputy Features Editor, Daily Mirror
-
Ms. H.M. Rekha Nilukshi. Freelance Journalist
-
Mr. Ganeshan Jegan, News editor at Monara.com
-
Ms. Melani Manel Perera, Asia News Correspondent & Mojo News Lanka Reporter
-
- Impact of Event
- 5
- Gender of HRD
- Man, Woman
- Violation
- Administrative Harassment, Restrictions on Movement
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of movement, Freedom of expression Offline
- HRD
- Media Worker, WHRD
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Mar 17, 2024
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Nov 5, 2023
- Event Description
Six Tamil students have been released on bail by Eravur Magistrate court after they were arrested earlier today for participating in a protest against the Sri Lankan government’s seizure of land and settling of Sinhalese farmers in Mayilathamadu.
The six students were arrested by Santhiveli police after their vehicle was intercepted as they travelled back to Jaffna once the protest had finished. Sri Lankan police stated that the students were arrested for an "illegal gathering". Tamil National People's Front (TNPF) leader Gajendrakumar Ponnambalam tweeted that when he asked Batticaloa's Senior Superintendent of Police what the illegality was, he reportedly responded that the students had taken part in a procession without permission.
Ponnambalam also highlighted that prior to the arrests, the Santhiveli police had explained to the students how to execute the rally.
"What is clear is that it was the SSP Batticaloa and above that has given pressure to the Santhively police to arrest the students as an afterthought," the TNPF leader tweeted.
The University of Jaffna's student union released a statement condemning the arrests and the Sri Lankan police for "obstructing democratic protests."
The student union also condemned the police for not taking action against extremist Sinhala Buddhist monk, Ampitiye Sumanarathana, for recently threatening to kill all of the Tamils in the South but arrested Tamil students for expressing solidarity with the farmers.
Since September 15, livestock farmers in Mayilathamadu, Batticaloa, have been staging protests demonstrating against the Sri Lankan government’s seizure of land that they have traditionally used for cattle grazing. Many Sinhalese farmers have been settled in the land seized by the Mahaweli Authority.
- Impact of Event
- 6
- Gender of HRD
- Man, Other (e.g. undefined, organisation, community)
- Violation
- (Arbitrary) Arrest and Detention, Judicial Harassment
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of assembly, Freedom of expression Offline, Right to liberty and security, Right to Protest
- HRD
- Land rights defender, Student
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Mar 17, 2024
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Feb 21, 2024
- Event Description
The Fort Magistrate's Court issued an order barring the National Assets Protection Movement from entering and holding protests at several key locations in Colombo, including the Ceramic Junction.
The order was made after considering the submissions made by the Fort Police OIC.
The court order specifically prohibits the National Assets Protection Movement and its representatives from: blocking access to the Ceramic Junction, NSK Roundabout, Baladaksha Mawatha, and Galle Road.
They are also barred from entering the premises of the Ministry of Finance, the President's Office, and the Central Bank.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Other (e.g. undefined, organisation, community)
- Violation
- Administrative Harassment, Restrictions on Movement
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of assembly, Freedom of movement, Freedom of expression Offline, Right to Protest
- HRD
- Community-based HRD
- Perpetrator-State
- Judiciary
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Mar 13, 2024
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Mar 5, 2024
- Event Description
During a protest held in front of the University of Colombo, tensions escalated as a group, which included members of the University of Peradeniya Student Union, clashed with the police.
A protest took place opposite the University of Colombo, organized by the University of Peradeniya Students’ Union.
The protest aimed to address the erosion of fundamental rights that impact the general population, including access to free education and healthcare.
Notably, students from various other universities across the island also participated in this demonstration.
Earlier in the day, the Cinnamon Gardens Police made a formal request to the Colombo Chief Magistrate, Prasanna Alwis, seeking an order to halt a protest march organized by several university student bodies. However, the Magistrate rejected the request.
Multiple buses carrying students from University of Peradeniya underwent repeated inspections by the police during their journey.
Later in the afternoon, student activists congregated near thr Colombo University to voice their grievances. The police advised them not to obstruct the road.
Despite the police instructions, the students persisted with their protest march. Consequently, measures were taken to disperse the group.
Subsequently, the police deployed water cannons and tear gas to disperse the students.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Other (e.g. undefined, organisation, community)
- Violation
- Violence (physical)
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of assembly, Freedom of expression Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment, Right to Protest
- HRD
- Student
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Mar 13, 2024
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Jan 31, 2024
- Event Description
Ten protesters, eight men and two women, were arrested today outside the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) headquarters in Colombo.
The group had been demonstrating since morning, demanding the arrest of former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella for his alleged involvement in a recent drug procurement scandal.
Police spokesperson DIG Nihal Talduwa confirmed the arrests and stated that despite repeated warnings and attempts to disperse the gathering peacefully, the protesters continued their sit-in protest, prompting police intervention.
Meanwhile, Former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella issued a statement this afternoon acknowledging the summons from the CID but claiming his inability to present himself due to conflicting commitments.
He cited a scheduled appearance at the Colombo High Court in another case and his participation in a meeting of the Ministerial Sub-committee on Public Expenditure Management, chaired by the President, as reasons for his absence.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Man, Woman
- Violation
- (Arbitrary) Arrest and Detention
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of assembly, Freedom of expression Offline, Right to liberty and security, Right to Protest
- HRD
- Community-based HRD, WHRD
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Feb 22, 2024
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Jan 29, 2024
- Event Description
Social media activist Piyath Nikeshala has been arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department, police said.
He was reportedly arrested after being summoned before the CID to obtain a statement over publishing a recorded telephone conversation between Public Security Minister Tiran Alles and another social media activist on his YouTube channel.
Piyath Nikeshala was also arrested on June last year over the live streaming on social media of the incident of burning President Ranil Wickremesinghe's private residence in Colombo on July 09, 2022
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- (Arbitrary) Arrest and Detention
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of expression Online, Right to liberty and security
- HRD
- Pro-democracy defender
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Related Events
- Sri Lanka: pro-democracy defender arrested again
- Date added
- Feb 22, 2024
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Jan 5, 2024
- Event Description
The Police dragged away the president of the Vavuniya Association of Relatives of the Enforced Disappeared (ARED) Sivananthan Jenita and Meera Jasmine Charlesnise.
The activists were protesting in Vavuniya with the families of the disappeared when the Police arrived and ordered them to leave.
A heated exchange of words took place between the activists and the Police.
The Police later dragged the two activists into a Police a bus.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe was on a visit to the North for meetings which was also attended by members of the Illangai Tamil Arasu Katchi.
Tamil families of the disappeared have been protesting for approximately 5 years continuously, demanding justice and accountability for their disappeared family members. This particular protest was held outside the Vavuniya Municiple Council, where President, Ranil Wickremesinghe was attending a meeting. The two activist family members were arrested from the protest, by the Police.
- Impact of Event
- 2
- Gender of HRD
- Woman
- Violation
- (Arbitrary) Arrest and Detention
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of assembly, Freedom of expression Offline, Right to liberty and security, Right to Protest
- HRD
- Community-based HRD, WHRD
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Feb 22, 2024
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Oct 6, 2023
- Event Description
A group of masked gunmen threatened a Tamil activist earlier this month, warning “We will definitely kill you” if he continued to expose details of an alleged secret military-run torture site in the East.
Wimalasena Lavakumar said the incident occurred at his home when six men with T-56 and AK-47 rifles arrived on motorbikes at his home in Kiran.
“You have opened your mouth about many things in Batticaloa,” the gunmen told him. “Theevuchchenai is a hidden matter. You don’t start talking about it or going digging. You were wrong to do that.”
“Today we came to bump you off, but first, this is a warning,” they continued. “Your type are the ones who force us to dust our weapons and carry them again. If you engage in such activity once more, we will definitely kill you.”
The incident occurred after Lavakumar spoke out against a secret torture site in Theevuchchenai on the border with Polonnaruwa. The camp is allegedly run by Pillaiyan, alias Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan, a government-linked paramilitary leader.
“I am pretty certain that none other than state intelligence units and paramilitaries affiliated to the government are able to carry out such acts,” Lavakumar told reporters.
“Because be it abductions during the past period, be it genocide, be it killings; as no proper investigation has been conducted to find out the many illegal acts committed by these and no one connected to these offences have been brought to justice and punished, they have been able to once again, freely engage in this weapons culture, death threats and the abduction of people.”
Lavakumar is a well-known activist in the Eastern province, and was previously arrested under the much-criticised Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA, after he was part of a group held a memorial event at a beach in Batticaloa to mark Tamil Genocide Day in 2021.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- Death threat, Intimidation and Threats
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of expression Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment
- HRD
- Minority rights defender
- Perpetrator-State
- Unknown
- Perpetrator-Non-State
- Unknown
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Feb 22, 2024
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Sep 8, 2023
- Event Description
The third day of excavation at the Kokkuthoduvai mass grave, conducted on September 8th, took a distressing turn when police officers at the site were observed harassing media personnel, Balanathan Sathees and Vijayaratnam Saravanan, in an apparent attempt to intimidate them.
The two journalists were in the midst of conducting interviews with individuals connected to the mass grave site. As students from the Medical Faculty of the University of Jaffna observed the excavation and exhumation process, Sathees and Saravanan were engaged in conversations with some of these students, seeking to understand their impressions of the mass grave's significance.
During this process, the police informed them that they could not remain in their current location and attempted to forcibly remove them from the site, while the journalists were carrying out their professional duties.
Subsequent to this troubling incident, the police issued a warning to all journalists, instructing them to remain on the far side of the mass grave site. This action appeared to be in contradiction to the assurance previously provided by the Judicial Medical Officer (JMO), appointed as the lead in the excavation by the Mullaitivu Magistrate Court.
The incident was promptly brought to the attention of the Magistrate Court judge, who was present at the site, observing the excavation process. The judge reiterated to the journalists that they were welcome to observe the proceedings from a safe distance, consistent with the practice extended to all other observers.
- Impact of Event
- 2
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- Intimidation and Threats
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of expression Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment
- HRD
- Media Worker
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Feb 16, 2024
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Nov 24, 2023
- Event Description
Five people were arrested during a protest staged near the US Embassy in Colombo in support of Palestine.
A heavy Police security net was placed around the Embassy as a group of people gathered and protested against the US Government’s support to Israel during the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
The protesters shouted slogans against the US and carried placards.
According to reports, some of the protesters attempted to burn a photograph of the US President resulting in a heated exchange between the Police and the protesters.
The Police arrested three protesters and took them to the Colpetty Police Station.
Subsequently, two more protesters who entered the Colpetty Police Station were also arrested.
- Impact of Event
- 5
- Gender of HRD
- Other (e.g. undefined, organisation, community)
- Violation
- (Arbitrary) Arrest and Detention
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of assembly, Freedom of expression Offline, Right to liberty and security, Right to Protest
- HRD
- Community-based HRD
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Feb 16, 2024
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Nov 9, 2023
- Event Description
The 21 university students arrested during a protest march in Colombo on Thursday (09 Nov.) have been granted bail.
The relevant order was issued by the Maligakanda Magistrate’s Court, when the case was taken up this afternoon.
The group was arrested during a protest march staged by the Medical Faculty students of the Sabaragamuwa University near the Maradana Railway Station in Colombo yesterday afternoon.
Police had reportedly used water cannons to disperse the protesting students, prior to which Deans Road in Colombo 10 was closed due to the protest march. Meanwhile, severe traffic congestion was reported along Deans Road and adjacent roads as a result of the agitation.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Other (e.g. undefined, organisation, community)
- Violation
- (Arbitrary) Arrest and Detention, Violence (physical)
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of assembly, Freedom of expression Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment, Right to liberty and security, Right to Protest
- HRD
- Student
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Feb 16, 2024
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Jan 17, 2024
- Event Description
The Maligakanda Magistrate's Court issued an order today barring nine individuals, including the convener of the Inter-University Students' Federation, from holding protests and demonstrations on several key roads in Colombo.
The court order comes in response to a request filed by the Maradana Police OIC, who informed the court about plans for a student march starting near Viharamaha Devi Park and moving towards the Colombo Fort railway station via the Lipton Roundabout.
The court order prohibits the nine individuals, including the IUSF convener, from holding demonstrations and marches on Kularatne Mawatha, Orabi Pasha Mawatha, Sangharaja Mawatha, Deans Road, Darley Road, Hospital Square, and surrounding roads and sidewalks.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Other (e.g. undefined, organisation, community)
- Violation
- Administrative Harassment, Restrictions on Movement
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of assembly, Freedom of movement, Freedom of expression Offline, Right to Protest
- HRD
- Student
- Perpetrator-State
- Judiciary, Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Feb 12, 2024
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Jan 31, 2024
- Event Description
Ten protesters, eight men and two women, were arrested today outside the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) headquarters in Colombo.
The group had been demonstrating since morning, demanding the arrest of former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella for his alleged involvement in a recent drug procurement scandal.
Police spokesperson DIG Nihal Talduwa confirmed the arrests and stated that despite repeated warnings and attempts to disperse the gathering peacefully, the protesters continued their sit-in protest, prompting police intervention.
Meanwhile, Former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella issued a statement this afternoon acknowledging the summons from the CID but claiming his inability to present himself due to conflicting commitments.
He cited a scheduled appearance at the Colombo High Court in another case and his participation in a meeting of the Ministerial Sub-committee on Public Expenditure Management, chaired by the President, as reasons for his absence.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Man, Woman
- Violation
- (Arbitrary) Arrest and Detention
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of assembly, Freedom of expression Offline, Right to liberty and security, Right to Protest
- HRD
- Community-based HRD
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Feb 12, 2024
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Oct 27, 2023
- Event Description
Police have fired tear gas and water cannons in attempts to disperse protesting medical students in Colombo.
Accordingly, tear gas and water cannons were fired near the Nelum Pokuna in Colombo by the police in an attempt to disperse a protest launched by the Medical Faculty Students’ Action Committee.
It was reported earlier that the Green Path was closed for traffic from Nelum Pokuna to the Public Library in Colombo.
The Medical Faculty Students’ Action Committee took to the roads this afternoon (27 Oct.) from the Viharamahadevi Park in Colombo, accusing the government of attempting to destroy free education in the country by conspiring with private institutions, namely Lyceum Campus, NSBM Green University, Gateway Graduate School and the Kotelawala Defence University.
They also accused the government of being involved in a conspiracy to further destroy Sri Lanka’s free healthcare system by imposing allowance cuts, and urged that the issues faced by the medical faculty of the Universities of Moratuwa, Wayamba and Sabaragamuwa be resolved immediately.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Other (e.g. undefined, organisation, community)
- Violation
- Violence (physical)
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of assembly, Freedom of expression Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment, Right to Protest
- HRD
- Student
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Feb 2, 2024
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Oct 18, 2023
- Event Description
The police fired tear gas to disperse a group of university students protesting along the Kandy-Peradeniya road this evening (Oct. 18).
The demonstration was organized by the students’ union of Peradeniya University against the private higher education institutes, the Online Safety Bill, the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), the Anti-Terrorism Bill and the delaying of Mahapola scholarship payments.
The protesting university students also demanded the authorities to increase the Mahapola scholarship payments.
The protest march commenced at around 2:00 p.m. today.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Violation
- Violence (physical)
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of assembly, Freedom of expression Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment, Right to Protest
- HRD
- Student
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Feb 2, 2024
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Oct 8, 2023
- Event Description
A peaceful protest by Tamil livestock farmers ahead of president Ranil Wickremesinghe’s visit to Batticaloa and against the ongoing land grabs by Sinhalese settlers in Batticaloa was met with brutal force by Sri Lankan police opposite of Chenkalady Central College, Batticaloa on Sunday.
The demonstration on Sunday was in solidarity with the cattle farmers and their family members who had, for 24 consecutive days, been rallying against the government failures to resolve the land grabs by Sinhala settlers in Madhavanai and Mayilathamadu in Batticaloa district. The protesters were joined by TNA and TNPF members, including TNA MP, Shanakiyan Rasamanickam, and TNPF spokesperson, Kanagaratnam Sugash, who expressed their support for the farmers of Mayilathamadu and Madhavanai whose lands are being grabbed and cattles are being killed by illegal Sinhalese settlers.
The protesters demanded that the illegal encroachers should be removed from the pastureland in Madhavanai and Mayilathamadu, Batticaloa and protested against the Sri Lankan President’ persistent failure to resolve the matter. They were shouting slogans, such as "Mayilathamadu is Tamils' property", and holding placards which read "Do not occupy Tamil people's lands" and "Do not destroy the economy of Tamils".
The police forcefully objected to the peaceful protest as the president was attending an event close to the protest site. Protesters, including women, were severely beaten by police officers. According to Shanakiyan, the police claimed that they obtained a court order permitting them to stop the protest. The TNA MP further criticised the police force's use of "double standards" in cracking down on the Tamil people's peaceful protest, whilst failing to resist Sinhalese monk, Ambitiya Sumanarathana, who along with Sinhalese settlers in Batticaloa, led a protest on Saturday, opposing Shanakiyan and other Tamil MP's protest against the illegal encroachment of Tamil farmers' land in Parliament on Friday.
Livestock farmers in Batticaloa have been protesting against the encroachment of their lands and the killing of their cattles by Sinhala settlers since at least 2021. In August 2023, a new Buddhist temple was in the process of being built on land traditionally used by Tamil farmers in the border village of Madhavanai and Mayilathamadu. Tamil farmers continue to be subjected to intimidation and threats by the illegal setllers and government officials for seeking to protect their lands.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Other (e.g. undefined, organisation, community)
- Violation
- Violence (physical)
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of assembly, Freedom of expression Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment, Right to Protest
- HRD
- Community-based HRD, Minority rights defender
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Feb 2, 2024
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Oct 8, 2023
- Event Description
Sri Lankan security officials halted a bus that was carrying Tamil members of the families of the disappeared from Amparai and interrogated them, before eventually preventing them from attending a protest in solidarity with farmers in Batticaloa on Sunday.
The family members were on their way to join protest in Mayilathamadu, with livestock farmers protesting the encroachment of their grazing land by the Mahaweli Authority for new settlements.
However, they were halted at the Kallady bridge and subjected to questioning from 9 a.m. until noon, preventing them from joining the demonstration.
The incident occurred as Sri Lankan police came under criticism for their harsh response to the ongoing farmers' protest, including violent attacks on the protestors. Simultaneously, there has been a double standard in the treatment of counter-protests, such as one led by Sinhala Buddhist monk Ampitiya Sumanarathna, a monk known for making violent and racist remarks.
A spokesperson for the Amparai chapter of the families of the disappeared told reporters that the double standard employed by state authorities, once again, only goes to highlight the legitimacy of their call upon the international community to intervene to provide justice.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Man, Woman
- Violation
- Administrative Harassment
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of assembly, Freedom of expression Offline, Right to Protest
- HRD
- Community-based HRD, WHRD
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Feb 1, 2024
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Oct 3, 2023
- Event Description
Lawyers from the Mullaitivu Bar Association are continuing their strike for the second consecutive day, demanding justice for Judge T. Saravanarajah, who resigned from all his positions due to death threats linked to his verdicts in the Kurunthurmalai archaeology case.
The Mullaitivu Bar Association has announced that the strike will continue until they receive assurance that judicial officers can safely and independently perform their legal duties. The lawyers marched from the Mullaitivu courts complex to the Mullaitivu main junction and back to the courts complex, maintaining a peaceful protest.
Intelligence officers and Police were seen openly photographing and recording the protestors in an attempt to continue intimidating the legal professionals.
This indefinite strike began on October 2nd and has seen lawyers from Mannar, Kilinochchi, and Mannar joining in support. Lawyers from across the North-East will also participate in the protest by wearing black face masks while carrying out their duties for the next two weeks.
In Mannar, civil society activists gathered at the Mannar bus stand, expressing their lack of trust in the numerous investigation committees formed by the government for various issues in addition to being in solidarity with the ongoing protests throughout the North-East. The strike is emblematic of growing concerns over the independence and safety of judicial officers in Sri Lanka.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Man, Woman
- Violation
- Intimidation and Threats
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of assembly, Freedom of expression Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment, Right to Protest
- HRD
- Lawyer, WHRD
- Perpetrator-State
- Government, Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Feb 1, 2024
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Oct 7, 2023
- Event Description
The Santhiveli police today obtained an injunction order against dairy farmers in Batticaloa who have been protesting for the last 24 days against the alleged encroachment of land they use for grazing their cattle.
The farmers claim that crop farmers from other districts have occupied the land they traditionally used for grazing. The Madhavanai-Mayilathamadu area falls under the Mahaweli Development Authority.
Ilankai Tamil Arasu Katchi (ITAK) MPs took up the cause of the dairy farmers by demonstrating inside parliament yesterday. The Madhavanai-Mayilathamadu area is reportely used for grazingapproximately 500,000 livestock including cattle and buffalo.
The issue is likely to be exacerbated in the coming months, TNA Batticaloa District Parliamentarian Shanakiyan Rasamanickam warned. According to Rasamanickam encroachers have mostly grown corn which has just seeded and will grow throughout October and November.
It is harvested in December and January. According to the Department of Animal Production and Health, cattle in the Eastern Province are primarily free-ranging and cause damage to crops which is why during paddy cultivation season, which is now approaching,they are actively moved away to pasturelands. In Madhavanai-Mayilathamadu the cattle herds’ interaction with the corn crop is likely to increase in the coming months and could thus escalate the conflict between the crop and dairy farmers if it remains unresolved.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Other (e.g. undefined, organisation, community)
- Violation
- Judicial Harassment
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of assembly, Freedom of expression Offline, Right to Protest
- HRD
- Community-based HRD, Minority rights defender
- Perpetrator-State
- Judiciary, Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Feb 1, 2024
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Oct 3, 2023
- Event Description
Opposition Leader MP Sajith Premadasa today questioned the summoning of Neth FM journalists before the Parliament Privileges Committee over allegations raised by Minister of Transport, Highways, and Mass Media Bandula Gunawardena.
A complaint has been filed by the Minister, accusing that his Parliamentary privileges have been violated due to an alleged false news report that had been published by Neth Fm and several other local media.
Accordingly, Neth FM journalists have been summoned before the Parliament Privileges Committee today for an inquiry into the matter.
Condemning the move, MP Premadasa told Parliament that it was a breach of media freedom.
He further called on the Prime Minister to intervene and prevent such action being taken against journalists.
Commenting on Minister Bandula Gunawardena’s complaint, Neth FM has responded stating that the views shared during the broadcast was that of a trade union leader and are not that of the media institution or its journalists.
- Impact of Event
- 4
- Gender of HRD
- Other (e.g. undefined, organisation, community)
- Violation
- Administrative Harassment
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of expression Online, Right to healthy and safe environment
- HRD
- Media Worker
- Perpetrator-State
- Government
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Feb 1, 2024
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Sep 6, 2023
- Event Description
Police have fired tear gas in attempts to disperse a protest staged by the Students’ Union of the Peradeniya University.
Accordingly, tear gas was used against the students who were staging a protest march in the Peradeniya area, along the Colombo-Kandy main road.
The protest was held over several key demands, including the riddance of alleged government conspiracies to ‘abolish the University Grants Commission (UGC)’ and ‘sell medical degrees’, which would destroy the country’s free education system, they claimed.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Other (e.g. undefined, organisation, community)
- Violation
- Violence (physical)
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of assembly, Freedom of expression Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment, Right to Protest
- HRD
- Student
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Feb 1, 2024
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Sep 28, 2023
- Event Description
Tamil activist Balraj Rajkumar was subjected to prolonged questioning by the Counter-Terrorism and Investigation Department (CTID) in the Eastern Province. The activist was summoned to appear at the Trincomalee Regional Office on Thursday at 9 am, with no specific reason provided.
Upon arriving at the CTID office, Rajkumar was confronted with accusations of attempting to rebuild a banned organisation. In a Facebook post following the interrogation, he revealed that the primary charges against him included advocating for and supporting a prohibited group. Additionally, he was accused of orchestrating protests against the government and allegedly inciting gatherings against state authorities.
Rajkumar denied all allegations during his statement to the CTID and said he challenged the authorities to provide evidence supporting any of the claims made against him.
"The investigation took a long time. The main charge was that I continued to speak in support of a banned organisation and sought to revive it. They also accused me of constantly speaking against the government and inciting people to gather and protest against the government," Rajkumar stated.
He went on to mention that the accusations were attributed to the state's main security department. Rajkumar, known for his vocal opposition to the forcible acquisition of Tamil people's lands in the Eastern Province, has been an active advocate for the rights of the Tamil people.
"I denied their multiple allegations and I asked them to prove any of these allegations. They said they would send a submission to the Defence Ministry and inform them about it," Rajkumar revealed.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- Intimidation and Threats
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of expression Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment
- HRD
- Minority rights defender
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Feb 1, 2024
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Dec 16, 2023
- Event Description
On 16 December 2023, human rights defender Jeewaratnam Suresh received a threatening phone call from an unidentified number warning him to stop his advocacy or face dire consequences. The threats are linked to a fundamental rights petition filed by the human rights defender in March 2023 seeking improvements in housing rights for the persecuted Malayaga Tamil community. In December 2023, the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka found in favor of the petition, mandating Sri Lankan authorities to provide house numbers/addresses to persons living in plantations. As a result of the human rights defender’s engaging in follow up advocacy to ensure effective implementation of the court’s decision, he has received threats, warning him to cease his work on this issue. Jeewaratnam Suresh, is a human rights defender based in the Muvankandha plantation, in Mavaththagama, Kurunegala, (North Western Province) Sri Lanka. Jeewaratnam Suresh is a strong advocate for the rights of the Malayaga Tamil community, also referred to as ‘upcountry Tamils’, a historically persecuted minority community in Sri Lanka. The human rights defender has campaigned for equal rights for Malayaga Tamils, including land and housing rights. Jeewaratnam Suresh has mobilized community campaigns demanding rights and an end to systemic discrimination against the Malayaga community. He has also worked with the human rights organizations, including Jana Avabodha Kendraya and the Center for Policy Alternatives (CPA). In March 2023 Jeewaratnam Suresh filed a fundamental rights petition before the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka seeking relief related to housing rights for the Malayaga community, especially those living in plantations. The petition calls on the defendants, which includes the Minister of Public Administration, to provide permanent postal addresses to Malayaga Tamils residing in Sri Lanka, something which they have so far been denied by the state. On 4 December 2023, the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka ruled in favor of the Petition and mandated the relevant state authority to provide postal addresses to all residents in the plantation areas. Encouraged by this decision, Jeewaratnam Suresh and fellow human rights defenders from the Malayaga community are currently engaged in strategic advocacy to ensure effective implementation of the Court’s decision. On 16 December 2023, at 11:26 am, Jeewaratnam Suresh received a call from an unidentified number on his mobile phone. The caller warned Jeewaratnam Suresh to stop further advocacy or attempts to implement the Supreme Court judgment and threatened him that there would be consequences if he failed to comply. Concerned for his safety, the human rights defender posted the incident on Facebook and made it public. Jeewaratnam Suresh has been threatened in the past due to his engagement in human rights advocacy on the rights of the Malayaga community. In November 2023, Jeewaratnam Suresh organized a peaceful protest in the Mavathagama Ptiyakanda rubber estate, Kurunegala, advocating for land and adequate housing rights. Hundreds of protesters, including human rights defenders and journalists, were present during this protest. After the protest, a person claiming to be an intelligence officer called a family member of Jeewaratnam Suresh and inquired about his activities and whereabouts. In July 2023, Suresh played a key role in the Maanbumigu Malaiyaha Makkal – a symbolic walk that retraced the challenging journey endured by the first group of Malayaga Tamils who were brought from India to Sri Lanka under British Colonial rule, to work on plantations in the hill stations of Sri Lanka. During the walk, the human rights defender received several phone calls from intelligence officers seeking information as to his plans, whereabouts and also on the progress of the walk. Front Line Defenders recognizes the immense contribution of human rights defenders in Sri Lanka, especially those from oppressed minority communities, particularly in realizing adequate housing rights. Front Line Defenders is concerned by the threats against, and intimidation of, Jeewaratnam Suresh in connection with his advocacy and successful legal challenge to advance his community’s rights. We believe these threats are an attempt to silence the human rights defender and keep him from pursuing his important work.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- Intimidation and Threats
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of expression Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment
- HRD
- Community-based HRD, Minority rights defender
- Perpetrator-State
- Unknown
- Perpetrator-Non-State
- Unknown
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Jan 30, 2024
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Aug 28, 2023
- Event Description
On 28th August, Fort magistrate court issued an order preventing protesters from entering several areas in Colombo, in relation to a protest organised by a collective of trade union and civil society organisations. The order was issued against Duminda Nagamuwa, Mujibar Rahuman, Hirunika Premachandra, Joseph Stalin and 24 others banning them from entering the President’s Office, President’s House, Finance Ministry premises, the Central Bank, Police Headquarters, Olcott Mawatha between Fort Railway Station and CTO Junction, Lotus Road from CTO Junction to NSA Roundabout, York Street, Bank Road, Chatham Street and Galle Face Green area and not to block the roads, thereby causing inconvenience to the public and motorists from 9am to 6pm on the day.
On 28th August, Police stopped the protest march organised by a collective of trade unions, and civil society organisations, against the utilisation of superannuation funds in the domestic debt restructuring process. As protesters started their march after having a short demonstration in front of Fort railway station in Colombo, the Police announced and handed over a court order saying that the protest march cannot be allowed. Police and military personnel were heavily deployed in the area. The protesters complied with the order, and stopped the march.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Other (e.g. undefined, organisation, community)
- Violation
- Administrative Harassment, Restrictions on Movement
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of assembly, Freedom of movement, Freedom of expression Offline, Right to Protest
- HRD
- Labour rights defender
- Perpetrator-State
- Judiciary, Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Jan 3, 2024
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Aug 7, 2023
- Event Description
On 7th August, Civil society activist, and Hindu Priest Velan Swamigal and members of the Association for Relatives of the enforced Disappeared, parliamentarian M K Sivajilingam were arrested and produced in the Kilinochchi magistrate court by the Police, on charges of participating in an illegal assembly, in relation to a protest march they organised, demanding rights for Tamil people, and calling the independence day “a black day for Tamils” during a protest held on 4th February 2023. They were granted bail on the same day.
- Impact of Event
- 22
- Gender of HRD
- Man, Other (e.g. undefined, organisation, community)
- Violation
- (Arbitrary) Arrest and Detention, Judicial Harassment
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of assembly, Minority Rights, Freedom of expression Offline, Right to liberty and security, Right to Protest
- HRD
- Community-based HRD, Minority rights defender
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Jan 3, 2024
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Aug 30, 2023
- Event Description
Posters have been pasted in Batticaloa Town against Amalanayagi, the coordinator of the Association of Relatives of the Enforced Disappeared- Batticaloa District, who led the protest remembering the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances on 30th August, in Batticaloa town. These posters pasted by unidentified persons said “come and join the rally to get dollars”, trivialising her activism as something done to gain financial benefits from the foreign countries, feeding to Sinhala nationalist discourse also supported by the state.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Woman
- Violation
- Intimidation and Threats, Vilification
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of assembly, Freedom of expression Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment, Right to protect reputation
- HRD
- Community-based HRD, WHRD
- Perpetrator-State
- Unknown
- Perpetrator-Non-State
- Unknown
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Jan 3, 2024
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Aug 15, 2023
- Event Description
Movement for Land and Agricultural Reform (MONLAR), on Tuesday (22) said that organised groups had assaulted two farmer leaders at Mayurapura, Walawe.
MONLAR has condemned inaction of officials regarding the brutal attacks on the leaders of the farming communities.
MONLAR has said: “The farming communities of the entire Mayurapura area have been adversely affected by water shortages following the delay in releasing water for farming in the yala season. There are 5,300 farmer families in Mayurapura which is a part of the Mahaweli Zone. The leaders of 86 farmer organisations in the area have been at the forefront in making interventions necessary for the farmers who face chronic water shortages, the brunt of the human-elephant conflict and many economic issues. The task of negotiating and pressurising the government to release water and overcoming many obstacles in providing water to the farmlands have become a Herculean task. Life is much easier for those who maintain large unauthorised farms who have tapped into the water supply illegally. These individuals use money, political connections and violence as tools to achieve their objectives. Leaders of the farming communities that oppose these powerful individuals have now become targets of violence.
“During the last month, two leaders of the farming communities in Mayurapura area have been brutally assaulted. One such person is still undergoing treatment at the hospital.
“The first such incident was reported on 27 July 2023 when K.A. Ajith Kumara, 47-years, was assaulted near the Bopele Tank at around 6 pm.
“About two weeks later, on 15 August 2023, G. Karunathilaka, 54-years, was assaulted near the 29 Tank at UD-60 area at around 7 pm. Karunathilaka was brutally assaulted and had sustained serious injuries to his arms and legs.
“Complaints have been lodged with the Harbour Police on 27 June and 17 August about the attacks. However, nothing has been done and the assailants remain free to terrorize others.
“We express our strongest displeasure at the Police for not taking action against the perpetrators of these attacks. We also believe that a powerful force is influencing the police.
“It has almost been 10-days since water was released to the Udawalawe Tank from the Samanalawewa Tank. However, this water has not yet been adequately released to farmlands. This is leading to conflicts and tensions among the farmers and those who maintain large scale unauthorised plantations. The Mahaweli Authority, Department of Irrigation and Ministry of Agriculture must immediately step in to prevent potential clashes between farmers and those who maintain large scale unauthorized plantations.
One of the best ways to ease tensions is to arrest those who have assaulted farmer leaders. If these organised groups are allowed to continue, the lives of farmer leaders are in danger. If the violence claims the life of a farmer leader, the police must take responsibility.”
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- Violence (physical), Wounds and Injuries
- Rights Concerned
- Land rights, Freedom of expression Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment
- HRD
- Community-based HRD, Land rights defender
- Perpetrator-Non-State
- Non-state
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Related Events
- Sri Lanka: farmer leader assaulted
- Date added
- Jan 3, 2024
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Jul 27, 2023
- Event Description
Movement for Land and Agricultural Reform (MONLAR), on Tuesday (22) said that organised groups had assaulted two farmer leaders at Mayurapura, Walawe.
MONLAR has condemned inaction of officials regarding the brutal attacks on the leaders of the farming communities.
MONLAR has said: “The farming communities of the entire Mayurapura area have been adversely affected by water shortages following the delay in releasing water for farming in the yala season. There are 5,300 farmer families in Mayurapura which is a part of the Mahaweli Zone. The leaders of 86 farmer organisations in the area have been at the forefront in making interventions necessary for the farmers who face chronic water shortages, the brunt of the human-elephant conflict and many economic issues. The task of negotiating and pressurising the government to release water and overcoming many obstacles in providing water to the farmlands have become a Herculean task. Life is much easier for those who maintain large unauthorised farms who have tapped into the water supply illegally. These individuals use money, political connections and violence as tools to achieve their objectives. Leaders of the farming communities that oppose these powerful individuals have now become targets of violence.
“During the last month, two leaders of the farming communities in Mayurapura area have been brutally assaulted. One such person is still undergoing treatment at the hospital.
“The first such incident was reported on 27 July 2023 when K.A. Ajith Kumara, 47-years, was assaulted near the Bopele Tank at around 6 pm.
“About two weeks later, on 15 August 2023, G. Karunathilaka, 54-years, was assaulted near the 29 Tank at UD-60 area at around 7 pm. Karunathilaka was brutally assaulted and had sustained serious injuries to his arms and legs.
“Complaints have been lodged with the Harbour Police on 27 June and 17 August about the attacks. However, nothing has been done and the assailants remain free to terrorize others.
“We express our strongest displeasure at the Police for not taking action against the perpetrators of these attacks. We also believe that a powerful force is influencing the police.
“It has almost been 10-days since water was released to the Udawalawe Tank from the Samanalawewa Tank. However, this water has not yet been adequately released to farmlands. This is leading to conflicts and tensions among the farmers and those who maintain large scale unauthorised plantations. The Mahaweli Authority, Department of Irrigation and Ministry of Agriculture must immediately step in to prevent potential clashes between farmers and those who maintain large scale unauthorized plantations.
One of the best ways to ease tensions is to arrest those who have assaulted farmer leaders. If these organised groups are allowed to continue, the lives of farmer leaders are in danger. If the violence claims the life of a farmer leader, the police must take responsibility.”
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- Violence (physical)
- Rights Concerned
- Land rights, Freedom of expression Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment
- HRD
- Community-based HRD, Land rights defender
- Perpetrator-Non-State
- Non-state
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Jan 3, 2024
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Jun 7, 2023
- Event Description
Al Jazeera journalist Minelle Fernandez was hit by a water cannon while reporting on a students’ march in Sri Lanka’s capital, Colombo yesterday.
The Inter-University Student’s Federation (IUSF) staged a protest yesterday to demand the release of activists detained during last year’s anti-government protests.
The Police fired water cannons and tear gas to disperse the protesters at Wijerama Junction in Nugegoda, during which Al Jazeera journalist Minelle Fernandez was caught in the crossfire.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Woman
- Violation
- Violence (physical)
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of expression Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment
- HRD
- WHRD
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Jan 3, 2024
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Aug 10, 2023
- Event Description
Twenty university students who were arrested during the protest march organized by the Inter University Students' Federation on Thursday (10) were released on bail.
The group was released based on a court order issued by the Hultsdorf Magistrate's Court No. 1, when they were produced in court on Thursday (10). They were released on a personal bail of Rs. 25,000 each.
Court also ordered the group to be produced in court once again on the 14th of August.
Sri Lanka Police used water cannons to disperse the group at two separate location during the protest march on Thursday (10) evening.
Sri Lanka Police deployed water cannons to disperse a protest in Colombo organized by the Inter-University Students' Federation.
The Inter University Students' Federation, a student movement in Sri Lanka had organized a protest in Colombo on Thursday (10) citing multiple demands, including to terminate the Ranil – Wijeyadasa report that eliminates Free Education, to abolish the inhumane labour laws, and to prevent any attempt on the ETF and EPF funds of the people.
The Maligakanda Magistrate's Court issued an order preventing the protest from taking place after considering the submissions made by the OIC of the Maradana Police who claimed the protest would cause a public disturbance.
One Inter-University Students' Federation group protested opposite the Vihara Maha Devi Park in Colombo, and another group marched in protest from the Kirulapone Junction.
Water cannons were fired on the protest march twice by Sri Lanka Police.
Thereafter, water cannons were used to disperse the Inter-University Students' Federation protest opposite the Vihara Maha Devi Park.
Water cannons were used on them thrice.
Thereafter, Sri Lanka Police and Anti-Riot Squad chased after the protestors in order to make arrests.
Sri Lanka Army personnel were also summoned to crackdown on the protest, and several protestors were arrested when they entered the Public Library premises in Colombo.
The Fort Magistrate Thilina Gamage has issued a restriction order against 10 members of InterUniversity Student Federation (IUSF), including its convener Madushan Chandrajith, in relation to a protest they organised on 10th August. The court order prevented the protesters from entering several areas in Colombo, including the Presidential Secretariat, President’s House, the Prime Minister’s Office, Central Bank, and the Galle Face Green public park where last year’s people’s protest occurred, from 09.00 am to 06.00 pm on 10th of August. The Maligakanda Magistrate issued a second court order preventing the same protest march. The court order was issued against the IUSF convener and 08 other members of the federation from entering or marching in protest along Deans Road, Kularatna Mawatha, T.B. Jayah Mawatha and Technical Junction and other nearby areas in Colombo. Both court orders said peaceful demonstrations can be carried out without inconveniencing the members of the public and public officers.
On 10th of August, Police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse the IUSF protesters at two places in Colombo, in Kirulapone and near ViharaMahadevi park and arrested 22 protesters. The IUSF protested on several key demands, including raising objections to recent government approval for granting medical degrees under three private universities, proposed labour law amendments, and use of superannuation funds in the domestic debt restructuring process.62 63 Protesters arrested near the Viharamahadevi park, were granted bail on the same day.
Maligakanda Magistrate issued an order banning 11 individuals, including MP Sarath Fonseka, Ven. Pagoda Vijithavansa Thero and Journalist Tharindu Uduwaragedra and other protesters from entering and protesting in the Deans road, Maradana Road, T. B. Jaya Mawatha, Technical Junction and other areas in Maradana, while a protest has been planned to be held on 11th of August. A demonstration was held in front of the Colombo Municipal Council (town hall) area under the theme “unarmed non-partisan Aragalaya– People’s Revolution” with the participation of MP Sarath Fonseka, some Buddhist monks, and disabled military soldiers showing their resistance towards the current and former governments. While security was tightened in the area deploying many military and police personnel, the protesters were not attacked.
- Impact of Event
- 20
- Gender of HRD
- Other (e.g. undefined, organisation, community)
- Violation
- (Arbitrary) Arrest and Detention, Administrative Harassment, Judicial Harassment, Restrictions on Movement, Violence (physical)
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of movement, Freedom of expression Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment, Right to liberty and security, Right to Protest
- HRD
- Pro-democracy defender, Student
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Jan 3, 2024
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Jul 23, 2023
- Event Description
The former convenor of the Inter-University Student's Federation Wasantha Mudalige and another were arrested in Borella on Thursday (27) evening by Sri Lanka Police.
Wasantha Mudalige was arrested by the Cinnamon Gardens Police and was detained at the Cinnamon Gardens Police Station.
He was arrested as per a warrant issued for his arrest for failing to appear in court for a case filed over being a member of an unlawful assembly opposite the University Grants Commission on the 27th of February 2020, and for causing inconveniences.
The other person who was arrested was India Vidana Pathirana, a member of the IUSF.
- Impact of Event
- 2
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- (Arbitrary) Arrest and Detention, Judicial Harassment
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of assembly, Freedom of expression Offline, Right to liberty and security
- HRD
- Pro-democracy defender, Student
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Jan 3, 2024
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Jan 31, 2023
- Event Description
Thambirasa Selvarani who leads a group of relatives of missing persons in Ampara was summoned to appear before courts today (31).
She was to present herself before Pottuvil magistrate’s court at 9.00 am, said Journalists for Democracy – Sri Lanka.
This is in connection with a protest she led yesterday in Thirukkovil demanding justice for the victims of enforced disappearances.
While calling for an international investigation, the protestors also rejected a Rs. 200,000 compensation offered by the government.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Woman
- Violation
- Intimidation and Threats
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of assembly, Freedom of expression Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment
- HRD
- Community-based HRD, WHRD
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Jan 3, 2024
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Jan 5, 2023
- Event Description
Randimal Gamage, a frontline activist of the ‘Aragalaya’ protest movement, was arrested at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) this morning (05 Jan.).
Gamage was arrested at the BIA, Katunayake, upon his arrival from the United Arab Emirates over the incident where a group of anti-government protesters illegally entered the Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation (SLRC) in July last year, Police Spokesman SSP Nihal Thalduwa said.
On 13 July 2022, anti-government protesters stormed into the state-owned media institution, forcing them to suspend transmission for a short period of time.
Meanwhile, former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has too, arrived in the island this morning, after holidaying in Dubai, UAE.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- (Arbitrary) Arrest and Detention, Judicial Harassment
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of expression Offline, Right to liberty and security, Right to Protest
- HRD
- Pro-democracy defender
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Jan 3, 2024
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Jun 13, 2023
- Event Description
Social activist Prasad Welikumbura was questioned by the Criminal Investigation Department today regarding a Twitter video he published in February.
According to journalist Tharindu Jayawardena, the video showcases a group of citizens expressing their dissatisfaction with a military motorcade.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- Intimidation and Threats
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of expression Online, Right to healthy and safe environment
- HRD
- Blogger/ Social Media Activist
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Jan 3, 2024
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Nov 25, 2023
- Event Description
Sri Lankan authorities have detained nine ethnic Tamils under the country's abusive counterterrorism law for commemorating those who died in the 1983-2009 civil war, Human Rights Watch said today.
The Sri Lankan government has repeatedly assured international allies, trading partners, and the United Nations that it would replace the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), which has long been used to arbitrarily detain and torture minority community members and civil society activists. The government should immediately release all those arbitrarily detained under the PTA and place a moratorium on its use until it can be repealed.
“The Sri Lankan authorities’ use of a counterterrorism law against Tamils commemorating those who died in the civil war is cruelly abusive and further marginalizes a community that already faces persistent government discrimination,” said Meenakshi Ganguly, deputy Asia director at Human Rights Watch. “President Ranil Wickremesinghe speaks of ‘reconciliation,’ but his government’s actions only serve to deepen ethnic divisions.”
The authorities arrested those newly detained under the PTA between November 25 and 27 in Batticaloa, in the Eastern Province, and confiscated decorations and loudspeakers from a commemoration vigil. Since the civil war between the government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) ended in 2009 with the separatist armed group’s complete defeat, successive administrations have prevented Tamils from publicly memorializing the war dead.
On December 2, police in Mullaitivu district, in the Northern Province, reportedly shut down an event at a Hindu temple to commemorate the Sri Lankan army’s 1984 massacre of Tamil villagers in Othiyamalai. Preventing ethnic and religious minorities from conducting ceremonies to commemorate the dead violates the rights to freedom of religion, belief, expression, and association, Human Rights Watch said.
Soon after taking office in July 2022, President Wickremesinghe ended a short-lived moratorium on the use of the PTA. A previous administration, in which Wickremesinghe was prime minister, had pledged in 2017 to repeal the law when it rejoined a European Union trading program called the Generalized Scheme of Preferences (GSP+). The GSP+ grants tariff-free access for Sri Lankan exports conditioned on compliance with international human rights conventions. Sri Lankan authorities have repeatedly renewed the pledge but never carried it out.
Many of Sri Lanka’s international partners, including the United States, European Union, and United Kingdom, as well as the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, criticized the recent PTA detentions.
The administration has also used the PTA to restrict criticism of government management of the economy and other policies. In August 2022, three student activists were detained under the law for protesting the government’s handling of the economic crisis. Other activists say that they fear being arrested under the PTA for speaking out and that the government is constraining civil society organizations’ access to funding, particularly donations from abroad, under the guise of “countering terrorist financing.”
The International Monetary Fund (IMF), which is providing Sri Lanka with a US$3 billion loan, reported in September that civil society’s “oversight and monitoring” of government actions is “restricted … by broad application of counter-terrorism rules.”
In a November report on Sri Lanka’s compliance with its human rights obligations under the GSP+ trading arrangement, the EU found that “the treatment of minorities remains a concern in particular as efforts towards reconciliation are slow, and the 1979 Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) continues to be applied including after the protest movements in 2022, causing fear among the population and suffocating dissent. Substantial reform or repeal of the PTA in line with human rights standards remains a priority, just as Sri Lanka’s need to re-commit to reconciliation and accountability.” Despite Sri Lanka’s failure to comply with its six- year-old pledge to reform the PTA, the EU continues to extend GSP+ benefits to the country.
On September 15, the government published the latest version of its proposed replacement counterterrorism legislation. It then withdrew the bill for further revisions after widespread domestic and international criticism that it reproduced many of the abusive provisions of the current law while creating new speech-related offenses that could be used to suppress dissent.
The government recently proposed another law, the Online Safety Bill, that could also be used to restrict freedom of expression by creating a commission, appointed by the president, which would decide whether online statements are false or prohibited. The commission could order the removal of online statements and participate in police investigations and prosecutions of those accused of posting them.
“The Sri Lankan government’s latest misuse of the PTA should be a strong reminder to the EU that its GSP+ requirements are being ignored,” Ganguly said. “The European Union and EU governments need to make their displeasure with this turn of events known.”
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Other (e.g. undefined, organisation, community)
- Violation
- (Arbitrary) Arrest and Detention
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of assembly, Freedom of expression Offline, Right to liberty and security
- HRD
- Community-based HRD, Minority rights defender
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Jan 2, 2024
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Dec 2, 2023
- Event Description
Oddusuddan police disrupted an event to remember the 32 Tamils that were massacred in Othiyamalai, Mullaitivu by the Sri Lankan army in 1984.
As Tamils gathered by a memorial for the victims to mark 39 years since the massacre, the Officer in Charge (OIC) of Oddusuddan police station, interrupted the event claiming that the organisers did not have a permit to use a loudspeaker. OIC Ranjith Bamunusinghe demanded that the event is halted and to show that they had a permit for the loudspeaker.
The organisers argued that this event has been held annually for the last 14 years without any problems, however, today this police officer was creating a disturbance.
Bamunusinghe gave the organisers ten minutes to conclude the event, forcing the remembrance event to end earlier than planned.
On December 2, 1984, men in the village were rounded up by Sri Lankan soldiers, dragged to the village community centre where they were stripped naked and tied up by their clothes.
Twenty-seven of the men were shot and killed on the spot. A further five were detained and are believed to have been murdered at a later date.
Flowers and candles were laid at a memorial dedicated to the victims despite the heavy presence of Sri Lankan intelligence officers who took photographs of the participants.
A monument built in memory of the victims of Othiyamalai is reported to have been destroyed in the final stages of the armed conflict. A new memorial was unveiled in 2018.
Since the end of the armed conflict in May 2009, the Sri Lankan state has attempted to repress Tamil memorialisation activities in the North-East, through court orders or by intimidating and harassing Tamil people participating in remembrance events.
The state has escalated their crackdown on remembrance events in recent weeks as the Tamil nation marked Maaveerar Naal. This week, as many as 11 Tamils, have now been arrested by Sri Lankan authorities under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), after Maaveerar Naal commemorations.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Other (e.g. undefined, organisation, community)
- Violation
- Administrative Harassment
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of assembly, Freedom of expression Offline
- HRD
- Community-based HRD, Minority rights defender
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Jan 2, 2024
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Oct 24, 2023
- Event Description
Sri Lanka's Education Ministry has expressed regret over the attack on the protest launched by school teachers and principals in Pelawatte, Battaramulla, on Tuesday.
The Education Ministry said that such an incident taking place at a time when teachers, and principals were seeking solutions to their issues, was regrettable.
A statement added that the incident took place when the Education Minister was overseas for a conference, and it added that the Minister had expressed his apology to the teachers and principals who were severely inconvenienced by it.
On Tuesday afternoon, school teachers, principals, and advisors engaged in a protest march, citing several demands.
Sri Lanka police fired tear gas and water cannons to disperse the protesters.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Other (e.g. undefined, organisation, community)
- Violation
- Violence (physical)
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of assembly, Freedom of expression Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment, Right to Protest
- HRD
- Public Servant
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Nov 24, 2023
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Oct 28, 2023
- Event Description
Sri Lankan authorities must immediately drop any investigation into freelance Tamil journalists Punniyamoorthy Sasikaran and Valasingham Krishnakumar in retaliation for their reporting and allow them to work without interference, the Committee to Protect Journalists said Wednesday.
On October 28, a police officer separately interrogated Sasikaran and Krishnakumar at their homes in eastern Batticaloa district following their reporting on an October 8 protest, according to the advocacy group Journalists for Democracy in Sri Lanka and the journalists, who spoke with CPJ.
The protest, which coincided with President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s visit to Batticaloa, included hundreds of farmers and activists demonstrating against alleged state-backed land grabbing by Sinhalese settlers. Sasikaran covered the events for the privately owned U.K.-based broadcaster IBC Tamil and digital news outlet BATTIMIRROR, while Krishnakumar reported for the privately owned websites Maddu News and Samugam Media.
The officer questioned Sasikaran and Krishnakumar about their personal and journalistic backgrounds and activities, and what occurred at the protest for around two and a half hours and one hour and 15 minutes, respectively, the journalists told CPJ.
The officer ordered them to sign written statements of their testimony and notified them that they had been named in a police criminal investigation in relation to the protest along with several farmers, politicians, and activists, and were due to appear for a hearing at the Eravur Magistrate Court on November 17. Neither Sasikaran nor Krishnakumar had received a written summons or a copy of a police report detailing the precise allegations against them as of November 8, they said.
“Sri Lankan authorities must immediately cease all forms of reprisal against journalists Punniyamoorthy Sasikaran and Valasingham Krishnakumar and ensure they may report freely,” said CPJ Asia Program Coordinator Beh Lih Yi. “The government must put an end to the long-standing pattern of relentless harassment targeting Tamil journalists covering human rights violations impacting their community.”
Following Sri Lanka’s 26-year civil war that ended in 2009, ethnic tensions persist between the Sinhalese people, the country’s majority ethnic group, and Tamils, who have experienced systematic discrimination in the country.
On November 4, Sasikaran and Krishnakumar received a court order, reviewed by CPJ, directing them to hand over their unedited video footage of a Buddhist monk threatening to “cut Tamils into pieces,” and to provide a statement to police in relation to a separate investigation into the monk.
On November 7, Sasikaran and Krishnakumar appeared at the Batticaloa Divisional Crime Detective Bureau and provided the footage to police, who questioned them for one hour each about their coverage and which media outlets they shared their videos with, they told CPJ.
Sasikaran and Krishnakumar told CPJ that they believed the latest incident was another form of harassment intended to muzzle their reporting on farmers and marginalized communities.
CPJ’s messages to Ajith Rohana, deputy inspector-general of the Batticaloa police, did not receive a response.
Police have repeatedly interrogated Sasikaran and Krishnakumar in retaliation for their work. On August 22, a mob of around 50 Sinhalese men held Krishnakumar and two other journalists captive while they were reporting on alleged state-backed land encroachments in Batticaloa. No suspects had been accountable for this incident as of November 8, Krishnakumar said.
- Impact of Event
- 2
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- Intimidation and Threats
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of expression Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment
- HRD
- Media Worker
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Nov 19, 2023
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Oct 2, 2023
- Event Description
The Fort Magistrate's Court issued an order on several activists, including Duminda Nagamuwa, and Venerable Galwewa Siridhamma Thero preventing them from entering certain locations in Colombo.
The order was issued following submissions made to court by the OIC of the Fort Police.
The order by the Fort Magistrate's Court prevents eight people, including the Covenor of the Inter-University Student's Federation Madushan Indrajith, Inter-University Bhikku Federation Venerable Galwewa Siridhamma Thero, Organizer of the Labour Struggle Center Duminda Nagamuwa, General Secretary of the Ceylon Teachers' Union, and those accompanying them, from entering certain areas in Colombo from 11 AM to 6 PM.
The prohibited areas are the President's Office, Ceramic Junction to the NSA Roundabout, and the NSA Roundabout to Baladaksha Mawatha.
The court order notes that the said individuals are prohibited from entering the said areas, should not cause damage to public and private property, and should also not engage in acts that incite the people.
- Impact of Event
- 3
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- Administrative Harassment, Restrictions on Movement
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of movement, Freedom of expression Offline
- HRD
- Labour rights defender, Pro-democracy defender, Student
- Perpetrator-State
- Judiciary, Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Oct 5, 2023
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Aug 22, 2023
- Event Description
Sri Lankan authorities must investigate the recent harassment of freelance Tamil journalists Selvakumar Nilanthan, Valasingham Krishnakumar, and Antony Christopher Christiraj and hold the perpetrators responsible, the Committee to Protect Journalists said Wednesday.
Around 12:30 p.m. on August 22, approximately 50 Sinhalese men led by a Buddhist monk surrounded vehicles holding the three journalists after they reported on alleged state-backed encroachments on Tamil cattle farmers’ land in the Mylathamadu area of the eastern district of Batticaloa, according to news reports, the rights group Journalists for Democracy in Sri Lanka, and the three journalists, who spoke to CPJ.
The men—some armed with knives and swords—moved the three journalists and around 17 others, including farmers and members of an accompanying interfaith group, to an open area and held them in the presence of officers from a local government development authority.
Although the interfaith group leaders immediately called the police, officers only arrived five hours later, after Tamil lawmakers raised the issue on the parliament floor.
As of August 30, police have not opened an investigation into the incident, the three journalists told CPJ. CPJ’s messages to the officer-in-charge of the Karadiyanaru Police Station, which oversees Mylathamadu, and Sri Lankan police spokesperson Nihal Thalduwa did not receive any replies.
“Sri Lankan authorities must thoroughly and impartially investigate the recent harassment of Selvakumar Nilanthan, Valasingham Krishnakumar, and Antony Christopher Christiraj by a mob in Batticaloa, and work to end the pattern of impunity relating to attacks on Tamil reporters,” said Carlos Martinez de la Serna, CPJ’s program director. “Tamil journalists have a right to report on issues affecting their community without interference or fear of reprisal.”
Ethnic tensions persist between the Sinhalese people, the country’s majority ethnic group, and Tamils following the country’s 26-year civil war that ended in 2009.
Nilanthan, secretary of the Batticaloa District Tamil Journalists Association, was wearing a press jacket and reporting for the privately owned U.K.-based broadcaster IBC Tamil. While he was held, several of the men forced him to delete photos and videos of farmers’ testimonies and the mob setting fire to the land.
He said they also forced him to sign two letters in Sinhala and Tamil stating that he would not report on the incident.
Christiraj, a freelance reporter, and Krishnakumar, a freelancer and the head of the Batticaloa District Tamil Journalists Association, were not wearing press jackets, hid their cameras, and did not inform the mob that they were reporters, they told CPJ.
When Christiraj and Krishnakumar later told police at the scene that they were members of the press, the Buddhist monk asked a police official to order all three journalists to delete their photos and videos, the reporters told CPJ, adding that the official did not comply with the request.
Members of the mob also pressured Krishnakumar to delete photos and videos after learning he was a journalist, which he refused to do, he said.
Although the mob assaulted a Hindu priest, the three journalists were not physically harmed, they told CPJ, adding that they felt traumatized and feared for their safety if they continued to report on the farmers’ plight.
In November 2020, police questioned Nilanthan at his home after reporting on Tamil farmers’ concerns following the growth of military-backed Sinhalese settlements in the district, including Mylathamadu.
- Impact of Event
- 3
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- Abduction/Kidnapping, Intimidation and Threats
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of expression Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment
- HRD
- Blogger/ Social Media Activist, Media Worker
- Perpetrator-Non-State
- Non-state
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Related Events
- Sri Lanka: media workers faces continuous harassment
- Date added
- Sep 13, 2023
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Jun 26, 2023
- Event Description
Civil Activist Piyath Nikeshala has been arrested by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) today.
It is reported that Piyath Nikeshala was arrested in connection to the incident of President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s house being set on fire during the 2022 Sri Lanka protests.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- (Arbitrary) Arrest and Detention
- Rights Concerned
- Right to liberty and security
- HRD
- Pro-democracy defender
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Related Events
- Sri Lanka: pro-democracy defender beaten, arrested
- Date added
- Aug 29, 2023
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Apr 9, 2023
- Event Description
In a letter to the IGP, the Sri Lanka Muslim Council complained about police brutality against a group of interfaith people who gathered at the Galle Face to participate in an Iftar ceremony.
This event was planned with the full approval of the Colpity police, and while the ceremony was taking shape, the police intervened and brutally chased the invitees.
The Muslim Council has requested that the IGP intervene in this matter.
The organisers that included a multi faith group wanted to bring an interfaith break fast group during our holy month of Ramadan in prayer and solidarity with people who were killed on the fateful Easter Sunday of 21/4/2019. They had invited people of all faiths to join in solidarity and experience the Muslim break fast at dusk. Over 1200 people of all faiths had gathered at Galle Face, near the Galle Face hotel.
The organisers sought the permission of the Colpetty Police in writing and the gentleman officer in-0charge had verbally given them permission. He had also given his name and mobile no to call him if there was any need of additional security. Our organisers had told him that they do not expect any trouble as its a simple solidarity meeting of different faiths and share our breaking Ramadan fast.
At about 4.45, officers from the Fort police had descended on the area where food was being served to break fast to the invitees and wanted the organisers to abandon the event. Amidst protests from the organisers, the police had forced some of our invitees to recite our Kalima (Laaa Ilaaha Illa-llaahu Muhammadur-Rasoolu-llaah – meaning There is none worthy of worship except Allah and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah).
This was an interfaith gathering and people of other faiths would not have known our Kalima and even if they knew, the police have no moral justification to demand any one to recite professing of the Muslim faith and this should not be even demanded from a Muslim. This is police brutality and an insult to the interfaith gathering who had come in hundreds.
- Impact of Event
- 5
- Gender of HRD
- Man, Woman
- Violation
- Administrative Harassment, Intimidation and Threats
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of assembly, Freedom of Religion and Belief, Freedom of expression Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment
- HRD
- Community-based HRD, Freedom of religion/belief activist, WHRD, Youth
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Aug 29, 2023
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Mar 31, 2023
- Event Description
Sri Lankan police arrested three people and unleashed a violent attack on a March 31 demonstration marking the first anniversary of the anti-government protests that began outside the house of former President Gotabhaya Rajapakse in Mirihana and led to a mass movement that forced his resignation.
Security personnel, including 3,000 policemen, were deployed to the area, well before the event. Police attacked the protesters, attempted to grab their placards, and forced them towards the nearby town of Nugegoda.
Police physically attacked and tore the shirt of journalist Shantha Wijesuriya as he was photographing the police violence. Vindana Prasad Karunaratne, a Sirasa TV journalist was also threatened by police.
Anuruddha Bandara, Sudara Jayasinghe and Dhanish Ali, leading figures in last year’s Galle Face Green protests, were arrested but released later that night on condition that they take no legal action against the police.
After the police chased away the crowd, protesters congregated at Nugegoda junction, carrying placards and chanting slogans “Don’t postpone elections!” and “Hands off the rights of people!”
Notwithstanding the Socialist Equality Party’s principled opposition to the pro-capitalist policies of the protest organisers, we strongly condemn the violent government-ordered assault. The Wickremesinghe government is attempting to suppress all popular opposition to its International Monetary Fund-dictated austerity policies.
One year ago on March 31, President Rajapakse ordered a vicious police attack on a protest in the same area. The mass uprising demanding the resignation of Rajapakse and his government erupted and spread nationally in the aftermath of that attack.
Millions of workers called for an end to power cuts and for adequate supplies of food, medicines, petrol and other essentials and took part in two one-day general strikes on April 28 and May 6. Rajapakse ignominiously fled the country on July 13, and then resigned.
Confronted with this mass movement, the ruling elite handed over the task of defending the capitalist state to Ranil Wickremesinghe, a notorious pro-US stooge and International Monetary Fund (IMF) enforcer, making him president.
The Wickremesinghe government, in exchange for the recently announced $US2.9 billion bailout loan from the IMF, is now implementing a new round of social attacks. Even the IMF has described the agenda as a “brutal experiment.”
This is provoking a new round of struggles with workers in telecom, petroleum, education, post, bank, power, ports, water supply and other sectors taking action in recent weeks.
Haunted by last year’s mass anti-government uprising, the Wickremesinghe government, backed by the capitalist class, is attacking basic democratic rights, so as to preempt strikes and protests by workers, students and other social layers.
Violating the constitution, the Wickremesinghe government has postponed local government elections, while using the Essential Public Service Act and deploying the military against anti-privatisation protests and strikes by petroleum workers. Last month the government announced a new Anti-Terrorism Bill, which, if adopted, will ban and harshly punish anyone protesting against government policies.
In this situation, it is critical to draw the political lessons from last year’s popular uprising.
Leading figures in last year’s Galle Face Green protests, which politically diverted workers and youth into support for an interim bourgeois government, are at it again, this time to “pressure” the Wickremesinghe regime.
Those involved in last month’s one-year anniversary protest included, Eranga Gunasekera, national organiser of Socialist Youth Union, which is affiliated to the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP); Lahiru Weerasekera, the national organiser of Youth for Change led by the pseudo-left Frontline Socialist Party (FSP); and Dhanish Ali and Anuruddha Bandara.
These formations have no fundamental differences with the IMF-dictated austerity measures. The JVP and its National People’s Power (NPP) front are attempting to win political power, claiming they can resurrect Sri Lankan capitalism more effectively than Wickremesinghe. The JVP and its FSP breakaway insist that their “solutions” can be achieved without challenging the parliamentary framework and the profit system.
Addressing the Nugegoda protest on March 31, following the police attack, FSP youth leader Lahiru Weerasekera cynically declared, “We are acting on earlier lessons learnt with [new] experiments” and called for more struggle. The FSP’s perspective is to pressure the government by building alliances with the trade unions and various opposition political parties to form “people’s councils” to win concessions.
- Impact of Event
- 3
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- (Arbitrary) Arrest and Detention
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of assembly, Freedom of expression Offline, Right to liberty and security, Right to Protest
- HRD
- Pro-democracy defender
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Related Events
- Sri Lanka: media worker attacked, another threatened, Sri Lanka: pro-democracy defender arrested while attempting to leave the country, remanded in prison
- Date added
- Aug 29, 2023
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Mar 31, 2023
- Event Description
Sri Lankan police arrested three people and unleashed a violent attack on a March 31 demonstration marking the first anniversary of the anti-government protests that began outside the house of former President Gotabhaya Rajapakse in Mirihana and led to a mass movement that forced his resignation.
Security personnel, including 3,000 policemen, were deployed to the area, well before the event. Police attacked the protesters, attempted to grab their placards, and forced them towards the nearby town of Nugegoda.
Police physically attacked and tore the shirt of journalist Shantha Wijesuriya as he was photographing the police violence. Vindana Prasad Karunaratne, a Sirasa TV journalist was also threatened by police.
Anuruddha Bandara, Sudara Jayasinghe and Dhanish Ali, leading figures in last year’s Galle Face Green protests, were arrested but released later that night on condition that they take no legal action against the police.
After the police chased away the crowd, protesters congregated at Nugegoda junction, carrying placards and chanting slogans “Don’t postpone elections!” and “Hands off the rights of people!”
Notwithstanding the Socialist Equality Party’s principled opposition to the pro-capitalist policies of the protest organisers, we strongly condemn the violent government-ordered assault. The Wickremesinghe government is attempting to suppress all popular opposition to its International Monetary Fund-dictated austerity policies.
One year ago on March 31, President Rajapakse ordered a vicious police attack on a protest in the same area. The mass uprising demanding the resignation of Rajapakse and his government erupted and spread nationally in the aftermath of that attack.
Millions of workers called for an end to power cuts and for adequate supplies of food, medicines, petrol and other essentials and took part in two one-day general strikes on April 28 and May 6. Rajapakse ignominiously fled the country on July 13, and then resigned.
Confronted with this mass movement, the ruling elite handed over the task of defending the capitalist state to Ranil Wickremesinghe, a notorious pro-US stooge and International Monetary Fund (IMF) enforcer, making him president.
The Wickremesinghe government, in exchange for the recently announced $US2.9 billion bailout loan from the IMF, is now implementing a new round of social attacks. Even the IMF has described the agenda as a “brutal experiment.”
This is provoking a new round of struggles with workers in telecom, petroleum, education, post, bank, power, ports, water supply and other sectors taking action in recent weeks.
Haunted by last year’s mass anti-government uprising, the Wickremesinghe government, backed by the capitalist class, is attacking basic democratic rights, so as to preempt strikes and protests by workers, students and other social layers.
Violating the constitution, the Wickremesinghe government has postponed local government elections, while using the Essential Public Service Act and deploying the military against anti-privatisation protests and strikes by petroleum workers. Last month the government announced a new Anti-Terrorism Bill, which, if adopted, will ban and harshly punish anyone protesting against government policies.
In this situation, it is critical to draw the political lessons from last year’s popular uprising.
Leading figures in last year’s Galle Face Green protests, which politically diverted workers and youth into support for an interim bourgeois government, are at it again, this time to “pressure” the Wickremesinghe regime.
Those involved in last month’s one-year anniversary protest included, Eranga Gunasekera, national organiser of Socialist Youth Union, which is affiliated to the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP); Lahiru Weerasekera, the national organiser of Youth for Change led by the pseudo-left Frontline Socialist Party (FSP); and Dhanish Ali and Anuruddha Bandara.
These formations have no fundamental differences with the IMF-dictated austerity measures. The JVP and its National People’s Power (NPP) front are attempting to win political power, claiming they can resurrect Sri Lankan capitalism more effectively than Wickremesinghe. The JVP and its FSP breakaway insist that their “solutions” can be achieved without challenging the parliamentary framework and the profit system.
Addressing the Nugegoda protest on March 31, following the police attack, FSP youth leader Lahiru Weerasekera cynically declared, “We are acting on earlier lessons learnt with [new] experiments” and called for more struggle. The FSP’s perspective is to pressure the government by building alliances with the trade unions and various opposition political parties to form “people’s councils” to win concessions.
While the FSP, JVP and trade union bureaucrats denounce Wickremesinghe’s elevation into the presidency, his austerity measure programs and attacks on democratic rights, they cannot answer one question. Why, after the mass working-class movement forced the resignation of Rajapakse and his government, was Wickremesinghe able to come to power?
The answer is because these organisations betrayed the mass movement, diverting the mass movement behind the demands of the SJB and JVP for an interim capitalist regime.
From the outset, the Socialist Equality Party (SEP) in Sri Lanka fought to mobilise the working class independently, as the leadership of the poor and other oppressed layers, on the basis of an international socialist program.
Against the political illusion-mongering of the opposition parties and the pseudo-left, the SEP and the International Youth and Students for Social Equality, called for abolition of the executive presidency and the repressive state apparatus, and for a workers’ and peasants’ government committed to socialist policies.
Based on the political lessons of the popular uprising, the SEP issued a statement on July 20, 2022 calling for a Socialist and Democratic Congress of Workers and Rural Masses as the basis for a political fight against the Wickremesinghe regime and the capitalist class.
We called for the Congress to be based on delegates of action committees of workers and rural toilers, built at every workplace, estate and the countryside. Such committees will only be able to fight for the interests of the workers and the poor if they are politically independent of all the bourgeois parties and the trade union bureaucracies.
Drawing on the political lessons of the betrayal of revolutionary upsurge of the Egyptian working class in 2011, the SEP statement warned: “It [the working class] cannot allow the political initiative to slip from its hands. It needs to tear itself away from all of the political parties of the bourgeoisie, their pseudo-left hangers-on and trade union apparatuses. It must establish its own political instruments to defend its class interests and fight for power.”
The SEP’s call for the building of independent action committees emerges now with added urgency. If power is left in the hands of the bourgeoisie, it will only result in a political catastrophe. The working class cannot fight the Wickremesinghe government’s class war if it remains trapped inside the pro-capitalist trade unions and the pseudo-left.
As the SEP statement insisted, the crucial lesson of last year’s uprising is the building of the SEP as the mass revolutionary party of the working class and rallying of the urban and rural poor against the capitalist profit system.
- Impact of Event
- 2
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- Intimidation and Threats, Violence (physical)
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of expression Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment
- HRD
- Media Worker
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Aug 29, 2023
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Feb 23, 2023
- Event Description
The police have arrested 57 people including Wasantha Mudalige, convener of the Inter-University Student Federation.
The police said the group was arrested when they attempted to forcefully enter the premises of the Ministry of Education in Battaramulla.
There are 48 monks among those arrested.
A group of university students gathered in front of the Ministry of Education and held a protest demanding the resumption of studies at the Homagama Buddhist and Pali University and the release of the previously arrested student activists.
The inter-university Bhikku Federation also staged a protest yesterday at Pitipana intersection in Homagama demanding the authorities to reopen the university that was closed due to student unrest following a ragging incident.
The police used water cannons and tear gas to disperse the protestors yesterday.
- Impact of Event
- 2
- Gender of HRD
- Other (e.g. undefined, organisation, community)
- Violation
- (Arbitrary) Arrest and Detention, Violence (physical)
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of assembly, Freedom of expression Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment, Right to liberty and security, Right to Protest
- HRD
- Community-based HRD, Pro-democracy defender, Student
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Aug 28, 2023
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Feb 11, 2023
- Event Description
The 18 arrested including All Ceylon Tamil Congress (ACTC) Member of Parliament Selvarajah Kajendran have been released on bail.
Jaffna Magistrate’s Court today, February 12 released each of the 18 members on a personal bail of Rs. 300,000 each.
Furthermore, the Magistrate strongly warned them not to enter the high security zones and to respect court orders.
The group were arrested yesterday, February 11 for engaging in a protest in violation of court a order.
The court order was obtained by Police to prevent disruptions during President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s visit to declare open the Jaffna Cultural Center built with Indian aid.
The monks have accused President Wickremesinghe of encouraging separatism by allowing for the implementation of the 13th amendment.
- Impact of Event
- 16
- Gender of HRD
- Man, Other (e.g. undefined, organisation, community)
- Violation
- (Arbitrary) Arrest and Detention
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of assembly, Freedom of expression Offline, Right to liberty and security, Right to Protest
- HRD
- Labour rights defender, Lawyer, Minority rights defender
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Aug 28, 2023
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Jan 26, 2023
- Event Description
Aragalaya activist, Wasantha Jayakody alias Maco, has been arrested from his home by the Cyber Crimes Investigation Division of the Police, according to his fellow activists.
Jayakody (40) was arrested by the Police on a complaint received about a certain post he had shared on social media in relation to the Independence Day celebration in a manner that can cause public unrest. He is to be produced before the Gangodawila Magistrates Court.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- (Arbitrary) Arrest and Detention
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of expression Online, Right to liberty and security
- HRD
- Pro-democracy defender
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Aug 28, 2023
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Jan 18, 2023
- Event Description
Prominent civil society leader Velan Swamigal was released on bail after being arrested by Sri Lankan police earlier this evening for reportedly 'obstructing the duties of police' during a protest on Sunday.
Swamigal joined Tamil families of the disappeared and University of Jaffna students as they protested while Sri Lankan president Ranil Wickremesinghe visited the town to mark Thai Pongal. Protesters were calling on Wickrememsinghe to address their demands: release all lands occupied by the state; provide answers on the whereabouts of the forcibly disappeared and release all Tamil political prisoners.
Sri Lanka's security forces beefed up their presence in Jaffna and attempted to disperse the protesters by erecting barricades and using water cannons on the demonstrators.
Speaking to the press after his release, Sumanthiran said the Sri Lankan police arrested Swamigal at lunch time for "hoisting a black flag against the Sri Lankan president, obstructing the duties of the police, and wounding a police officer" during Sunday's protest.
"It was a peaceful protest. The people here have the right to show that they reject the current president Ranil Wickremesinghe," Sumanthiran added.
Following Swamigal's arrest, Tamil National People's Front (TNPF) leader Gajen Ponnambalam called the arrest "a fascist act".
"An act that once again makes a mockery of the terms democracy and freedom of expression and freedom of speech," Ponnambalam added.
US based advocacy organisation, PEARL, also expressed their concern over the arrest.
The organisation highlighted that "Tamil groups that oppose state oppression are frequently harassed by the police and threatened with detention under the draconian PTA."
Swamigal, a vocal activist, has previously called on the international community to to support a referendum in Tamil Eelam, so that Tamils on the island could determine their own political future.
In February 2021, Swamigal headed the Pottuvil-to-Polikandy march. Tamils and Muslims in the North-East mobilised en-masse to begin a peaceful march from Pottuvil in Amparai to Polikandy in Jaffna, two points delineating the furthest ends of the traditional Tamil homeland, in defiance of numerous court orders.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- (Arbitrary) Arrest and Detention
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of assembly, Freedom of expression Offline, Right to liberty and security, Right to Protest
- HRD
- Pro-democracy defender
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Related Events
- Sri Lanka: water cannons to disperse demonstrators
- Date added
- Aug 28, 2023
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Jul 28, 2023
- Event Description
Sri Lankan authorities should immediately and unconditionally release journalist Tharindu Uduwaragedara and investigate allegations that he was beaten by police, the Committee to Protect Journalists said Friday.
At around 3 p.m. on Friday, July 28, police arrested Uduwaragedara after he covered a trade union protest in Borella, a suburb of the capital Colombo, according to Journalists for Democracy in Sri Lanka, a rights group operating from exile, and Jayantha Dehiaththage, the journalist’s lawyer, who spoke with CPJ by phone.
Officers pulled Uduwaragedara out of a rickshaw while he was leaving the protest and forced him into a police vehicle while he repeatedly identified himself as a journalist, according to Dehiaththage and video of the incident posted to Twitter.
Two officers beat Uduwaragedara while en route to the Borella Police Station, where he remained detained without charge or access to medical treatment for a head injury as of Friday evening, Dehiaththage said.
“The arrest and police beating of Sri Lankan journalist Tharindu Uduwaragedara are appalling, and authorities must immediately release him and provide him with access to medical care,” said Beh Lih Yi, CPJ’s Asia program coordinator. “Authorities must hold the perpetrators of this attack accountable and ensure that journalists can cover protests without fear of reprisal.”
Uduwaragedara operates the political affairs YouTube channel Satahan Radio, which has over 170,000 subscribers.
He is due to appear before a Colombo magistrate on Saturday, Dehiaththage told CPJ, saying that authorities had not disclosed any specific allegations against the journalist.
Police used water cannons and tear gas to disperse the protest, where demonstrators had gathered to oppose the slashing of pension funds amid a severe economic crisis.
CPJ called police spokesperson Nihal Thalduwa and contacted him via messaging app for comment, but did not receive any replies.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- (Arbitrary) Arrest and Detention, Violence (physical)
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of expression Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment, Right to liberty and security
- HRD
- Media Worker
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Related Events
- Sri Lanka: another media worker interrogated by the police, Sri Lanka: two social media activists summoned over online remarks
- Date added
- Aug 10, 2023
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Jul 25, 2023
- Event Description
Ten trade unions protested opposite the Fort Railway Station on Tuesday (25) morning, demanding an end to the looting of the EPF and ETF under the guise of Debt Restructuring.
However, before the protest took place, Sri Lanka Police obtained an order from the Fort Magistrate's Court preventing 10 trade unionists from entering several places and roads in Colombo.
The order is in effect from 9 AM to 6 PM on Tuesday (26).
The OIC of the Fort Police informed the Fort Magistrate's Court that the actions of the Trade Union leaders could disturb the activities of the public, and thus, based on that request, the order was issued.
The order was issued to 10 people, including Sameera Alwis - an Activist from the Banking and Financial Forum, Niroshan Gorakanage - General Secretary of the All Ceylon General Ports Employees Union, Sameera Pathirana - Deputy Chairman of the Ceylon Electricity Workers Union, and Udayanga Hettiarachch - Spokesperson of the Ceylon Petroleum Workers' Union.
They are not permitted to proceed to the President's Office, President's House, Central Bank of Sri Lanka, Police Headquarters, Fort Railway Station, as well as from CTO Junction to Olcott Mawatha.
Sri Lanka Police presented the Court Order to the trade union leaders ahead of the protest.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Other (e.g. undefined, organisation, community)
- Violation
- Administrative Harassment, Judicial Harassment
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of assembly, Freedom of expression Offline, Right to Protest
- HRD
- Labour rights defender
- Perpetrator-State
- Judiciary, Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Aug 9, 2023
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Jul 26, 2023
- Event Description
Sri Lanka Police used water cannons to disperse a group of university student activists who were protesting at Lipton Circus in Colombo on Wednesday (26) afternoon.
They were seeking the immediate release of two student activists who have been in remand custody for over 200 days.
Student activists from the Inter-University Students' Federation gathered at Lipton Circus at around 2 PM on Wednesday (26) and launched a protest.
They were seeking the immediate release of two student activists who have been in remand custody for over 200 days, namely the Chairman of the Student Union of the University of Kelaniya Kelum Mudannayake, and Student Activist Dilshan Harshana.
Sri Lanka Police and Crowd Control Units was stationed at the premises, and the university students were given a considerable time period to vacate.
The university students then attempted to proceed towards the University Grants Commission, and in order to prevent them from moving forward, Sri Lanka Police used water cannons.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Other (e.g. undefined, organisation, community)
- Violation
- Violence (physical)
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of assembly, Freedom of expression Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment, Right to Protest
- HRD
- Student
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Aug 9, 2023
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Jul 23, 2023
- Event Description
Sri Lanka tightened security on Sunday as activists lit oil lamps in the capital, Colombo, commemorating the hundreds killed in 1983 anti-Tamil riots that fueled a deadly civil war.
"Let's not forget the slaughter of Tamils," read a banner carried by members of North-South Solidarity, a group of rights defenders from the country's majority Sinhalese and minority Tamil communities.
Several dozen activists lit coconut oil lamps and candles outside Colombo's main cemetery, where the inter-communal violence started 40 years ago.
The then-government attempted a mass burial at the cemetery for 13 Sinhalese soldiers killed in a Tamil rebel land mine attack on July 23, 1983.
Relatives demanded individual funerals for the soldiers and clashed with police, before turning their attacks on Tamils and Tamil-owned shops in the area.
What began as a spontaneous backlash against Tamils degenerated into state-led deadly violence that lasted six days.
Official estimates place the riot death toll between 400 to 600, but Tamil groups say the actual number is in the thousands.
There have been no prosecutions, even though some members of the then-government were seen leading the Sinhalese mobs.
At Sunday's commemoration, authorities deployed heavily armed troops who outnumbered demonstrators, while an AFP journalist saw police kicking and stomping on oil lamps placed along the pavement just outside the cemetery.
Sri Lanka's President Ranil Wickremesinghe has cracked down on dissent since he came to power last year.
His United National Party was in power when the 1983 riots broke out.
The then-president, Junius Jayewardene, Wickremesinghe's uncle, is widely accused of not doing anything to prevent the violence.
A Tamil insurgency demanding a separate state for their ethnic minority developed into a full-blown civil war that eventually claimed the lives of at least 100,000 people, before the rebel leadership was defeated in May 2009.
Police try to disperse a group commemorating the anti-Tamil pogrom of 1983, at an event held in Colombo on July 23, 2023. The week-long violence targeting Tamils 40 years ago changed the course of Sri Lanka’s history. | Photo Credit: AFP
When a handful of individuals convened near the Borella Cemetery in Colombo on July 23, to mark the 40th anniversary of Sri Lanka’s anti-Tamil pogrom in 1983, a few angry young men disrupted the proceedings despite heavy police presence.
Members of an extremist Sinhala nationalist outfit — known for its visceral hate for the island’s ethnic minorities — the men barged into the gathering with familiar aggression and hurled abuse at the participants at the peaceful remembrance, branding them as “Tiger” (to connote the LTTE) and “terrorist”. It was an exact replay of the scenes witnessed at the same venue on May 18, at a rare Colombo commemoration of the end of the civil war. On both occasions, the huge contingent of riot police asked the activists, not disruptors, to disperse immediately.
‘Can’t remember, Can’t forget’ For families of Tamil victims killed in the many cycles of violence in Sri Lanka, remembering the dead has not been easy. Forgetting those traumatic times is even harder.
Cheryl Arnold recalls the events that unfolded over the last week of July 1983 like they happened yesterday. She was 13 and studying at a famous girls’ school in Colombo, with children from different ethnic backgrounds. “Until that time, I was not conscious of my ethnic identity. We were all in the same class, we were friends. But that week changed everything for our family.”
The tension was palpable and everyone around was talking about it. “I couldn’t follow everything at the time, but I understood that the Tamils were in danger.” And very soon, the danger came close to her home located at the heart of Colombo, when the family saw a mob set fire to the house on top of their lane, where an elderly couple lived. “My brothers tried to douse the fire there and had apparently been noticed by the mob... days later, the mob came to our home and threatened us. One of them put a knife to my brother’s neck,” she said, of her older sibling’s narrow escape.
Ms. Arnold comes from a mixed ethnic family, her mother is Sinhalese and her father is Tamil. “My mother somehow spoke to them... while my father and I stayed at a neighbour’s home.” As violence began escalating on July 24, some friends drove her, along with her parents, to an uncle’s home. “It must have been barely two hours since we left, we heard that our house was ablaze.” Her three brothers each had their own “equally traumatic escape story” before the family converged at a church days later. It had turned into a refugee shelter for many like them who were “fortunate to be alive”.
Her parents subsequently left the country and sought asylum abroad. Deeply affected by the violence and loss of their home built with his hard-earned life savings, her father took ill. It was when Ms. Arnold tried to visit her ailing father that the reality of being Tamil in Sri Lanka hit her hard. In her case, even being half a Tamil was enough to face high risk and discrimination from fellow citizens and foreigners. “The embassy treated me like some sort of suspect... as someone who was trying to migrate to never return. They rejected my visa…by the time I reapplied and got it, it was too late,” she said, fighting tears. Her father had passed on. The family was scattered across countries and could never live together as they did before.
Although the Tamils living on the island, including the Malaiyaha (hill country) Tamils, faced periodic bouts of mob violence right from the 1950s, the pogrom of 1983 that claimed thousands of lives and rendered several thousands homeless, proved a watershed in Sri Lankan history. ‘Black July’, as the period is often described, propelled a festering ethnic conflict into a full-blown civil war lasting decades.
It changed every Tamil individual’s life in significant ways. Many families, including professionals from various walks of life, fled the country. Tamil women dreaded wearing the pottu (bindi) for years, fearing it would give their ethnic identity away. “1983 brought about a drastic shift in our lives changing the course of our history... somewhat like BC and AD,” said Jaffna legislator M.A. Sumanthiran, recalling his family’s unsettling journey by sea from Colombo to Jaffna.
Challenging the dominant narrative The death and destruction during the time have been documented in detail.
The Civil Rights Movement (CRM) of Sri Lanka, one of the oldest human rights organisations in the country, termed the series of incidents a “holocaust”. “The shock and horror of recent events when many Sri Lankans were hunted out, assaulted, killed, their homes and possessions destroyed, and places of business burnt for no other reason than that they belonged to the Tamil community permeate our lives today and will continue to do so for a long time to come,” the CRM said in its report.
It especially drew attention to the massacre of 53 Tamil prisoners at the high-security Welikada prison in Colombo during the week of gruesome violence.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Other (e.g. undefined, organisation, community)
- Violation
- Intimidation and Threats, Vilification, Violence (physical)
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of assembly, Freedom of expression Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment, Right to protect reputation
- HRD
- Community-based HRD, Minority rights defender
- Perpetrator-State
- Armed forces/ Military, Police
- Perpetrator-Non-State
- Extremist group
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Aug 3, 2023
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Jul 4, 2023
- Event Description
At a time where the government of Sri Lanka is facing major criticism from various factions for its proposed Broadcast Authority Regulatory Act, the Criminal Investigation Department and the Financial Crime Division summoned two social media activists, for inquiries on Tuesday (04).
Activist Tharindu Uduwaragedara, who owns the YouTube channel Satahan Radio, was summoned to the CID to record a statement with regard to the comments he made over the arrest of Nathasha Edirisooriya, who was remanded for controversial comments she had made.
"I commented on the nature of the arrest, and the conduct of the media. I have been summoned to the CID for that," said Uduwaragedara.
The social media activist stated that over the past few decades, the country has seen patterns of governance, where the rulers always incite the people using lies and racism, and thereafter drag the country into an abyss.
"The people started to understand that group via YouTube videos. According to the present government, there is no greater crime than speaking. The Anti Terrorism Act relates to expression. They have also appointed a committee to introduce laws against religious defamation," added Uduwaragedara.
The social media activist, speaking to media, said that the government wants to introduce a Broadcasting Regulatory Act, and that document was leaked to the media.
He added that the government is trying to introduce new laws for contempt of court, as well as social media regulation.
"The most serious form of terrorism, according to the government, is freedom of expression," he said.
Social media activist Dharshana Handungoda was also summoned to the Financial Crime Division in Narahenpita in order to record a statement regarding the YouTube channel SL VLOG.
"They say that I sold this channel. The previous channel I worked for was SL VLOG. Some say it belongs to me. It does not belong to me. Our PR is here to show the list of directors," Handungoda said, speaking to the media, following his appearance at the Financial Crime Division.
It is also noteworthy that Dharshana Handungoda was arrested on the 5th of February 2023, over posting controversial views on social media platforms.
Tharindu Uduwaragedara was summoned before the CID on 28 June 2022.
On 8 November 2022, he was questioned by the Cyber Crimes Investigation Division (CCID) for nearly 3 hours at the Criminal Investigation Department in Colombo.
On the 28th of May, Nathasha Edirisooriya was arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), for allegedly making defamatory comments about Buddhism.
Social media activist Bruno Divakara was also arrested by the Cyber Crimes Division of the Criminal Investigation Department on the 31st of May.
He was arrested for sharing her content.
Amidst a slew of arrests and interrogations being carried out on journalists and social media activists in Sri Lanka, questions are being raised by various factions as to whether the media freedom of Sri Lanka is under threat once again, similar to the dark era in Sri Lankan history where multiple journalists were killed, assaulted, or disappeared.
- Impact of Event
- 2
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- Judicial Harassment
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of expression Online
- HRD
- Blogger/ Social Media Activist
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Related Events
- Sri Lanka: social media activist arrested
- Date added
- Jul 11, 2023
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- May 28, 2023
- Event Description
Stand-up comedian, Nathasha Edirisooriya, who drew widespread criticism in the country for allegedly making derogatory remarks about religions, was arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
According to the police, she was taken into custody at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake on Sunday night while attempting to fly out of the country.
The CID received a complaint against Edirisooriya for allegedly insulting religions, including Buddhism, and Christianity during a stand-up comedy show.
She later shared a video and publicly apologised for the statements made.
Sri Lanka's religious affairs minister said that the country is drafting new legislation to control the incidents of religious slander and online virulence.
Sri Lanka's Minister of Buddhashasana, Religious, and Cultural Affairs Vidura Wickramanayaka, on Sunday, said that legislation would be soon passed to control the growing incidents of religious slander in the country.
"This will stop all incidents of demeaning religion on social media," he claimed.
Earlier this month, Pastor Jerome Fernando, a self-styled Godman, was condemned for making disparaging remarks about Lord Buddha, the video of which went viral on social media.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe instructed the Criminal Investigation Department to launch a probe into the matter, asserting that such statements could create religious conflicts in the country.
Fernando also released a public apology before fleeing to Singapore.
He then filed a fundamental rights petition to block his impending arrest.
In January, famous YouTuber Sepal Amarasinghe was sent to police custody for allegedly making derogatory remarks about the Sacred Tooth relic of Lord Buddha.
Sri Lanka's population, which roughly comprises 22 million, approximately 74 per cent are Buddhists. Sri Lanka's Constitution, while also respecting other communities and their rights, concedes Buddhism as the "foremost place" among the country's religious faiths.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Woman
- Violation
- (Arbitrary) Arrest and Detention, Travel Restriction
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of movement, Freedom of expression Offline, Right to liberty and security
- HRD
- Artist, WHRD
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Jun 16, 2023
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- May 31, 2023
- Event Description
Social media activist Bruno Divakara was arrested on Wednesday (31) by the Computer Crimes Investigations Division of the CID.
Police spokesperson SSP Nihal Thalduwa said, Bruno Divakara was arrested for publishing comments made by Natasha Edirisooriya, which sparked controversy.
Bruno Divakara was informed to report to the Computer Crimes Investigations Division of the CID by 10 AM on Wednesday (31).
Sri Lanka Police said that a statement was recorded from him, and thereafter in the evening he was arrested.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- (Arbitrary) Arrest and Detention
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of expression Online, Right to liberty and security
- HRD
- Blogger/ Social Media Activist
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Jun 6, 2023
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- May 21, 2023
- Event Description
On 21 and 23 May 2023, Sri Lankan human rights defender and human rights lawyer Priyalal Sirisena received threatening phone calls from unidentified persons who warned him to stop his work and actions against a ‘minister’. Although the minister was not named during the call, there is good reason to believe that the threats are linked to Priyalal Sirisena’s legal action against a powerful elected official in Sri Lanka for contempt of court.
Priyalal Sirisena is a human rights defender and lawyer who has dedicated himself to supporting and advocating on behalf of victims of human rights violations, especially victims of custodial torture and arbitrary detention, in Sri Lanka. The human rights defender has represented groups such as the Small Scale Fishers (SSF) in seeking justice against large scale licence holders whose practices cause marine destruction which impact their livelihood. He is a vocal advocate against the abuse of anti-terror laws and was part of the legal team that opposed the Counter Terrorism Bill in 2018. Priyalal Sirisena has engaged with national and international stakeholders to raise awareness of Sri Lanka’s human rights record including by coordinating the national civil society submission to the UN Universal Periodic Review in 2017 and 2022.
More recently, Priyalal Sirisena has been involved in a legal case against a State Minister for contempt of court based on this minister’s public criticism of the magistrate court’s decision to grant bail to protesters linked to the economic crisis. Two charge sheets were filed against the minister in this case on 23 February 2023.
On 21 May 2023, the human rights defender Priyalal Sirisena received two phone calls from a foreign number. The unidentified caller warned him to withdraw any actions taken against ‘the minister’ and threatened him with consequences if he failed to comply.
Concerned for his safety, the human rights defender filed a complaint with the Kurunegala Police in the North Western Province on 22 May 2023. The following day, at approximately 9:30pm, he received another threatening call from a different foreign number, which he recorded. The unidentified caller warned Priyalal Sirisena to withdraw whatever action he had taken against the minister or face the consequences.
Prior to this, on 9 May 2023, two unidentified persons on a motorbike visited Priyalal Sirisena's residence in Kurunegala and asked his mother about the human rights defender’s whereabouts. Priyalal Sirisena believes that the threats and intimidation are linked to his legal action against the powerful state minister and are aimed at silencing his work.
Sri Lanka has seen a rise in reprisals and intimidation against human rights defenders, and in this climate there are reasons to fear for the human rights defender’s safety. Front Line Defenders is deeply concerned about the threats and intimidation against Priyalal Sirisena which it believes are linked to his legitimate and non-violent human rights work.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- Intimidation and Threats, Reprisal as Result of Communication
- Rights Concerned
- Right to healthy and safe environment, Right to work
- HRD
- Lawyer
- Perpetrator-State
- Unknown
- Perpetrator-Non-State
- Unknown
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Jun 2, 2023
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- May 18, 2023
- Event Description
The Convenor of the Inter-University Student's Federation Wasantha Mudalige and seven other student activists were arrested on Thursday (18) night following a protest at the University of Kelaniya.
Among the arrested is Venerable Rathkarawwe Jinarathana Thero, said Sri Lanka Police.
Police Spokesperson SSP Nihal Thaldiwa told News 1st that two police officers who attempted to control the protest were injured.
University students of the University of Kelaniya protested against student suppression and the conduct of the Sri Lankan government.
- Impact of Event
- 8
- Gender of HRD
- Other (e.g. undefined, organisation, community)
- Violation
- (Arbitrary) Arrest and Detention
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of assembly, Freedom of expression Offline, Right to liberty and security, Right to Protest
- HRD
- Student
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- May 23, 2023
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- May 10, 2023
- Event Description
Social activist Piyath Nikeshala has been hospitalised after being assaulted by the former deputy mayor of Kaduwela – Chandika Abeyratne.
Photos and videos of the brutal attack by Abeyratne and his henchmen are making rounds on social media.
Piyath played a prominent role in the ‘Aragalaya’ protests last year.
Social media activist Piyath Nikeshala and the former Kaduwela deputy mayor Chandika Abeyratne have been arrested in connection to a clash between two parties in Koswatta, Thalangama yesterday (10).
The Police stated that an investigation had been launched based on a complaint claiming that a social media activist had been injured in a clash between two parties on Samagi Mawatha in Koswatte.
According to the complaint from the social media activist, who is a resident of Samagi Mawatha, he had been admitted to the Thalangama Hospital with injuries following the clash.
As per a statement from the social media activist, the former Kaduwela deputy mayor along with a group of others had arrived in two vehicles and had carried out an attack on him and his vehicle.
The Police stated that the social media activist has been transferred to the Colombo National Hospital for further treatment.
Meanwhile, the former Kaduwela deputy mayor has also filed a complaint claiming that he had been attacked during the clash as well, while he is receiving treatment at the Mulleriyawa Hospital.
Based on the complaints from the two parties, the Thalangama Police have arrested both the social media activist and the former Kaduwela deputy mayor over the clash.
Both suspects are receiving treatment at the relevant hospitals under Police protection, while the Thalangama Police is conducting investigations into the incident.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- (Arbitrary) Arrest and Detention, Judicial Harassment, Violence (physical), Wounds and Injuries
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of expression Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment, Right to liberty and security
- HRD
- Pro-democracy defender
- Perpetrator-State
- Government, Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- May 15, 2023
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Mar 28, 2023
- Event Description
Minister of Power and Energy Kanchana Wijesekera said that 20 petroleum workers including trade union leaders were sent on compulsory leave.
"On Tuesday (28) the fast they launched was a failure. Only trade union leaders were present for the fast. During the lunch hour, they entered the premises under the influence of alcohol and threatened the employees and took measures to withdraw them from their duties," the minister told reporters on Wednesday (29) in Colombo.
The Minister noted that due to this action, workers were intimidated to report to work.
"Therefore, we sought protection from the Police and Military. The employees worked at night under police and military protection," he said.
In addition, some of those who took part in the strike are retired and working on a political agenda to engage in acts of sabotage, said the Minister adding that an investigation will be held to determine how they entered the Ceylon Petroleum Storage Terminals Limited premises.
On Tuesday (28), the Minister tweeted that he instructed Chairmen of CPC & CPSTL to take necessary disciplinary steps to consider termination of employment & any legal steps necessary against trade union activist or employees that are disrupting the distribution of fuel, disrupting the work of other employees or is acting in violation of the essential services orders.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Other (e.g. undefined, organisation, community)
- Violation
- Administrative Harassment
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of assembly, Freedom of expression Offline, Right to Protest, Right to work
- HRD
- Labour rights defender
- Perpetrator-State
- Government
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- May 2, 2023
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Apr 1, 2023
- Event Description
On 1 April 2023, journalist and human rights defender Ramachandran Sanath was summoned to appear before the Terrorism Investigation Department (TID) office in Nuwareliya (Central Province) for an inquiry on 6 April 2023. The summons was delivered to Ramachandran Sanath’s home in Kandy. The TID refused to disclose the purpose of the inquiry. Front Line Defenders is concerned about the harassment of Ramachandran Sanath, and believe this treatment is linked to his human rights and journalism work. Ramachandran Sanath is an independent Tamil journalist, human rights defender, and advocate for the rights of plantation workers in Kandy, Sri Lanka. He held the position of executive treasurer and currently serves as an executive member of the Sri Lanka Working Journalist Association. He has previously worked for the Tamil-language daily print newspaper "Sudaroli", and the news web- site "Malayaga Kuruvi”. Ramachandran Sanath presently works as a parliament correspondent for Uthayan, and serves as an international correspondent for Ethiroli, an Australian Tamil news web- site. He is known for his outspoken criticism of government policies. Apart from his work as a jour- nalist, Ramachandran Sanath actively writes about social issues and the human rights issues per- taining to Indian-origin Tamils in Sri Lanka. Furthermore, he has been actively involved in protest- ing and advocating for land rights and fair wages for plantation workers. The summoning of Ramachandran Sanath by the TID has raised serious concerns regarding his safety and security, as the Sri Lankan anti-terror law and its associated mechanisms have histori- cally been employed against Tamils and Muslims. There are frequent reports of harassment di- rected towards human rights defenders, peaceful protesters, and journalists, indicative of reprisals for their efforts to promote human rights and expose abuses. The Indian-origin Tamils, also known as Malayaga Tamils, were brought to Sri Lanka in the 1800s by the British to work on plantations. They have faced continuous human rights violations, notably the stripping of citizenship rights in 1948, and the denial of land ownership after the Regional Plan - tation Companies took over in 1992. Issues of low pay, increased workloads, and demands for land rights have sparked protests and strikes. These struggles have been consistently and vehe- mently opposed, and the wage increase proposals and solutions are often unfair and fragmented. Moreover, those advocating for fair wages and land rights for the Malayaga Tamils have frequently been subjected to persecution by both the state and plantation companies. Ramachandran Sanath has been targeted, harassed, and been subject to surveillance due to his journalism in advocacy for fair wages and land rights of Malayaga plantation workers in Sri Lanka. After participating in a wage rights protest in February 2021, he was subjected to harassment and surveillance. In March and May 2021, unidentified individuals claiming to be intelligence officers visited his family's homes inquiring about his whereabouts and activities. The human rights de- fender wrote to the Inspector General of Police on 25 May 2021, in response to the intimidation, but no action has been taken thus far. Front Line Defenders is deeply troubled by the acts of reprisals against Ramachandran Sanath, as well as other human rights activists and journalists, particularly those from Tamil and Muslim com- munities. It is imperative that all individuals, especially journalists and human rights defenders, are able to engage in peaceful protests and legitimate dissent without fear of reprisals from the Sri Lankan government or other structures.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- Intimidation and Threats
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of expression Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment
- HRD
- Media Worker
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- May 1, 2023
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Mar 8, 2023
- Event Description
Six university students who were arrested during Wednesday (8) night's protest at the Kelaniya University will be produced to the Mahara Magistrate on Thursday (9).
Sri Lanka Police fired tear gas and water cannons to disperse a group of university students at the Kelaniya University premises. This protest commenced at around 9 PM on Wednesday (8).
This protest was organized against the arrest of Student Leader Kelum Mudannayake, and Student Activist Dilshan Harshana, and the students demanded their immediate release.
Though tear gas and water cannons were used multiple times to disperse the protesting students, they continued to engage in the protest until midnight.
One lane along the Colombo - Kandy main road was completely blocked due to the protest, disrupting the movement of traffic.
- Impact of Event
- 7
- Gender of HRD
- Other (e.g. undefined, organisation, community)
- Violation
- (Arbitrary) Arrest and Detention, Judicial Harassment, Violence (physical)
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of assembly, Freedom of expression Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment, Right to liberty and security, Right to Protest
- HRD
- Student
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Mar 19, 2023
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Feb 26, 2023
- Event Description
Police in Sri Lanka on Sunday fired tear gas and water cannons to disperse protesters angry over a decision to postpone local elections after the government said it cannot finance them because of the country’s crippling economic crisis.
About 15 people were treated for minor injuries, according to Colombo National Hospital.
Thousands of supporters of the opposition National People’s Power party tried to march toward the main business district in capital Colombo, ignoring police warnings after a court order barred them from entering the area, which includes the president’s residence, office and several key government buildings.
The order had been obtained in the backdrop of last July’s massive protests, when thousands of people stormed the presidential office and residence and occupied them for days. The crisis forced then-President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to flee the country and resign.
The turmoil was caused by severe shortages of some foods, fuel, cooking gas and medicine, after Sri Lanka went bankrupt because it could not repay its foreign debt. The new president, Ranil Wickremesinghe, negotiated a rescue package with the International Monetary Fund for $2.9 billion over four years, but it can be finalized only if Sri Lanka’s creditors give assurances on debt restructuring.
Sri Lanka’s total foreign debt exceeds $ 51 billion, of which it must repay $28 billion by 2027. India and several other creditor countries have so far given assurances that meet the IMF standards, but the deal hinges on whether China would agree to debt restructuring at the same level.
The Finance Ministry under Wickremesinghe said it can’t allocate sufficient funds for the March 9 elections for town and village councils, even though political parties had submitted nominations.
The decision forced the Election Commission to indefinitely postpone the elections.
Despite signs of progress in reducing shortages and ending daily power cuts after nearly a year, Wickremesinghe is immensely unpopular. Many people say he lacks the mandate because he was elected by lawmakers backed by Rajapaksa supporters. They accuse Wickremesinghe of protecting members of the Rajapaksa family from corruption allegations in return for backing him in Parliament.
The National People’s Power party, which organized Sunday’s rally, has only three lawmakers in Sri Lanka’s 225-member Parliament but it enjoys a wave of public support after the economic crisis eroded the popularity of traditional political parties that have ruled Sri Lanka since independence.
An individual who was admitted to the Colombo National Hospital following the protest staged by the Jathika Jana Balavegaya in Colombo on Sunday (27) has died.
General Secretary of the JVP Tilvin Silva speaking to reporters in Colombo on Monday (27) said a peaceful protest by the JJB was attacked, and as a result of an attack around 28 people were hospitalized due to injuries.
"Two people were in critical condition. One of them passed away on Monday (27) afternoon. He was one named, Nimal Amarasiri, a candidate for the Nivithigala Pradeshiya Sabha of the Ratnapura District," he added.
Silva said the government led by Ranil Wickremesinghe should be responsible for the life that was lost, adding that the JJB did not want any confrontation with police and only wanted to protest demanding their right for an election.
- Impact of Event
- 2
- Gender of HRD
- Man, Other (e.g. undefined, organisation, community)
- Violation
- Death, Violence (physical)
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of assembly, Freedom of expression Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment, Right to life, Right to Protest
- HRD
- Pro-democracy defender
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Source
AP | News First
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Feb 28, 2023
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Feb 20, 2023
- Event Description
The Police fired tear gas on a protest staged by the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) in Colombo today.
The protest was staged to demand the Government to hold the Local Government (LG) election next month.
Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa and several SJB MPs took part in the protest despite the heavy rain.
The Police had earlier warned that since an election has been declared a protest march cannot be staged under election laws.
However the SJB went ahead with the protest march and were obstructed by the Police in Maradana.
The Police later fired water cannons on the protest march and tear gas to disperse the protesters.
Six protesters including four Buddhist monks had been arrested last night over a protest demonstration held near the Kelaniya University at Dalugama, Kelaniya, the Police said.
The Police said they had to fire tear gas and use water cannons to disperse the protestors who blocked the Kandy- Colombo Main Highway near the Kelaniya University.
The arrested Buddhist monks, students of the Kelaniya University, identified as aged between 23 and 26 and were residing in temples in Kahaduwa, Thummodara, Pitabeddara and Mirissa. The male students are identified as residents of Anguruwathota and Kinniya.
- Impact of Event
- 7
- Gender of HRD
- Man, Other (e.g. undefined, organisation, community)
- Violation
- (Arbitrary) Arrest and Detention, Judicial Harassment, Violence (physical)
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of assembly, Freedom of expression Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment, Right to liberty and security, Right to Protest
- HRD
- Pro-democracy defender, Student
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Feb 28, 2023
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Jan 15, 2023
- Event Description
Sri Lankan police used water cannons on Tamil protesters in Jaffna earlier today as they rallied against President Ranil Wickremesinghe's visit to the district.
The state's forces had erected barricades as the rally approached Arasady Road in Nallur to obstruct protesters from continuing their demonstration. As protesters tried to push past the barricades, water cannons were deployed in attempt to break up the rally.
Despite the excessive use of force and heavy presence of the Sri Lankan military and it's notorious Special Task Force (STF), Tamils defiantly continued to protest, calling for release of occupied Tamil lands, the fate of the forcibly disappeared and the release of Tamil political prisoners.
Protesters were seen throwing water mixed with cow dung at the security forces while others shampooed their hair with the water from the cannons in brave acts of defiance. Sri Lankan's security forces have used intimidation tactics and excessive force on Tamils in the North-East for decades in order to quash their resistance.
Earlier today, buses from Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu and Vavuniya carrying Tamil families of the disappeared were stopped and questioned by the Sri Lankan police. They also took down the personal details of all the buses drivers and those on the bus.
Successive Sri Lankan governments have failed to address the concerns of the Tamil nation. Although Wickremesinghe has a lengthy history in Sri Lankan politics, serving as Prime Minister of Sri Lanka from 1993 to 1994, 2001 to 2004, 2015 to 2015, 2015 to 2018, 2018 to 2019 and 2022, demands by the Tamil community remain unaddressed.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Other (e.g. undefined, organisation, community)
- Violation
- Violence (physical)
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of assembly, Freedom of expression Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment, Right to Protest
- HRD
- Pro-democracy defender
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Feb 28, 2023
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Jan 16, 2023
- Event Description
Sri Lanka Police fired tear gas and water cannons twice to disperse protesters led by the Inter-University Student's Federation in Colombo on Monday (16).
The protest was set to commence from Lipton Circus in Colombo, and based on that information a large police force coupled with the Riot Police were seen stationed at the Lipton Circus on Monday (16) afternoon.
However, the protest commenced from opposite the United Nations office in Colombo.
The Inter-University Students' Federation organized this protest demanding the immediate release of Wasantha Mudalige who has been detained under the controversial Prevention of Terrorism Act for 150 days.
They also demanded the government reduce the prices of electricity, gas, and fuel while calling for the immediate abolishment of the Prevention of Terrorist Act.
In addition, the protesters demanded the state end the oppression targeting student leaders and called for the release of all detained activists.
Civil groups and trade unions also supported the protest opposte the UN office where Sri Lanka Police deployed the Riot Police with Water Cannon trucks.
The group protested for almost half an hour opposite the UN office and then marched to Galle Road.
While the protesters were reaching the Colpetty Junction, a large force of Sri Lanka Police, Riot Police, and the Water Cannon trucks moved at them from Galle Face and announced a court order using loudspeakers.
Thereafter the group moved to Marine Driver via Sirikotha Mawatha, and St. Anthony's Mawatha to engage in the protest march.
However, when the Police Officers and Riot Police entered Marine Driver the protesters diverted back to Galle Road to protest.
At the Colpetty Junction, Police fired tear gas and water cannons to disperse the crowd.
The protesters regrouped opposite the University of the Visual and Performing Arts to protest again.
Police fired tear gas and water cannons to disperse protesters opposite the University of the Visual and Performing Arts, for the second time.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Other (e.g. undefined, organisation, community)
- Violation
- Violence (physical)
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of assembly, Freedom of expression Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment, Right to Protest
- HRD
- Community-based HRD
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Feb 27, 2023
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Jan 3, 2023
- Event Description
The Chairman and an activist of the Student Union of the University of Kelaniya were arrested by Thalangama Police.
They were arrested for damaging the gate of the Education Ministry on the 10th of July 2022.
The Chairman of the Student Union of the University of Kelaniya Kelum Mudannayake, and activist Dilshan Harshana were arrested by Thalangama Police when they visited the Police Station to provide a statement.
They will be prododuced to the Kaduwela Magistrate's Court on Tuesday (3).
- Impact of Event
- 2
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- (Arbitrary) Arrest and Detention, Judicial Harassment
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of expression Offline, Right to liberty and security, Right to Protest
- HRD
- Student
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Feb 18, 2023
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Jan 23, 2023
- Event Description
The Spokesperson for the Samagi United Trade Union Balavegaya Ananda Palitha, and Secretary of the Electricity Users' Association Dhammika Sanjeewa, who visited the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka recently to inquire about the attempt to hike electricity tariffs, were arrested on Monday (23) night and were produced in court on Tuesday (24).
They were charged with criminal influence and were remanded to the 26th of January 2023 by Fort Magistrate Thilina Gamage.
The case was filed against them for protesting against the members of the Public Utilities Commission during a protest opposite the PUCSL in Colombo.
- Impact of Event
- 2
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- (Arbitrary) Arrest and Detention, Judicial Harassment
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of expression Offline, Right to liberty and security, Right to Protest
- HRD
- Labour rights defender
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Feb 18, 2023
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Feb 6, 2023
- Event Description
Social media activist Dharshana Handungoda who was arrested over posting controversial views on social media platforms, was enlarged on bail.
The order was issued by Colombo Fort Magistrate Thilina Gamage yesterday. The suspect was released on two sureties of Rs.500, 000 each.
The Criminal Investigations Department informed the Magistrate that the suspect was arrested at the Bandaranaike International Airport, upon arrival from Dubai.
The CID further told the Magistrate that the suspect was summoned to the Criminal Investigations Department to record a statement regarding the controversial statement that he had made in front of Temple Trees on May 9.
“It appears that the suspect’s statement was the reason for the incident that took place on May 9,” the CID added.
Senior Counsel Chaminda Athukorala appearing on behalf of the suspect stated that his client had been summoned by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) unofficially without a properly written document.
He further noted that his client sent an email to the Criminal Investigations Department mentioning his arrival to the country. He also pointed out that the charges filed against his client did not fall under the Computer Crimes Act. The Magistrate fixed further inquiries for May 17.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- (Arbitrary) Arrest and Detention, Judicial Harassment
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of expression Online, Right to liberty and security
- HRD
- Blogger/ Social Media Activist
- Perpetrator-State
- Judiciary, Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Feb 18, 2023
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Feb 3, 2023
- Event Description
President of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka President's Counsel Saliya Pieris has raised concerns over peaceful protesters, who were detained while they were staging the 'Satyagraha for freedom' yesterday in Maradana, being denied access to lawyers.
He stressed that the Police detaining access to legal counsel is in direct violation of Enforced Disappearance Act No.5 of 2018 which requires Police to give access to lawyers and relatives.
Police last night dispersed a group of peaceful activists staging a Satyagraha opposite Elphinstone Theatre in Maradana.
Police Media Spokesman SSP Nihal Thalduwa confirmed that four people have been arrested.
Posting on social media President's Counsel Saliya Pieris further stressed that "Independence and freedom must be for the people and not limited to those in power."
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Other (e.g. undefined, organisation, community)
- Violation
- (Arbitrary) Arrest and Detention, Violence (physical)
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of assembly, Freedom of expression Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment, Right to liberty and security, Right to Protest
- HRD
- Pro-democracy defender
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Feb 6, 2023
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Nov 27, 2022
- Event Description
On 27 November 2022, Sri Lankan police visited Selvakumar Nilanthan’s residence in Batticaloa and interrogated his family about his whereabouts. Nilanthan was forced to leave Sri Lanka 8 months ago due to continuous threats and intimidation. Police had questioned his family about his country of current residence, countries recently visited and his phone number. They threatened the family that if Nilanthan did not respond to police summons the family would be forced to appear instead. Intimidation of Tamil journalists and human rights defenders in the highly militarized North and East of Sri Lanka continues with impunity. Threatening family members of human rights defenders is an additional burden to the hardship they are forced to endure.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Other (e.g. undefined, organisation, community)
- Violation
- Intimidation and Threats
- Rights Concerned
- Right to healthy and safe environment
- HRD
- Family of HRD
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Related Events
- Sri Lanka: media workers faces continuous harassment
- Date added
- Dec 16, 2022
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Nov 17, 2022
- Event Description
Since taking office in July amid an unprecedented economic and political crisis, Sri Lanka’s President Ranil Wickremesinghe has suppressed anti-government protests and hounded alleged protest organizers. Among his most egregious actions has been to use the notorious Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) to detain student activists.
On Thursday, a magistrate in Colombo, the capital, ruled to keep 2 student organizers behind bars after they already spent 90 days in detention without charge. The government has produced no evidence that Wasantha Mudalige, convener of the Inter-University Students’ Federation, and Galwewa Siridhamma Thero, the convener of the Inter University Bhikku [monks’] Federation, were involved in terrorism.
The next day, police teargassed protesters in Colombo demanding the students’ release.
The PTA has been used to enable prolonged arbitrary detention and torture since it was introduced as a “temporary” measure in 1979. Often the victims are members of the minority Tamil or Muslim communities, or critics of the government. The abuse of the law was raised in parliament this week.
In August, shortly after becoming president, Wickremesinghe used his powers under the PTA to order the students’ detention. Yet when he was prime minister in 2015, he had promised to repeal the law as part of Sri Lanka’s support for a United Nations Human Rights Council resolution. He again promised to repeal it in 2017, when Sri Lanka committed to uphold its international human rights obligations in exchange for tariff-free access to the European Union under a trade arrangement called GSP+.
This March, then justice minister – now foreign minister – Ali Sabry told parliament there was a “de facto moratorium on the use of the PTA.” In July, the then-Foreign Minister G.L. Pieris gave the same assurance to the UN Human Rights Council.
Successive governments have broken these commitments time and again. Wickremesinghe should immediately release the detained students and others arbitrarily detained without trial under the PTA, as well as prisoners who were convicted based on confessions obtained under torture.
The government should introduce a genuine moratorium on the PTA, and ensure that any counterterrorism legislation that replaces it complies with the five “prerequisites” set out by UN experts to meet international human rights standards.
Sri Lanka’s international partners, including the European Union, should judge the government by its actions and hold it to its commitments.
- Impact of Event
- 3
- Gender of HRD
- Man, Other (e.g. undefined, organisation, community)
- Violation
- (Arbitrary) Arrest and Detention, Judicial Harassment, Violence (physical)
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of assembly, Freedom of expression Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment, Right to liberty and security, Right to Protest
- HRD
- Community-based HRD, Pro-democracy defender, Student
- Perpetrator-State
- Judiciary, Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Nov 20, 2022
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Nov 8, 2022
- Event Description
On 8 November 2022, Sri Lankan journalist, media rights campaigner and human rights defender Tharindu Jayawardhana received a call asking him to appear at the Criminal Investigation De- partment (CID) in Colombo for an inquiry on 14 November 2022. The human rights defender was informed that the inquiry is based on a complaint filed by the Inspector General of Police (IGP) re - garding a Facebook post published by him on 17 October 2022. Tharindu Jayawardhana is a respected investigative journalist and a dedicated human rights de- fender. He is the president of the Sri Lanka Young Journalist Association (SLYJA) and the chief ed- itor of MediaLK, an investigative news website. He also works as a researcher at the Centre for Society and Religion(CSR). As a journalist and human rights defender, Tharindu Jayawardhana has been an advocate for the rights of oppressed and vulnerable communities and against state vi- olence. On 8 November 2022, Tharindu Jayawardhana received summons via a phone call from a police officer requesting him to appear at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for an inquiry, on 9 November 2022. Tharindu Jayawardhana expressed he could not be present on that day and agreed to appear at 9.30am on 14 November 2022. The human rights defender was informed that the inquiry was based on a complaint filed by the IGP regarding a Facebook post published by him on 17 October 2022. The post included images of police officers using disproportionate force and disrupting peaceful protesters in Colombo on 9 October 2022 and sought public assistance to iden- tify and report officers. Similar summons was issued to journalist/human rights defender Tharindu Uduwaragedara linked to the same Facebook post. Tharindu Jayawardhana was targeted several times in the past for his human rights work and re- porting. In June 2021, he received a death threat via Facebook from Senior Deputy Inspector Gen- eral of Police Deshabandu Tennakoon. Over a year later, on 9 August 2022, the human rights de- fender was summoned to the CID Head Quarters in Colombo to make a statement regarding the death threats made against him by Senior DIG Deshabandu Thennakoon. Tharindu Jayawardhana has exposed police torture, and torture chambers such as in the ‘Ko- tadeniyawa case’ in October 2015, used by the Kotadeniyawa police against citizens. Since the in- ception of protests in 2022 linked to the economic crisis, Tharindu Jayawardhana has been report- ing on peaceful protests, disproportionate use of force by police and reprisals against protesters. He has used his social media accounts to challenge disinformation against protesters and expose state violence. He is a key campaigner against the ongoing detention of student leaders Wasantha Mudalige and Siridhamma Thero under the Draconian Prevention of Terrorism Act in 2022 linked to their role in the protests. In September 2022, Tharindhu Jayawardhana used the Right to Informa- tion (RTI) act to seek information regarding the alleged use of expired tear gas by the Sri Lankan police used against protesters. Despite interventions by the RTI commission, the police denied pro- viding information citing national security and integrity.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- Judicial Harassment
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of expression Online
- HRD
- Media Worker
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Nov 17, 2022
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Nov 9, 2022
- Event Description
On 7 November 2022, police officers from the Welikada police station visited journalist and human rights defender Tharindu Uduwaragedara’s residence in Colombo. Police handed over a summons for the defender to appear at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) at Colombo 01 for interrogation on 8 November 2022. The defender was informed that the inquiry/interrogation is based on a complaint filed by the Inspector General of Police based on a Facebook post published by the defender on 17 October 2022. The post includes images of police officers using disproportionate force and disrupting peaceful protesters during a protest in Colombo on 9 October 2022. In his post the defender sought public assistance to identify and report officers who had behaved in an unruly, illegal and disruptive fashion towards peaceful protesters.
Tharindu Uduwaragedara is a well known journalist, human rights defender and convener of the Sri Lanka Young Journalists Association. He has been active in reporting and documenting the ongoing protests in Sri Lanka linked to the economic crisis, and exposing police abuse against peaceful protesters. He has been targeted on several occasions and summoned for interrogation repeatedly due to his journalism and human rights work.
Front Line Defenders condemns attempts to threaten and intimidate Tharindu Uduwaragedara by Sri Lanka police as reprisal for his work. We call on Sri Lankan authorities to cease persecution of journalists and human rights defenders engaging in their legitimate work and create an environment that protects human rights activists.
On 8 November 2022, human rights defender and journalist Tharindu Uduwaragedara was questioned by the Cyber Crimes Investigation Division (CCID) for nearly 3 hours at the Criminal Investigation Department in Colombo.
The CCID officer told the human rights defender that he was summoned to record a statement based on a complaint lodged by the Inspector General of Police on 27 October 2022 regarding a Facebook post. The post includes images of police officers using disproportionate force and disrupting peaceful protesters during a protest in Colombo on 9 October 2022. The officer asked the human rights defender for personal details, information on the revenue made through his YouTube Channel, more specifically about the Sri Lanka Young Journalist Association and their activities. The officer also questioned the intention behind Tharindu Uduwaragedara’s Facebook post and mentioned that it may pose a threat to the safety of the police officers that were identified in the post. Tharindu Uduwaragedara responded by saying that it was his journalistic duty to point out the unruly behavior of the police officers towards peaceful demonstrators, and that there were no ulterior motive behind his post. He also pointed out the statements issued by the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL), where it has been stated that the Police Ordinance should not be used to violate the Constitution’s fundamental rights. The human rights defender was not informed of further proceedings in the investigation against him.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- Judicial Harassment
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of expression Online
- HRD
- Media Worker
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Related Events
- Sri Lanka: media worker summoned by the police
- Date added
- Nov 17, 2022
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Sep 3, 2022
- Event Description
On 3 September 2022, human rights defender Sabharatnam Sivayoganathan, also known as Seelan, received a summons to appear before the Counter-Terrorism Investigation Division (CTID) for interrogation on 9 September 2022. The reason for the questioning was not given. The human rights defender’s lawyer wrote to the CTID requesting to postpone the inquiry because of the ill-health of his fatherand provided documents confirming the medical condition. The letter was handed over to the officer in charge of the Terrorism Investigation Division, Fort, Colombo. On 12 September 2022, Seelan received a call from a police officer from the Kallady, Batticaloa police station, and was informed that the inquiry will be conducted in Batticaloa and with a date to be specified.
Sabharatnam Sivayoganathan is a longstanding human rights defender in Sri Lanka. During the ethnic conflict and civil war in Sri Lanka, Seelan supported victims of human rights violations in their fight for justice, many of whom are from vulnerable and impoverished communities. Seelan is an active committee member of the Batticaloa district NGO Consortium, a committee member of Transparency International Sri Lanka and the President of Batticaloa district civil society forum. Seelan has been part of several initiatives in relation to peace-building, transitional justice and the reconciliation processes. He has been vocal about the reprisals and intimidation faced by regional journalists, military land grabbing, militarization and the Presentation of Terrorism Act.
Sabharatnam Sivayoganathan has been targeted in the past by intelligence officials and court orders linked to his human rights work. In April and May 2022, intelligence officers visited Sabharatnam Sivayoganathan’s office in Batticaloa and questioned him about his human rights work. In September 2021, the Batticaloa Magistrate’s court issued a court order preventing him from attending a memorial event. Front Line Defendersissued an appeal calling for an end to harassment and intimidation of the human rights defender, when he was summoned for questioning regarding his work by police and intelligence officers in August, July and May 2021.
Front Line Defenders is concerned by the use of the Counter-Terrorism division to target or question the human rights defender. It believes that the summons are part of a pattern of reprisals including arrests, interrogation and harassment of human rights defenders in Sri Lanka, which has a history of using counter terror laws and institutions against human rights activists, especially against Tamil and Muslim human rights defenders.
Front Line Defenders condemns the continued harassment of Sabharatnam Sivayoganathan and the use of anti-terror divisions of the Sri Lanka police to question and target the human rights defender. It calls on Sri Lankan authorities to cease the on-going harassment and to create an environment where all human rights defenders can work in safety and dignity.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- Judicial Harassment
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of expression Offline
- HRD
- Community-based HRD, NGO staff
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Oct 21, 2022
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Aug 10, 2022
- Event Description
On 10 August 2022, intelligence officers visited human rights defender Sasikaran Punniyamoorthy’s residence in Batticalao and asked information about his whereabouts to his wife. In May 2022, Sasikaran Punniyamoorthy was targeted and harassed online. Photos of his family members, including his children, were posted on Facebook with the aim to tarnish his image and credibility as a journalist. As a response, the human rights defender wrote to the Deputy Superintendent of Police in Batticaloa requesting them to take adequate action against the online harassment and attacks.
Sasikaran Punniyamoorthy is a human rights defender and a freelance regional journalist based in Batticaloa, Sri Lanka. He is the treasurer of the Batti Press Club and worked as the Batticalao district coordinator for the National Fisheries Solidarity Movement (NAFSO), a national organisation working for the welfare of fisher folks. He has been actively reporting on social, political and environmental injustices in the Eastern province. He has been supporting issues concerning human rights, environmental rights and has written several news articles to Tamil news papers and websites. Due to his legitimate human rights activism and journalism, he has been targeted by the Batticaloa police, summoned for interrogation, and received several court orders restricting his right to protest.
On 26 October 2021, the Batticaloa police visited Sasikaran’s house to question him about his human rights activities. On 27 September 2021, a State Minister shouted at Sasikaran Punniyamoorthy when he raised a question related to an ex-minister who was allegedly involved in mistreating Tamil prisoners during a press conference in Batticaloa. On 14 September 2021, he was interrogated on his connection to the Liberation Tigers of Tamil, Eelam, as well as diaspora news agencies, by officers at the Special Crime Branch in Batticaloa for more than an hour. During the interrogation he was asked about his family background, occupation and financial sources.
In January 2020, several leaflets with death threats to seven Tamil journalists located in the Batticaloa district, including Sasikaran Punniyamoorthy, were placed at the office of the Batticaloa Press Club. The journalists suspect that these threatening leaflets have been put underneath the door. Translation of the text printed on the leaflets read as “Be aware! Be aware!! These are the Reporters who received money from the Tigers abroad and working against the government. Soon give them death sentence!”. The photo on the leaflets were from an event that journalists in Batticaloa organised on 9 January 2020 to commemorate the 11th anniversary of the killing of Colombo-based journalist and editor Lasantha Wickramathunga.
Sri Lanka has a history of targeting and attacks of peaceful human rights defenders and journalists for their human rights work and advocacy. Those working in war affected areas in the Northern and Eastern Provinces of the country and from religious and/or ethnic minorities are especially vulnerable to threats, intimidation and legal reprisals. Front Line Defenders has repeatedly called for an end to reprisals and for the protection of human rights defenders and journalists in Sri Lanka.
- Impact of Event
- 2
- Gender of HRD
- Man, Woman
- Violation
- Intimidation and Threats, Surveillance
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of expression Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment
- HRD
- Family of HRD, Media Worker
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Sep 18, 2022
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Sep 3, 2022
- Event Description
n the latest case of judicial harassment of Tamil journalists in Sri Lanka, two reporters are to be interrogated on suspicion of “terrorism” in the next few days. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) condemns the constant attempts to intimidate Tamil media personnel and calls for an end to the use of illegal and abusive methods that dangerously undermine press freedom.
“The constant harassment of Tamil journalists is unacceptable and constitutes a major encroachment on press freedom,” RSF’s Asia-Pacific desk said. “We call on Sri Lanka’s new president, Ranil Wickremesinghe, to undertake to put a stop to the arbitrary use of ‘terrorism’ accusations. The security forces must stop hounding any journalist who, directly or indirectly, broaches the Tamil issue.”
Repeated summonses
In the latest example of “terrorism” charges being used at will, two journalists based in the eastern city of Batticaloa, Balasingham Krishnakumar and Selvakumar Nilanthan, have been ordered to report to the headquarters of the Counter-Terrorism Investigation Division (CTID) in the capital, Colombo, on 14 September for questioning about their alleged support for the former Tamil armed separatist group, the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).
Both Krishnakumar and Nilanthan are active press freedom defenders in Batticaloa and both are Tamils – members of a mainly Hindu ethnic minority in a country dominated by mainly Buddhist Sinhalese. The authorities accuse them of trying to revive the conflict between these two ethnic communities that led to a civil war from 1983 to 2009.
Forced to surrender access to his bank account
Nilanthan, who works for the Tamil Guardian newspaper, is one of those Tamil journalists who are used to getting judicial summonses and he has been questioned by the CTID on several occasions in the past. He was last interrogated after covering the anti-government protests taking place throughout the country in February, when he was accused of “inciting separatism on social media” and “attempting to revive the LTTE.”
In July 2021, he was interrogated for more than three hours by the police in Batticaloa, who made him give them access to not only his Facebook and WhatsApp accounts but also his email and bank accounts.
His outspoken reporting style and the subjects he covers are clearly not to the liking of the government in Colombo. In November 2020, the police questioned him about his coverage of military support for Sinhalese settlements on land used by Tamil cattle farmers. And a few months before that, the CTID brought charges against him in connection his coverage of alleged local government corruption in Chenkalady, a town near Batticaloa.
Jailed for a Facebook post
Tamil journalists are harassed by the authorities above all for covering the fact that, although the civil war ended in a crushing defeat for the Tamil Tigers, discrimination and violence against the Tamil minority has continued in Sri Lanka.
The victims have also included Murugupillai Kokulathasan, a journalist who was jailed for 15 months, from November 2020 to March 2022, over a Facebook post about an event commemorating the victims of the civil war. The authorities charged him under the Prevention of Terrorism Act with allegedly posting photos of LTTE fighters.
- Impact of Event
- 2
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- Judicial Harassment
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of expression Online
- HRD
- Media Worker
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Sep 11, 2022
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Sep 9, 2022
- Event Description
On 9, September 2022, well-known youth rights defender and the National Organiser of Youth for Change (YFC), Lahiru Weerasekara was arrested by Maradana police as he was returning from a peaceful protest at Galle face in Colombo. The defender is currently held at the Maradana police station. Lahiru Weerasekara is a prominent youth activist, former student leader and human rights rights campaigner. He is the National Organiser of Youth for Change (YFC) and has been active in the peaceful protests taking place in Sri Lanka linked to the economic crisis. Protesters have been calling for a change in the system of governance, an end to impunity, corruption and mismanagement as well as accountability for crimes, including but not limited to economic crimes. Lahiru Weerasekara has been at the forefront of peaceful protests and in the campaign against ongoing reprisals against protesters including violence, and persecution under anti-terror law of peaceful protesters. On 9 September Lahiru Weerarsekara attended a peaceful protest at Galle face in Colombo, and was returning on his bike, when he was stopped by three uniformed police officers and forced into a police jeep. He was reportedly assaulted inside the jeep and threatened to hand over his mobile phone, which he refused. The human rights defender was taken to the Maradana police station where is currently held. Lawyers were permitted access to Lahiru Weerarsekara at the police station. Conditions in remannd are extremely unsanitary and infested with rats posing a serious health risks. The police state that his arrest is based on a peaceful protest held by the IUSF on 30 August. Police shared with lawyers that he will be presented before the Magistrate Court on 10 September but there is no confirmation of time or any official communication. Lahiru Weerasekara has been targeted several times during the past four months. On 30, August 2022, uniformed and plain-clothed police officers forcibly entered press conference held at the the Centre for Society & Religion in Maradana in search of the defender. The human rights defender is being targeted due to his peaceful human rights activism and participation in peaceful protests. Front Line Defenders strongly condemns the arrest of Lahiru Weerasekara and reprisals against peace- ful protesters. The right to peaceful protest must be protected under national and international human rights commitments. The use of legal sanctions against human rights defenders and student leaders is counter to Sri Lanka’s public commitments to human rights and to preserve the right to peaceful dis- sent. Front Line Defenders urges the authorities in Sri Lanka to cease all harassment, violence, and reprisals against human rights defenders in the country.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- (Arbitrary) Arrest and Detention, Judicial Harassment
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of assembly, Freedom of expression Offline, Right to liberty and security, Right to Protest
- HRD
- Student
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Sep 11, 2022
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- May 29, 2022
- Event Description
Police fired tear gas to disperse thousands of students trying to storm the Sri Lankan president's home Sunday as the government offered an olive branch to demonstrators demanding his resignation. Anti-riot squads used water cannon followed by tear gas, as protesters pulled down yellow iron barricades across a road leading to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's official residence in Colombo. Nearby, thousands of men and women demonstrated for the 51st straight day outside Rajapaksa's seafront office on Sunday, demanding that he step down over the country's worst economic crisis since independence. Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe went on national television on Sunday evening offering young protesters a greater say in how the country is administered. "The youth are calling for a change in the existing system," Wickremesinghe said, laying out plans for 15 committees that would work with parliament to decide national policies. "I propose to appoint four youth representatives to each of the 15 committees," he said, adding that they could be drawn from the current protestors. Wickremesinghe is not from Rajapaksa's party, but was given the job after the president's elder brother Mahinda resigned as prime minister on May 9 after weeks of protests, when no other legislator agreed to step in. Wickremesinghe is the sole parliamentary representative of the United National Party, a once-powerful political force that was nearly wiped out in Sri Lanka's last elections. Rajapaksa's party, which has a majority in the legislature, has offered to provide him with the necessary support to run a government. Sunday's student action came a day after a similar clash when protesters tried to storm Rajapaksa's heavily guarded colonial-era official residence, where he has bunkered down since thousands surrounded his private home on March 31. An unprecedented shortage of foreign exchange to import even the most essential supplies, including food, fuel and medicines, has led to severe hardships for the country's 22-million population. The government last month asked the IMF for urgent financial assistance and talks are still underway. The country has also defaulted on its $51-billion foreign debt. Its currency has depreciated by 44.2 percent against the US dollar this year, while inflation hit a record 33.8 percent last month.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Other (e.g. undefined, organisation, community)
- Violation
- Violence (physical)
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of assembly, Freedom of expression Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment, Right to Protest
- HRD
- Pro-democracy defender, Student
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Sep 11, 2022
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Apr 19, 2022
- Event Description
Outrage has erupted over the death of a Sri Lankan man who was killed when police fired live bullets at protesters, also injuring 14 others.
Footage of police opening fire in the central town of Rambukkana has been widely shared on social media.
Police said they used "minimum force" to disperse protesters, but many have asked why live bullets were used.
The incident has been condemned by the UN representative to Sri Lanka as well as the US and EU envoys.
It comes as the nation is grappling with its worst economic crisis since independence from Britain in 1948.
Tens of thousands of demonstrators have taken to the streets since Sri Lanka ran out of money for vital imports which has seen the prices of essential commodities skyrocket and caused acute shortages of fuel, medicines and electricity.
Protesters are demanding the resignation of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa as they blame his policies for the crisis, but he is refusing to quit.
Mr Rajapaksa admitted that he made several "mistakes" that contributed to the situation, but his appointment of a new cabinet on Monday angered many Sri Lankans.
There were protests in a number of areas on Tuesday after Sri Lanka's main fuel retailer put prices up by nearly 65%. The prices of essential food items like wheat flour also increased on Tuesday.
The crowds in Rambukkana had been protesting for about 15 hours demanding fuel, BBC Sinhala's Ranga Sirilal reports.
Thousands of angry motorists and bus drivers were also burning tyres and blocking the nearby highway linking the capital Colombo with the city of Kandy.
At least three of the injured protesters are said to be in a critical condition. The man who died was likely to have been shot, Mihiri Priyangani, director of the Kegalle Teaching Hospital, told Reuters news agency.
"We are suspecting gunshot injuries but need a post-mortem to confirm the exact cause of death."
"Police had to fire to control the protesters. They set fire to some tyres too, so police had to fire to disperse them," police spokesman Nihal Talduwa told the BBC.
The authorities say the crowd threw stones and other objects at police, injuring a number of them but many are asking why live bullets were deemed to be an appropriate response.
The Inspector General of Police CD Wickramaratne later issued a statement saying that police had acted to stop a group of protesters from setting fire to a truck containing 30,000 litres of fuel.
This has been disputed by protesters, while many on social media have pointed out that video of the incident shows no such threat to the truck.
Footage from other parts of the country showing police beating and firing tear gas at protesters have also caused massive outrage.
The US Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Julie Chung, has called for a "full, transparent investigation" into the violence, adding that "the people's right to peaceful protest must be upheld".
The demonstrations mark a massive turnaround in popularity for Mr Rajapaksa who swept into power in 2019, promising stability and a "strong hand" to rule the country.
Critics say corruption and nepotism - his brothers and nephews occupied several key ministerial portfolios - are the main reasons for the crisis.
His new cabinet contained several party stalwarts, but was shorn of Rajapaksa family members, apart from the president's elder brother Mahinda who kept his job as prime minister.
The latest incident came as Sri Lankan officials headed to the IMF requesting urgent financial help.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Other (e.g. undefined, organisation, community)
- Violation
- Killing, Violence (physical), Wounds and Injuries
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of assembly, Freedom of expression Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment, Right to life, Right to Protest
- HRD
- Community-based HRD, Pro-democracy defender
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Sep 11, 2022
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Sep 6, 2022
- Event Description
Actress Damitha Abeyratne was arrested by the Colombo Crimes Division on Wednesday (7) evening at Diyatha Uyana in Battaramulla.
Sri Lanka Police said that she was arrested for unlawfully entering the President's Office during the recent protests in July 2022.
Police added that she will be handed over to the Fort Police for further investigations.
Actress Damitha Abeyratne is expected to be produced in court on Thursday (8).
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Woman
- Violation
- (Arbitrary) Arrest and Detention, Judicial Harassment
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of expression Offline, Right to liberty and security, Right to Protest
- HRD
- Pro-democracy defender, WHRD
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Sep 11, 2022
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Aug 22, 2022
- Event Description
The Defence Ministry has issued Detention Orders on IUSF convenor Wasantha Mudalige and two others to be detained for 90 days and questioned, Police Spokesman SSP Nihal Thalduwa said.
The police arrested Wasantha Mudalige, Hashan Jeevantha Gunathilake and Galwewa Siridhamma Thero on August 19 during a protest in Colombo. Later they were detained for questioning for 72 hours under the Prevention of Terrorism Act.
Earlier, police said that investigation and further questioning of three suspects will be handed over to Criminal Investigations Department (CID) on instructions of the IGP.
The IGP has also directed the CID to hand over the investigations to the Terrorism Investigation Division (TID) if they were found to have engaged in any terrorist activities.
United Nations Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders Mary Lawlor on Sunday has requested President Ranil Wickremesinghe not to sign detention order on them.
- Impact of Event
- 3
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- (Arbitrary) Arrest and Detention, Judicial Harassment
- Rights Concerned
- Right to liberty and security
- HRD
- Pro-democracy defender, Student
- Perpetrator-State
- Government
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Aug 28, 2022
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Aug 18, 2022
- Event Description
On 18 August 2022, Sri Lankan police used disproportionate force against peaceful protesters in Colombo including tear gas, water cannons and batons. 20 protesters, including human rights de- fender Chinthaka Rajapaksa and student leader and education rights defender Wasantha Mu- dalige were arrested from the protest. 16 of those arrested, were released on bail by the Magis- trates Court the following day (19 August 2022). Chinthaka Rajapakse was denied bail and re- manded until 26 August 2022. Wasantha Mudalige and two other student activists were held in po- lice custody for well over 72 hours without access to lawyers and in violation of their due process rights. They are currently detained under Detention Orders in terms of the draconian Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA). Sri Lankan authorities invoked the PTA, depriving the detainees of basic safeguards, and without recourse to bail, despite appeals against the use of this law against pro- testers. Chintaka Rajapakse is the moderator of the Movement for Land and Agricultural Reform (MON- LAR), a human rights organization focused on land rights, protection of natural resources and the environment. The human rights defender has worked extensively with farmers, peasants and those who have lost land and livelihood due to militarization and development projects. He has actively supported those defending education rights against privatization and militarization, and been part of the ongoing peaceful protests linked to the economic crisis, against corruption and impunity. Wasantha Mudalige, is a prominent student leader and an education rights defender. Mudalige is the convener of the Inter-University Student Federation (IUSF) which has been a prominent force in the ongoing peaceful protests linked to the economic crisis, but also raising broader issues of governance, corruption, and accountability. Protesters across the country have been peacefully demanding accountability, and end to corrup- tion and the abolition of the executive presidency, which protesters say centralizes state power. Following the resignation of former president Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, protesters are also calling for the resignation of President Ranil Wickremasighe, widely believed to bee an ally of his predeces- sor. Shortly after being sworn in as President, Ranil Wickremasinghe declared a State of Emer- gency which increases the power of the police and armed forces, curtails freedom of assembly and judicial safeguards for those arrested. IUSF members and student activist have been especially targeted by authorities. The reprisals have been condemned nationally and internationally. Front Line Defenders along with 12 other human rights organizations previously called on Sri Lankan au- thorities to end reprisals and arrests against peaceful protesters. On 18 August 2022, several hundred student protesters, including human rights defenders, marched to the city center in Colombo for a peaceful rally outside the railway station. The protest was blocked and dispersed by police officers armed with tear gas, water cannons and batons. Po- lice chased and assaulted protesters as they fled the site. At least 20 persons were arrested while leaving the protest and held at police stations overnight. Chinthaka Rajapase was arrested as he was leaving the protest and held at the Cinnamon Gardens police station. He was produced before the Magistrates court the following day (19 August 2022). While 16 other protesters were released on bail, the human rights defender was remanded until 26 August 2022 on the basis that he was present at a press conference on 9 July 2022 at the President’s House. The President’s house and several other buildings were occupied by protesters following widespread protests and subse- quently handed back to the State. IUSF convener Wasantha Mudalige was arrested by the Peliyagoda police station in Colombo while he was returning from the protest. Wasantha Mudalige had previous warrants issued against him as reprisals for his peaceful protest. He and two student activists arrested at the same time were held for over 72 hours without a detention order and in violation of their due process rights. They were last in the custody of the Peliyagoda Police Station. However on the morning of 22 Au- gust 2022, lawyers were informed that the three activists had been transferred to the Terrorism In- vestigation Department (TID) and that Detention Orders had been issued under the PTA. Upon in- quiry the TID denied custody and knowledge of any Detention Orders. Throughout the day, as lawyers attempted to locate the three students, local and international groups including the United States and European Union called on Sri Lanka to refrain from using the PTA against peaceful pro- testers. The United Nations Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders also appealed against the use of the PTA against protesters. Despite these appeals, by around 4 pm on 22 Au - gust 2022, it appears that Detention Orders under the PTA have been signed against Wasantha Mudalige and the two student activists, effectively depriving them of basic safeguards including re- course to bail.
- Impact of Event
- 5
- Gender of HRD
- Man, Other (e.g. undefined, organisation, community)
- Violation
- (Arbitrary) Arrest and Detention, Judicial Harassment, Violence (physical)
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of assembly, Freedom of expression Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment, Right to liberty and security, Right to Protest
- HRD
- Land rights defender, Pro-democracy defender, Student
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Aug 28, 2022
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Jul 30, 2022
- Event Description
Sri Lankan YouTuber Rathidu Senarathna, also known as Ratta arrested by Sri Lanka Police on Monday (30) afternoon.
According to reports Sri Lanka Police had reported facts to court that the suspect had protested Opposite Fort Magistrate’s court on the 25th of May 2022, and had obstructed the duties of the police officers present at the premises.
Sri Lanka’s Police on Monday said its Criminal Investigation Department (CID) is investigating reports that three anti-government protest activists including a popular YouTuber withdrawing 45 million rupees received from overseas. The activists have denied the allegation.
Media reports claimed that YouTuber Rathidu Senarathna also known as Ratta and two other activists had opened a new account at a state-owned bank early in July and that the accounts had received a total of 45 million rupees from abroad.
“Investigations have been launched over information received on social media. Claims can be denied. Investigations launched by the CID in no mean that the person is a wrongdoer,” Police spokesman SSP Nihal Thalduwa.
The move comes after Sri Lanka’s youth-led protest movement, known collectively as the aragalaya (or the struggle), celebrated 100 days of agitation against former President Rajapaksa and his government. The protest has already ousted the president, a prime minister, cabinet twice, a central bank governor, and a finance secretary.
Senarathna denied the allegations.
“Media organisations have published stories with our names before confirming with us. This is a bogus story fast spreading on WhatsApp,” he told EconomyNext.
“The Aragalaya accepts no cash donations. We receive physical donations such as water bottles and food. The named three activists have not received cash donations and we have not opened any accounts,” he said.
Newly sworn-in Acting President Ranil Wickremesinghe have accused subversive elements within the aragalaya of trying to destabilise the country.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- (Arbitrary) Arrest and Detention, Judicial Harassment
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of expression Online, Right to liberty and security
- HRD
- Blogger/ Social Media Activist
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Aug 14, 2022
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Aug 12, 2022
- Event Description
Fort Magistrate Thilina Gamage on Friday (12) ordered to remand Aragalaya activist Dhaniz Ali and three others until the 26th of August.
The suspects were recently arrested for unlawfully entering the President's House and causing damage to its property.
The Fort Police requested the court to remand the suspects and the investigations into the incident is on going.
The Magistrate thereby ordered for the suspects to be remanded until the 26th of August.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- (Arbitrary) Arrest and Detention, Judicial Harassment
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of assembly, Freedom of expression Offline, Right to liberty and security, Right to Protest
- HRD
- Labour rights defender
- Perpetrator-State
- Judiciary
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Related Events
- Sri Lanka: pro-democracy defender arrested while attempting to leave the country, remanded in prison
- Date added
- Aug 14, 2022
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Jul 26, 2022
- Event Description
Gota Go Gama activist Dhaniz Ali, who forcibly entered the Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation on 13th July, was arrested inside a plane at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) while attempting to leave the country.
Airport officials asked the activist to leave the aircraft but he refused to do so.
He refused to disembark and protested inside the plane and got the support of some passengers.
The Police later boarded the plane and removed him with the support of airport officers.
He was taken to the Police for further questioning.
Dhaniz Ali was set to leave for Dubai at the time of the arrest.
Gota Go Gama protester Dhaniz Ali has pleaded guilty of using a mobile phone in prison.
The Prisons Department said that
Dhaniz Ali has been sentenced to another 14 days imprisonment and transferred to the Welikada Prison from the new Magazine Prison.
Dhaniz Ali was arrested inside a plane at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) on 26th July.
Ali was arrested for forcibly entering the Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation on 13th July.
Airport officials asked the activist to leave the aircraft but he refused to do so.
He refused to disembark and protested inside the plane and got the support of some passengers.
The Police later boarded the plane and removed him with the support of airport officers.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- (Arbitrary) Arrest and Detention, Judicial Harassment
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of assembly, Freedom of expression Offline, Right to liberty and security, Right to Protest
- HRD
- Pro-democracy defender
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Aug 14, 2022
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Aug 3, 2022
- Event Description
On 3 August 2022, Human rights defender and General Secretary of Ceylon Teachers Union, Joseph Stalin was arrested at his office in Colombo by a team of over 25 police officers. Authori- ties claim that his arrest is due to a protest carried out in May 2022 in violation of a court order. The human rights defender was taken to the Fort police station and remanded despite suffering from poor health. Joseph Stalin’s arrest is part of increasing reprisals including arrests, abductions, in- timidation, violence, and surveillance against peaceful protesters and human rights defenders in Sri Lanka. At the time of issuing this appeal, Stalin was being taken to the Magistrate’s residence but it has not been confirmed whether he has been granted bail. Joseph Stalin is a human rights defender, the General Secretary of Ceylon Teachers Union and a prominent advocate for education rights and reforms. He has campaigned against militarization of education in Sri Lanka and for the rights of teachers and students against regressive state polices. Since the beginning of countrywide protests linked to the economic crisis in March 2022, Joseph Stalin has been at the forefront of peaceful campaigns seeking systematic change and more trans- parent, accountable governance. Protesters demand an end to corruption, abolishing the executive presidency which centralizes power and for the removal of the Rajapaksa family and their allies, in- cluding current President Ranil Wickremesinghe from power. The Sri Lankan government has re- sponded with violence, disinformation against protesters and widespread arrest of protesters and perceived leaders. On 3 August 2022, Joseph Stalin was arrested at his office by a large contingent of uniformed po- lice officers. Videos of his arrest show the human rights defender repeatedly asking a reason or basis for his arrest as he is not a criminal, murderer or thief. Those around him appealed to the po- lice to be careful in their treatment of the defender as he suffered from ill health. Authorities have sought to justify the arrest on the basis of a peaceful protest in which he participated in May 2022 in violation of a court order. Others who were photographed at the protest and who have since shown allegiance to the Wickremesinghe administration have been rewarded with government po- sitions. Joseph Stalin who has been consistent in calling for accountability and genuine system change, is being punished for his peaceful human rights activism. Previously on 25 July 2022, the Magistrates Court had issued a travel ban against Joseph Stalin and five other protesters raising fears of possible arrest. While many have been forced into hiding, Joseph Stalin has continued his advocacy, openly calling for an end to reprisals against protesters. The defender is due to be pro- duced before the Magistrates Court on 4 August 2022, but there are no updates on his status at the time of this appeal being issued. This is not the first time Joseph Stalin has faced reprisals for his human rights work. On 8 July 2021, Joseph Stalin was arrested along with 30 others protesting against the militarization of edu- cation in Sri Lanka. The human rights defender and other protesters were granted bail by the Colombo Magistrates Court the same day. However, despite being released on bail, Sri Lanka po- lice, forcibly placed the defender, and others, in military-run COVID-19 quarantine centers as pun- ishment for their activism.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- (Arbitrary) Arrest and Detention, Judicial Harassment
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of expression Offline, Right to liberty and security, Right to Protest
- HRD
- Labour rights defender
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Aug 14, 2022
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Jul 22, 2022
- Event Description
On the early morning of July 22, Sri Lankan security forces assaulted at least four members of the press, including three journalists with the privately owned digital news platform Xposure News, covering a military raid on a protest site and subsequent demonstration in Colombo, the capital, according to those journalists, who spoke with CPJ by phone.
Separately, police arrived at the Xposure News office on Wednesday, July 27, seeking three journalists who had covered protests for the outlet, those journalists said.
Protests have broken out throughout Sri Lanka amid an ongoing political and economic crisis; President Gotabaya Rajapaksa fled the country on July 13 and resigned the next day, and former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe was sworn in as the new president on July 21.
“The repeated attacks on journalists covering political unrest in Sri Lanka must come to an immediate end. The government must order security forces to cease detaining and harassing journalists covering the country’s political and economic crisis,” said Carlos Martinez de la Serna, CPJ’s program director, in Madrid. “Authorities must thoroughly investigate these attacks, hold the perpetrators to account, and cease harassing the staff of Xposure News.”
At about 1:20 a.m. on July 22, Sri Lankan Army officers attacked Jareen Samuel, a camera operator and video editor with BBC News, while he was covering security forces’ raid on a protest camp in the Galle Face area of Colombo, according to multiple reports by the BBC and Samuel, who spoke to CPJ by phone.
Samuel told CPJ that he and members of his reporting team showed their press IDs and foreign accreditation cards to the officers, who then repeatedly slapped Samuel, pushed him to the ground, and kicked him several times in the abdomen. He said an officer also confiscated his phone, deleted videos from it, and then returned it.
Samuel was treated at a local hospital for an injury to his abdomen, he told CPJ.
Also early that morning, officers with the Sri Lankan Air Force attacked three journalists with Xposure News while they covered a protest in the Kollupitiya area of Colombo, according to a video of the incident published by Xposure News and the three journalists, who spoke to CPJ by phone.
Shortly before 3 a.m., officers first attacked Chaturanga Pradeep Kumara, a videographer, video editor, and researcher with the outlet, according to the journalist and that video. Kumara said an officer beat him on the legs with a baton, knocking him to the ground; when he could not get up, officers dragged him to a dark area nearby as he repeatedly identified himself as a journalist.
At that location, air force and army officers confiscated his phone and his personal and press ID cards, Kumara said. Officers deleted several videos from Kumara’s phone and ordered him to contort his body into positions used as punishment among members of the Sri Lankan Army; when the journalist was unable to put himself in those positions, he said the officers beat him with batons and then lined him up with other detainees and repeatedly slapped them across their ears.
After about three hours, officers returned Kumara’s phone and identification cards and released him, the journalist told CPJ, saying he received painkillers for a muscle injury to his leg at a local hospital.
Shortly after officers detained Kumara, Xposure News digital head Rasika Gunawardana and Shabeer Mohammed, a freelance journalist reporting for the outlet, were filming security forces allegedly attacking civilians when a group of air force officers surrounded them, ordered them to stop filming, and threw Mohammed’s phone to the ground, according that video of the incident and the two journalists. Gunawardena said that an officer then struck him on the head from behind with a baton, and Mohammed said officers hit him from behind on his neck.
Gunawardena and Mohammed received treatment at a local hospital for their injuries and were prescribed painkillers, they said.
The three Xposure News journalists told CPJ that they were unable to identify the officers who attacked them because they were not wearing badges and their faces were covered.
On July 27, two police officers visited Xposure News’ office in Colombo, and showed the building’s security guard photos of Kumara, Gunawardana, and Mohammed, according to the three journalists and a tweet by Journalists for Democracy in Sri Lanka, a local press freedom group. The officers asked whether the journalists worked there, and also asked the security guard to provide access to CCTV footage of the building, the three journalists told CPJ, adding that the guard refused their requests.
Sri Lanka police spokesperson Nihal Thalduwa did not respond to CPJ’s request for comment sent via messaging app. CPJ emailed Nalin Herat, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Defense, which oversees the army and air force, but did not receive any reply.
In the early hours on Friday, a massive joint operation by the military, police and special forces forcefully removed protestors sleeping in tents at a peaceful protest site established in Colombo in April this year. Protestors were beaten and assaulted. The area was blocked, preventing access to media, lawyers and activists. According to reports, more than 50 were injured and 9 people have been arrested.
At around 01:00 local time (19:30 GMT Thursday), the military and police armed with riot gear violently descended on the protest camps, indiscriminately beating and assaulting everyone and everything in their way, dismantling the tents in which protestors had been sleeping for over three months.
All access points to the protest site were blocked ahead of the raid. Eyewitness accounts and media reports say that the military attacked many protesters, especially those trying to film the developments. Soldiers broke apart ‘one tent after the other’ in the stretch leading to Presidential Secretariat and dismantled the protest site.
An eyewitness interviewed by Amnesty International early morning of Friday at the attack site recounted, “There were about 200-300 demonstrators at that time, I would say. Suddenly (the forces) came out from (behind) the barricades and totally destroyed and broke down the tents. There were enough police and military to swamp the area. The police and especially the army beat up peaceful protesters.”
“(The military) did these acts in anger. We saw some of the demonstrators engaged in (the protest) had brought their guitars. We saw them take those and smash it on iron fences. We saw them beat up people… The crackdown was brutal.” Video footage shared by media also show unarmed individuals/protesters being assaulted by security forces.
Eyewitness accounts suggest that the attack on protestors and their tents came as a complete surprise, even though there had been some rumours that there may be an attack. Protesters had been caught off-guard as they could not understand the reasons behind such an attack. There was no warning given to vacate the area by the military and police personnel before the use of brute force against the protestors.
Another female eyewitness, who had been asleep at the protest site when it was raided, told Amnesty International, “At around 1.30 a.m. there was shouting (from other protestors) saying ‘they have surrounded us, they have surrounded us, get up, get up.’ When I went outside, I saw a large group of army people coming towards us. Some of them had covered their faces so I don’t know who they are… There was no announcement… They hadn’t told (us) to move out. Suddenly, they had started hitting the tents around us. They hit the youth the same way they hit the tents.”
The newspaper The Hindu reported that around 3.00 a.m. as news of the attack spread, media and activists reached the spot but were denied access as raids were ongoing. A security personnel stationed on Galle Road leading to the protest site reportedly said, “No one can go. Not even the media or lawyers.”
A BBC video journalist was reportedly beaten by the military and his phone snatched by a solider and videos deleted.
Lawyers who sought to intervene in their professional capacity were also reportedly prevented from doing so by security forces. At least two were reportedly assaulted.
The security personnel aggressively dismantled protesters’ tents put up at the demonstration site, including those of the deaf and mute community and soldiers with disabilities who had been part of the peaceful protests since April.
‘I saw them hitting people on both sides and coming towards us. We ran the other way since they were chasing us… The deaf and mute demonstrators’ group had a very young translator with them. That group is usually in that area. No one knows what happened to them… no one could find them. At the ‘war heroes’ tent there was a small group of soldiers with disabilities, there were some monks in front as well… they had hit them also,” recounted an eyewitness to Amnesty International.
- Impact of Event
- 5
- Gender of HRD
- Man, Other (e.g. undefined, organisation, community)
- Violation
- Intimidation and Threats, Violence (physical), Wounds and Injuries
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of assembly, Freedom of expression Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment, Right to Protest
- HRD
- Media Worker, Pro-democracy defender
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Jul 31, 2022
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Jul 27, 2022
- Event Description
An activist of the Inter-University Students Union and the 'GotaGoGama’, Anthony Veranga Pushpika has been arrested by the Colombo South Divisional Crime Detective Bureau (DCDB) today in connection with causing damages to public property during a recent protest near the Police Headquarters.
It was reported on social media that the activist who was returning on a bus after taking part in a demonstration in Colombo had been forcibly taken away by an unidentified group in a blue coloured jeep in Fort.
However, the OIC of the Colombo South Division said there was no truth in him being abducted. He said the police had taken him into custody and he will be produced in court by the Fort Police.
Veranga Pushpika was also the former President of Ruhunu Maha Shishya Sangamaya.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- (Arbitrary) Arrest and Detention, Judicial Harassment
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of expression Offline, Right to liberty and security, Right to Protest
- HRD
- Pro-democracy defender, Student
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Jul 31, 2022
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Jul 26, 2022
- Event Description
Father Jeevantha Peiris was sanctioned along with other activists for filing a complaint in connection with violence by pro-government supporters on 9 May at the protest camp set up near the Presidential Secretariat. The government wants “to make the victims more vulnerable,” the priest told AsiaNews, but “the struggle cannot be stopped”.
A Sri Lankan court has imposed a travel ban on a Catholic priest for his participation in the protests against President Gotabaya Rajapaksa.
On Tuesday, together with other activists, Fr Amila Jeevantha Peiris has his passport cancelled.
Known in Colombo for his commitment to human rights, he joined protesters who set up the "GotaGoGama" village, a protest camp located not far from the Presidential Secretariat building, demanding President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's resignation due to the worsening of the country's economic situation.
“The government is sending another message that they want to make the victims more vulnerable,” Fr Peiris explained. “But, whatever they say, whatever they try to do to us, we say that the struggle cannot be stopped by such intimidation."
Protests, the clergyman notes, will end only when the president but also the new prime minister Ranil Wickramasinghe resign.
The court order was reportedly issued to allow further investigation into a complaint filed by Fr. Pieris and others about attacks by pro-government supporters on peaceful protesters on 9 May.
“At a time when there are a number of burning issues in the country that need to be addressed urgently”, the authorities choose “to impose a travel ban on a group, including Father Jeewantha Peiris,” said Bishop Asiri Perera, former president of the Methodist Church of Sri Lanka, speaking to AsiaNews.
"I have seen Father Jeevantha unite with the various youth on the battlefield and engage in very deep dialogue, directing the youth community to move on to peaceful new paths,” the bishop explained. “We should not only give them more strength but also prevent further tragedies in Sri Lanka.”
Sister Deepa Fernando, a human rights activist who heads the Holy Family Convent, “strongly condemn[ed] the Rajapaksa regime's deliberate attack on unarmed peaceful protestors, like Father Jeevantha Pieris and the team.”
Passports were cancelled after “Father Jeevantha and the young group filed a complaint against the attackers,” she explained. He promoted “interreligious dialogue and participated in a variety of cultural and religious activities. So, is the travel ban a gift for that good work”?
“The sad thing is that the judiciary and politics have come together, but the judiciary should stand for the victims,” said Fr Marimuttu Sathivel, an Anglican priest. Still, “We shall stand with Father Jeevantha and the team who are fighting at the GotagoGama”.
The activists affected by the travel ban include Ceylon Teachers’ Union General- Secretary Joseph Stalin, Catholic priest Fr Jeewantha Peiris, Convener of the Inter-University Students’ Federation Wasantha Mudalige, the national organizer of ‘Youth for Change’ Lahiru Weerasekera, and Eranga Gunasekera.
- Impact of Event
- 6
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- Administrative Harassment, Restrictions on Movement, Travel Restriction
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of movement, Freedom of expression Offline, Right to Protest
- HRD
- Labour rights defender, Pro-democracy defender, Student, Youth
- Perpetrator-State
- Judiciary
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Jul 30, 2022
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Jul 22, 2022
- Event Description
In the early hours of July 22, 2022, Sri Lankan security forces forcibly dispersed people at a peaceful protest site and assaulted protesters in central Colombo, injuring more than 50 people and arresting at least 9 others, Human Rights Watch said today.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who took office on July 21, should immediately order the security forces to cease all unlawful use of force against protesters, release everyone arbitrarily detained, and investigate and appropriately prosecute those responsible for abuses. Foreign governments and multilateral agencies that have sought to address Sri Lanka’s economic crisis should emphasize to the new government that respect for human rights is critical for economic recovery.
“Just one day after taking office, President Wickremesinghe oversaw a brutal assault by security forces on peaceful protesters in the heart of Colombo,” said Meenakshi Ganguly, South Asia director at Human Rights Watch. “This action sends a dangerous message to the Sri Lankan people that the new government intends to act through brute force rather than the rule of law.”
Several hundred police, army, navy, and air force personnel carried out the July 22 raid. Hours earlier, protest organizers had announced that they would leave the protest site the following day. Using batons, the security forces attacked demonstrators who had remained at the protest site, along with several journalists and two lawyers who were there. Protesters told Human Rights Watch that air force personnel detained a small group of people for several hours and severely beat them before they were released.
A person who was there at around 1 a.m., when the security forces attacked the protest site, said: “Some people were badly injured. Since we were surrounded by security forces, we couldn’t get the ambulance inside [the site].” He said the first ambulance arrived at about 7 a.m. “There was one person who got beaten very badly, he couldn’t even stand. He got to hospital after five hours.” He said that the security forces appeared to be targeting perceived leaders of the protest movement: “They pointed out some specific people and they took them in.” Others were beaten but not arrested.
Nine people who were arrested were produced in court on July 22 and released on bail. A Bar Association of Sri Lanka statement said that they included “at least one lawyer and several journalists. . . The use of the Armed Forces to supress civilian protesters on the very first day in office of the new President is despicable and will have serious consequences on our country’s social, economic, and political stability.”
Since the beginning of 2022, Sri Lanka has experienced an escalating economic crisis and the government has defaulted on its foreign loans. The United Nations warned that 5.7 million people “require immediate humanitarian assistance.” With many Sri Lankans experiencing extreme shortages of essentials including food and fuel, peaceful protests began in March. The protests led then-Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa to resign on May 9, and his brother, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, to flee the country on July 13 and resign the following day.
Wickremasinghe became acting president, and parliament elected him as the new president on July 20 with the support of the Rajapaksas’ political party, the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna. He had previously described some protesters as “fascists” and declared a state of emergency on July 18.
On July 21, Wickremesinghe issued an order to “call out with effect from July 22, 2022 all the members of the Armed Forces . . . for the maintenance of public order.” Under emergency powers the president can override, amend, or suspend a provision of any law, except the constitution. Emergency powers can be used to detain people while bypassing the ordinary process of the courts and have repeatedly been used in the past to enable human rights violations.
While international law permits the suspension of certain rights during an emergency, protections against torture, excessive use of force, and other fundamental rights must never be violated. The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka said the state of emergency was “inappropriate” and called for it to be withdrawn. It called the military attack on peaceful protesters “brutal and despicable.” Diplomats from countries including the United States, United Kingdom, Switzerland and Canada, as well as the UN and European Union, also condemned the assault on the protest site.
Following the raid, fresh protests were staged in Colombo against the security force crackdown. Law enforcement for public assemblies should normally be carried out by civilian police, not military personnel, as military personnel typically have little training in crowd control. All security forces should abide by the UN Code of Conduct for Law Enforcement Officials and the Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials, Human Rights Watch said.
“Urgently needed measures to address the economic needs of Sri Lankans demand a government that respects fundamental rights,” Ganguly said. “Sri Lanka’s international partners should send the message loud and clear that they can’t support an administration that tramples on the rights of its people.”
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Other (e.g. undefined, organisation, community)
- Violation
- (Arbitrary) Arrest and Detention, Violence (physical)
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of assembly, Freedom of expression Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment, Right to liberty and security, Right to Protest
- HRD
- Lawyer, Media Worker, Pro-democracy defender
- Perpetrator-State
- Armed forces/ Military, Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Jul 24, 2022
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Jul 13, 2022
- Event Description
The Sri Lankan authorities must not impose a blanket order authorising use of force during the state of emergency that has been announced and refrain from use of the armed forces to police people’s protest said Amnesty International today following a new order empowering armed forces to maintain law and order in Colombo.
“The recent escalation of the authorities’ response to protests by calling in the armed forces, firing at protestors and excessive use of tear gas which resulted in the death of one person yesterday is deeply worrying,” said Yamini Mishra, Amnesty International’s South Asia Regional Director.
On the morning of 13 July 2022, thousands of protestors started making their way towards the Prime Minister’s office and the Parliament in Colombo. After an angry face-off, protesters breached the gates and took over the Prime Minister’s office. Amnesty International staff present at the protest location confirmed that law enforcement officers fired volleys of teargas against people, including children and journalists some of whom were seen escaping the plumes while coughing and sputtering. Dozens of protesters were injured, and one was reported dead. At Galle Face, helicopters flew low overhead, where a rolling peaceful protest site had been established three months ago in the prolonged agitation over the economic crisis in the country. At another protest near the Parliament later the same day, more than 80 people were reported to be injured and admitted to hospital.
At 3pm the Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe delivered a televised address in which he said he had ordered the military to “do whatever is necessary to restore order”. On 14 July 2022, a press release was issued by the army announcing a warning that they will use force to restore law and order in the country.
Any blanket order authorising use of force by armed forces is problematic even during times of emergency. The armed forces should not be involved in the policing of public assemblies, since they are trained to fight against enemies and not to protect and control civilians.
Amnesty calls upon law enforcement agencies to act with restraint to avoid further serious injury and loss of life. They may only use the minimum level of force necessary force to bring a situation under control where doing so is strictly necessary and proportionate. Even in instances where some parts of a protests turn violent, law enforcement must assess the situation on a case-by-case basis with use of force only where absolutely necessary and only against those engaged in violence. It must be strictly proportionate to the situation faced by law enforcement, which means authorities must not cause more harm than they seek to avert.
“At a time when the country is facing a dire economic crisis and protests are growing in scale, authorities must make comprehensive efforts to de-escalate the situation and focus resources on ensuring people can access essential goods and services, in line with international human rights law and standards,” said Yamini Mishra.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Other (e.g. undefined, organisation, community)
- Violation
- Violence (physical), Wounds and Injuries
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of assembly, Freedom of expression Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment, Right to Protest
- HRD
- Media Worker, Pro-democracy defender
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Jul 17, 2022
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Jun 29, 2022
- Event Description
The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) has declared that a false allegation by President of the Committee for Protecting Rights of Prisoners (CPRP) Attorney-at-Law Senaka Perera that some prisoners were used to attack anti-government protesters outside Temple Trees and at Galle Face on 09 May triggered violence in many parts of the country.
The HRCSL also faulted Sudesh Nadimal Silva also of the same organisation for propagating unsubstantiated allegations.
Justice (ret.) Rohini Marasinghe, in her capacity as the Chairperson of the HRCSL, said that both Senaka Perera and Sudesh Nandimal had failed to substantiate their allegations made at the Galle Face protest site on 10 May.
The HRCSL, in a statement issued yesterday (29) quoted Justice Marasinghe as having said: “False propaganda as well as misinformation of the alleged use of Prisoners to have attacked the innocent protesters is both a diabolical lie and a deceitful action.”
The HRCSL has recommended that Attorney General Sanjaya Rajaratnam conduct a further investigations into allegations made by Senaka Perera and take necessary action
The HRCSL has requested Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya, PC, to take note of the detrimental statements made by Attorney-at-Law Senaka Perera and take due action.
The HRCSL consists of Ven. Kalupahana Piyarathana Thera, Dr. M.H. Nimal Karunasiri, Dr. Vijitha Nanayakkara and Ms. Anusuya Shanmuganathan.
The HRCSL dealt with the issue in a statement titled ‘The HRCSL condemns the false media broadcast made by the President of the Committee for Protecting Rights of Prisoners’.
The HRCSL issued the statement after the conclusion of a special investigation by an appointed committee of investigators (Col).
CoI consisted of Sanjeewa Weerawickrama, Attorney -at- Law, Miss. lmasha Senadeera, Attorney-at-Law and Dr. Dilshani Bogollagama.
Referring to allegation that prisoners had been used to attack protesters at protest sites at Galle Face and Temple Trees, the HRCSL said that the CoI determined that no prisoners had been used in perpetrating any attack on the peaceful protesters.
The HRCSL asserted that the unsubstantiated allegations caused an irreversible damage to the country.
The HRCSL said that a group of prisoners had been seriously assaulted and subjected to mental and physical torture by an unidentified group on 09 May.
The HRCSL stated: “The unprecedented ruthless nature of the attack on prisoners and officials resulted in injuries and hospitalization of many inmates.” Since the incidents, eight prisoners hadn’t been accounted for so far, it has said.
The prisoners had been made available to the private sector enterprises in terms of an agreement endorsed by the Cabinet of Ministers in Oct 2021. On the day of the incidents, a group of prisoners had been taken to a designated work place and were on their way back when gangs intercepted them.
“Attorney at Law Mr. Senaka Perera, the convener of the conference identified himself as a Human Rights Activist. The COI provided the CPRP president Mr. Senaka Perera with the opportunity to justify his statements that caused an outrage in both Sri Lanka and the World at large. For the purpose of submission of any evidence, in either oral statements or picture documentation in support of his statements, Mr. Perera was extended a justifiable time period. However, he expressly affirmed before the Committee that at the time of the statement or even thereafter he did not have any tangible evidence in favor of his expressed views in regard to the alleged incident. Mr. Sudesh Nadimal Silva was also summoned to give evidence before the COl. The Committee explaining the paramount importance of the maintenance of professional ethics provided Mr. Sudesh Nadimal Silva with the opportunity to provide a justifiable explanation for his expressed allegations. However, he was unable to provide any acceptable evidence in support of his statements.
The COI observed that the press conference which was chaired by M. Senaka Perera had dispensed totally false statements without any sustantive evidence.
“Following the above-mentioned facts, the COI has identified the grave consequences of the negligent attitude of making unfounded statements. Inciting agitation in the general public against state departments and personnel has inadvertently led to disruptions to the law and order of the Country.
“The COI further observed that these inaccurate declarations conveyed by the above speakers directly contributed to the series of violent activities and right violations, reported island wide. The combined result of the atrocities that occurred within a mere 48 hours resulted in the loss of 12 human lives with several hundred injured casualties. In addition, intentional damage and arson to both public and private properties surmount to the loss of billions of rupees.
“After a thorough and diligent inquiry, the COI has arrived at the following conclusions. The highly irresponsible misconduct by the Attorney-of-Law Senaka Perera, with his speculative allegations with no substantiated evidence, resulted in disastrous consequences.
“Hence, it is of paramount importance that members of professional bodies need to be guided by the code of conduct or the professional ethics as set out by the respective professional bodies for the due conduct of the members. These conditions of misconduct from individuals of representation and influence should be held accountable by the respective professional bodies.
It is the view of the COI that national media institutions must consciously adhere to responsible reporting and promote journalism with integrity, especially during this volatile period of both political and economic instability. This tantamount to avoidance of direct reporting of incidence without due assessment of this veracity and credibility. The Committee further advocates promotion of investigative journalist practices with the objective of strengthening the democratic fabric of the Country.”
- Impact of Event
- 2
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- Vilification
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of expression Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment, Right to protect reputation
- HRD
- Lawyer, NGO staff
- Perpetrator-State
- Government
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Jul 10, 2022
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Jun 22, 2022
- Event Description
On 22 June 2022, Sri Lankan journalist, media rights campaigner and human rights defender Tharindu Uduwaragedara was served a notice requiring him to appear at the Criminal Investiga- tion Department (CID) in Colombo for inquiry on 28 June 2022. Tharindu Uduwaragedara was not given clear reasons for the inquiry except that it relates to the content of his YouTube channel, and that a complaint had been made against him by the Intelligence Division of the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF). Tharindu Uduwaragedara is a well known independent journalist and media rights campaigner who has been reporting on the ongoing citizens protests across the country against government corrup- tion, mismanagement and the lack of basic resources including medicines, food and fuel. He is the former president and active member of the Sri Lanka Young Journalist Association (SLYJA) and an Executive Committee member of the Sri Lanka Working Journalists Association (SLWJA). He has worked at several Sinhala language newspapers including Ravaya and Anidda, known for their in- vestigative journalism and open critique of the government. Tharindu Uduwaragedara has his own YouTube channel Satahan Radio, dedicated to independent reporting on social issues and human rights violations. Tharindu Uduwaragedara has been actively documenting the citizen’s protest since March 2022 and his YouTube channel is a tool to voice the messages of those (mostly youth) who are protest- ing against scarce resources, governmental corruption and mismanagement. He has been present from the outset at Galle Face, in Colombo, where peaceful protesters have set up a protest site, Gota Go Gama calling for the resignation of President Gotabhaya Rajapaksa. Tharindu Uduwaragedara set up the International Media Center-Colombo tent at Gota Go Gama, to support journalists reporting from the protest site. Tharindu Uduwaragedara has been openly critical of the current government and its policies, lack of transparency and the crackdown and reprisals against peaceful protesters. Sri Lankan authorities have reacted violently to the protests. Reprisals including physical violence against peaceful protesters, surveillance, intimidation and arrest/detention on baseless charges are ongoing in an attempt to quash legitimate dissent. On 20 June 2022, 9 protesters were arrested by Sri Lanka police in one night alone1. Many others have been called for questioning, arrested and later released on bail. There has been no accountability to date for violence by security forces and government supported mobs against peaceful protesters, most notably on 9 May 2022. On 22 June 2022, the CID served summons to Tharindu Uduwaragedara’s mother’s home in Ban- darawela, Badulla District, ordering him to appear for an inquiry at the CID headquarters in Colombo on 28 June 2022. The summons contained the name and number of a sub-inspector of the police to be contacted for further information. Tharindu Uduwaragedara telephoned this officer and asked why he was being called for questioning. The officer refused to share details, stating only that the inquiry was related to the content of his YouTube channel and that a complaint had been filed against him by the Intelligence division of the Sri Lankan Air Force. Tharindu Uduwaragedara filed a complaint with the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka on 22 June 2022 against this treatment which he believes is linked to his reporting and human rights work.This is not the first time Tharindu Uduwaragedara faces reprisals for his work. He has been sub- jected to harassment and surveillance, including during the current protests. Uniformed officers and unidentified individuals suspected to be intelligence officers have routinely visited the Media Center tent and inquired about his whereabouts. Those protesting and reporting are photographed continuously by security and intelligence officers. The recent summons issued to Tharindu Uduwaragedara is part of a pattern of persecution against those raising their voice against the cur- rent regime. Front Line Defenders is concerned regarding the summons issued to Tharindu Uduwaragedara as we believe this is directly linked to his legitimate journalism and peaceful human rights work. All cit- izens and especially journalists and human rights defenders must be safe from reprisals when car- rying out peaceful protests and expressing legitimate dissent against Government policies.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- Judicial Harassment
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of expression Online, Right to healthy and safe environment
- HRD
- Media Worker
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Jul 2, 2022
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Jun 7, 2022
- Event Description
On 7 June 2022, Kanapathipillai Kumanan, a human rights defender and independent journalist based in Mullaitivu, was intimidated by the Sri Lanka Police and Sri Lanka Navy personnel while he was covering a protest against forcible acquisition of land by the Sri Lanka Navy in Vattuvakkal, Mullivaikkal. Kumanan was blocked from covering the protest, threatened with arrest and physi- cally removed from the protest site. Kanapathipillai Kumanan is a Tamil journalist and human rights defender based in Mullaitivu, Sri Lanka. He is a photo journalist and an activist covering violations against Tamil civilians by security forces in the heavily militarised North and East Sri Lanka. Following the end of the armed conflict in May 2009, Kanapathipillai Kumanan has played a key role in covering issues including enforced disappearances, military land acquisition and environmental crimes. He also supports the cam- paigns of survivor defender communities for truth, justice and redress. On 7 June 2022, Kanapathipillai Kumanan was covering a local protest against forced land acquisi- tion in Vattuvakkal, Mullivaikkal by the Sri Lanka Navy. The land is planned to be used for the ex- pansion of the Gotabhaya Naval Camp in the area. While he was covering the protest on 7 June 2022, Sri Lankan security officers harassed and grabbed him in an attempt to prevent him from taking photographs of the protest. A Sri Lanka Navy officer in uniform threatened him to stop taking photographs. Sri Lanka police officers grabbed Kanapathipillai Kumanan and attempted to seize his official media card. During the incident the Navy officer repeatedly asked the intelligence and police officers to arrest Kanapathipillai Kumanan. The human rights defender was undeterred and continued to document the protest and intimidation against him and others by security forces. Kanapathipillai Kumanan repeatedly asked “why are you laying your hands on me?” when officers attempted to manhandle him. The human rights defender was eventually forced to leave the site by security officers. In July 2021, the Sri Lanka navy deployed dozens of troops in response to a peaceful protest against a mass land-grab in the Vattuvakal area, following heavy local opposition and protest. Ef- forts were stepped up to permanently seize 617 acres of Tamil-owned land for the Gotabhaya Navy Base, a process that began with a gazette in 2017 but has stalled due to heavy local opposi- tion and protest. Mullivaikkal is one of the highly militarised areas in Sri Lanka. Militarisation in this particular area continued even after the end of the civil war, and local communities have been campaigning for several years for the return of land acquired forcibly by the Sri Lankan military. This is not the first time Kanapathipillai Kumanan has faced reprisals. The human rights defender has been threatened and physically assaulted previously due to his work. Journalists and human rights defenders in Sri Lanka have faced violence and repression as a result of their work, espe- cially in the North and East. There is a culture of impunity for attacks against activists in the North and East, and those who continue to work do so under extremely hostile conditions at great per- sonal risk. There is limited attention to the crimes against them and perpetrators are not held to ac- count. In October 2021 Kanapathipillai Kumanan and another journalist were assaulted by timber smug- glers while reporting on illegal deforestation and timber smuggling in the Murippu forest area in the Mullaitivu district. In June 2019, Kanapathipillai Kumanan was physically assaulted and verbally abused by the officer in charge (OIC) of the Kokkilai police station in Mullaitivu district, while report- ing on the failure of law enforcement to implement a court order relating to a dispute between a Hindu and Bhuddist temple at the Neeraviadi Pillayar Kovil in the Mullaitivu district. Front Line Defenders is extremely concerned about continuing reprisals against Kanapathipillai Ku- manan and human rights activists and journalists, especially in the North and East. There are daily reports of harassment of human rights defenders, peaceful protesters and journalists in the country as reprisal for their work. Tamil and Muslim human rights defenders, especially those working in heavily militarised war affected areas are particularly vulnerable to reprisal.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- Intimidation and Threats
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of expression Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment
- HRD
- Media Worker
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Jun 18, 2022
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Jun 6, 2022
- Event Description
Attorney-at-law Senaka Perera who heads Sri Lanka’s People’s Lawyers Association (PLA) was summoned by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Monday (06) morning.
Perera has been an active participant at the ‘aragalaya’ anti-government protests that have been held continuously at Galle Face, Colombo, demanding the resignation of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa over Sri Lanka’s worsening economic crisis.
“I will only know [the reason for the summons] when I go inside. It would’ve been better if they had communicated the reasons to me, so I could’ve come prepared,” Perera told reporters outside the CID premises.
“I stood for the people and their problems and for the ‘aragalaya’. We haven’t done anything [wrong]. It is very unfortunate if that is being used as a reason to victimise us,” he said.
Perera was the latest in a number of activists and media personalities summoned by the CID. Among the others were journalist Dharshana Handungoda.
“We cannot be silenced with stunts like this. We will be more active tomorrow than we are today,” said Perera.
A protest against the CID summons was held outside its premises Monday morning
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- Intimidation and Threats
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of expression Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment, Right to Protest
- HRD
- Lawyer
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Jun 11, 2022
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- May 26, 2022
- Event Description
On 26 May 2022, Ven. Wekandawala Rahula Thero, a human rights defender and Buddhist priest was arrested by Sri Lankan police in Weeraketiya (Hambantota District, Southern Province). He is falsely accused in seven separate incidents under the Sri Lanka Penal Code and the Public Property act, linked to violence that took place on or around 9 May 2022. Rahula Thero appeared before the Walasmulla Magistrate’s Court on 27 May 2022 and will be remanded in custody until 31 May 2022. The human rights defender has been targeted due to his support for peaceful protests calling for the resignation of the President and for a change in the system of governance in Sri Lanka in light of the ongoing economic crisis. The next hearing of the case before the Magistrate Court is scheduled for 31 May 2022. Ven. Wekandawala Rahula Thero is a human rights defender and environmental rights activist campaigning on issues of social justice, environmental rights, and human rights since 2005. He is an active member of the Centre for Environment and Nature Studies and has created space at his temple, Bodhirukkārāma in Kudabibula, near Weeraketiya for community members, professionals and civil society to engage on issues of human rights, justice and the environment. His human rights work and public support in solidarity with victims of violations including persecuted religious and ethnic minorities is especially significant given his location- the Hambantota district, a stronghold of the ruling Rajapaksa family. Ven. Wekandawala Rahula Thero has been vocal on several issues, including the construction of a road through the Sinharaja forest, the contamination of water and the shooting of civilian protesters in Rathupaswala. He has also been vocal against racist attacks on Muslim villagers during the Wilpattu conservation environmental crisis, and most recently, in the farmers in Hambantota’s struggle in seeking a resolution to human-elephant conflict. In the context of the economic crisis in Sri Lanka and nationwide protests against the current government, Ven. Wekandawala Rahula Thero has been supportive of the peaceful protests. He has been campaigning alongside and in support of those seeking genuine system change, transparency, accountability for violations and an end to corruption . Ven. Wekandawala Rahula Thero has been present from the outset at Galle Face, in Colombo, where protesters have set up the protest site ‘Gota Go Gama’, calling for the resignation of the President Nandasena Gotabhaya Rajapaksa among many other demands. He founded the ‘Gota Go Gama Environmental Unit’ and has initiated many public discussions on human rights, environment and justice at the protest site. On 9 May 2022, unarmed peaceful protesters at the ‘Gota Go Gama’ were attacked by an armed mob supportive of the current government. Ven. Wekandawala Rahula Thero was unable to reach Colombo due to an island wide curfew but spent the night at a temple in Matara town where he also delivered a speech condemning the attack. To date there have been no effective investigations against those responsible for the attack on unarmed protesters. Instead, the current government has begun a crackdown on protesters with several thousand arrested on charges of violence, arson, and destruction of property. A week following the violence on 9 May 2022, two unidentified persons visited Ven. Wekandawala Rahula Thero’s temple, while he was in Colombo and inquired about his whereabouts. On 26 May 2022, a fellow Buddhist priest from the same temple was summoned for questioning by the local police. Ven. Wekandawala Rahula Thero accompanied the priest and they were both arrested on accusations of arson, assault and destruction of public property. Seven cases have been filed against the defender, under provisions of the Penal Code and the Public Properties Act. The arrest was made, despite submissions by the human rights defender that he was not in Hambantota and that he was at a temple in Matara approximately 47km away at the time of the violence. Ven. Wekandawala Rahula Thero was produced before the Magistrates Court on 27 May 2022 and remanded until 31 May 2022 when the case is to be heard next, on which date lawyers will make an application for the defender to be released on bail.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- (Arbitrary) Arrest and Detention, Judicial Harassment
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of expression Offline
- HRD
- Environmental rights defender, Minority rights defender
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Jun 4, 2022
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- May 6, 2022
- Event Description
Sri Lanka President Gotabaya Rajapaksa Friday declared a state of emergency giving security forces sweeping powers for the second time in five weeks to deal with escalating anti-government protests.
A spokesman for the president said he invoked the tough laws to "ensure public order" after trade unions staged a nationwide strike Friday demanding his resignation over a worsening economic crisis.
Months of blackouts and acute shortages of food, fuel and pharmaceuticals have caused widespread suffering across the South Asian island nation of 22 million people.
Public anger has sparked sustained protests demanding the government's resignation over its mismanagement of the crisis, Sri Lanka's worst since independence in 1948.
Thousands of student protesters had been camped on the road leading to the legislature, which is on a man-made island on a lake in the capital Colombo, since Thursday.
Officers fired a barrage of tear gas followed by water cannon from two trucks, but the crowd quickly reassembled behind police barricades set up to block access to the parliament.
It was the second time police tried to disperse the crowd with tear gas, after an earlier unsuccessful attempt on Thursday afternoon.
Millions of workers stayed off the job on Friday in a strike organised by the country's trade union movement, with all but one scheduled train service cancelled.
Privately owned buses were off the roads while industrial workers demonstrated outside their factories and black flags were hung across the country in an expression of anger against the government.
"We can pinpoint the policy blunders of the president that led to this very sorry state of our economy," said trade union leader Ravi Kumudesh. "He must go."
Private buses, which account for two-thirds of the country's fleet, were also off the road, Private Bus Operators Association chairman Gemunu Wijeratne said.
"We are not providing services today, but if groups of people want to join the anti-government protests within a radius of 20 kilometres, we will give our buses free of charge," Wijeratne told reporters in Colombo. No resignation
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has insisted he will not step down despite escalating demonstrations across the island, including a protest that has been camped outside his seafront office for nearly a month.
Sri Lanka's economic crisis took hold after the coronavirus pandemic hammered income from tourism and remittances.
Unable to pay for fuel imports, utilities have imposed daily blackouts to ration electricity, while long lines of people snake around service stations for petrol and kerosene.
Hospitals are short of vital medicines and the government has appealed to citizens abroad for donations.
Last month Sri Lanka announced it was defaulting on its $51 billion foreign debt, and finance minister Ali Sabry warned this week that the country will have to endure its unprecedented economic hardships for at least two more years.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Other (e.g. undefined, organisation, community)
- Violation
- Violence (physical)
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of assembly, Freedom of expression Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment, Right to Protest
- HRD
- Pro-democracy defender
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- May 17, 2022
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- May 4, 2022
- Event Description
esponding to the news that atleast 12 peaceful protesters were unlawfully arrested today by police officers for demonstrating outside the Parliament of Sri Lanka, Yamini Mishra, Amnesty International’s South Asia Regional Director, said:
“These protesters have the right to demonstrate peacefully outside the Parliament of Sri Lanka and to express themselves and speak with their MPs as the country’s economy crumbles. The charges against all the protesters must be dropped as they were detained solely for peacefully exercising their human rights.
“Any restrictions placed on these rights must be necessary, proportionate and provided by law. Today’s arrests were undoubtedly arbitrary and unlawful. After they arrested protesters recently in Mirihana, the Sri Lankan authorities subjected them to ill-treatment in police custody and refused to allow access to legal counsel. It is crucial that the authorities do not commit the same rights violations with the protesters arrested today.”
“Excessive use of force, intimidation and unlawful arrests seem to be a pattern in which the Sri Lankan authorities’ respond to dissent and peaceful assembly. These repressive actions clearly do not meet Sri Lanka’s obligations under international human rights law.”
Background
On 4 May, the police arrested 12 people near the Parliament of Sri Lanka for allegedly obstructing the vehicles of MPs.
In footage seen by Amnesty International, a small group of protesters can be seen holding up placards that called for MPs to support a motion of no confidence that was tabled in parliament today. The protesters were then forced into a police bus.
The protestors were later released on bail.
- Impact of Event
- 12
- Gender of HRD
- Other (e.g. undefined, organisation, community)
- Violation
- (Arbitrary) Arrest and Detention, Judicial Harassment
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of assembly, Freedom of expression Offline, Right to liberty and security, Right to Protest
- HRD
- Pro-democracy defender
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- May 17, 2022
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- May 9, 2022
- Event Description
Authorities in Sri Lanka must immediately rescind the emergency regulations and shooting orders that provide excessive powers to the police and military, and take immediate steps to respect, protect and fulfil the human rights of peaceful protestors, Amnesty International said today.
The authorities must also refrain from using the state of emergency as a pretext to curb the rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression, including at the protest sites such as “Gotagogama” in the country.
Following the President’s proclamation of a State of Emergency on 6 May along with a country-wide curfew from 9-12 May, backdated emergency regulations were published overnight on 9 May. They give sweeping powers to the police and the armed forces to search and make arrests of “suspects” without due process safeguards. On 9 May, protesters peacefully demonstrating in front of the Presidential Secretariat since over a month were violently attacked by pro-government supporters after being allegedly incited to violence by top party leaders at Temple Trees, the Prime Minister’s official residence in Colombo. The police stood largely as bystanders to the violence, doing little to effectively protect the peaceful protesters and their protest site, despite having used tear gas and water cannon to disperse the protestors just days before on 6 May.
“Authorities in Sri Lanka should carry out a prompt, thorough, impartial, independent, effective and transparent investigation into the reports of violent attacks on peaceful protesters. Authorities should bring to justice those suspected to be responsible and ensure access to justice and effective remedies for victims,” said Yamini Mishra, South Asia Regional Director at Amnesty International.
“The attacks look like a deliberate decision by the Police to allow pro-government groups to physically assault peaceful protesters, destroy structures and wreak havoc at the ‘Gotagogama’ protest site. The authorities have an obligation to provide an enabling environment for the protesters to peacefully exercise their human rights, and to end the violent attacks on protesters,” added Yamini Mishra.
Elements of anti-government groups retaliated to the attack on 9 May by beating up pro-government supporters and destroying buses believed to have transported them. This escalated into targeting of parliamentarians with damage to their vehicles and arson against their homes, businesses, and party offices. According to authorities, nine people have died and over 220 people have been injured in the violence that erupted. Additionally, 41 vehicles had been set on fire, 61 vehicles were damaged, and 136 incidents of property damage were recorded.
“Justice and accountability from the Sri Lankan authorities is the need of the hour. An effective and transparent inquiry is necessary to bring those responsible for the violence to justice. The country is headed towards a deepening crisis while accountability and solutions for the economic crisis – key calls by the protesters – go completely unaddressed. Right now, Sri Lanka is a tinderbox, and any move to impermissibly restrict human rights through sweeping emergency powers granted to law enforcement agencies, including the armed forces, – will lead to further repression,” said Yamini Mishra.
The Emergency Regulations lack due process safeguards, such as the right to be informed of the reason for arrest, and the issuance of an arrest receipt at the time of arrest informing family where they would be detained. Access to legal counsel is subject to conditions. The offences are broad and can be used to bar trade union strike actions, give powers to the President to shut down public processions, restrict access to public spaces, restrict the right to freedom of expression including the right to information, freedom of movement and peaceful assembly.
Further, the Regulations provide powers to use armed force against anyone who does not comply with orders. The Regulations come with hefty penalties including life imprisonment for ordinary penal offences. There is also no access to bail for offences under the Regulations, except under “exceptional circumstances.” Persons authorised by the commanders of the armed forces are empowered by the Regulations to remove suspects from detention for a period of seven days at a time. Sri Lankan authorities are accused of multiple instances of custodial torture in the past, making these provisions dangerous and raising the possibility of misuse of these powers.
On 10 May, the Defence Ministry issued a notice saying the Armed forces have been ordered to open fire at anyone looting public property or causing harm to others- a move that has been called “illegal” by some parliamentarians. The cabinet remains dissolved following the PM’s resignation on 9 May.
“The shooting orders provide a license to kill. Violent mobs should be contained, however lethal force must not be the first resort. Any restrictions on human rights during times of emergency must be necessary and proportionate to the exigencies of the situation and must not be used as a tool against freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, right to personal security, liberty and freedom from arbitrary detention. Further, any derogations from human rights guarantees under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which Sri Lanka is a state party, should be formally communicated with a clear explanation of the reasons for them to other State parties,” said Yamini Mishra.
Sri Lanka has a history of human rights violations implicating the Military, including custodial torture under consecutive emergency situations in the past. This pattern of violations of human rights must end.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Other (e.g. undefined, organisation, community)
- Violation
- Violence (physical)
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of assembly, Freedom of expression Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment, Right to Protest
- HRD
- Pro-democracy defender
- Perpetrator-Non-State
- Non-state
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- May 17, 2022
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Mar 31, 2022
- Event Description
Several journalists were assaulted and at least six were taken into custody by police personnel from Sri Lanka’s Special Task Force (STF) on March 31, while covering a protest in Mirihana, within the Nugegoda suburb of Colombo. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and its Sri Lankan affiliates, the Federation of Media Employees Trade Union (FMETU) , Sri Lanka Working Journalists' Association (SLWJA) and the Free Media Movement (FMM), strongly condemn the journalists’ assaults and detainments and urge Sri Lanka’s government to allow journalists report independently and without fear.
On March 31, officers from the STF reportedly assaulted several journalists and detained at least six during a mass public protest outside President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s residence in Mirihana.
According to the FMETU, Avanka Kumara and Chatura Deshan, from Sirasa TV, Sumedha Sanjeewa Gallage, Pradeep Wickramasinghe, and Nissanka Werapitiya, journalists from Derana TV, and Waruna Wanniarachchi, a reporter for Lankadeepa newspapers, were amongst those arrested and assaulted while reporting on the protests.
Members of the president’s media division also threatened journalists to cease reporting, including senior journalist Tharindu Jayawardena. The FMETU further reported that staff and journalists were harassed and arrested despite providing authorities with identity documents. The SLWJA reported that camera and other equipments of few journalists and media workers were also severely damaged.
According to Journalists for Democracy in Sri Lanka (JDS), Thisara Anurudda Bandara, a 28-year-old social media activist, was also detained and is being held at the Mutwal police station in Colombo.
Gallage, one of the assaulted journalists, reported that he was denied access to the hospital for treatment despite repeated requests. Detained journalist Awanka Kumara said that police attacked him despite knowing he was a reporter. According to JDS, some of the arrested journalists are to be released on bail following an intervention of more than 300 lawyers.
The Mirihana protestors accused President Rajapaksa of mismanaging the Sri Lankan economy and causing economic crisis with severe inflation, daily blackouts, a shortage of fuel and essential items.
On April 1, the Rajapaksa government declared a state of emergency, imposing a nationwide curfew following the protests. At least 600 protesters, including civil society members, journalists and rights activists have been arrested to date. The Sri Lankan Telecommunications Regulatory Commission also proceeded to ban all social media, including Facebook, Messenger, YouTube, WhatsApp, Viber, Twitter, IMO, Instagram, Telegram, Snapchat, and TikTok on April 2. The ban was lifted after 15 hours.
During the state of emergency, the Sri Lankan government was granted the authority to detain anyone, seize personal property, search any premises, and amend and suspend any laws, in the name of maintaining public security.
On April 1, the FMM submitted a letter to the Inspector General of Police demanding the authorities respect and maintain international human rights standards during the ongoing state of emergency. The FMM have named Gotabaya Rajapaska’s presidential term a “dark period” in Sri Lankan history, with increased suppression of free speech and press freedom.
- Impact of Event
- 7
- Gender of HRD
- Other (e.g. undefined, organisation, community)
- Violation
- (Arbitrary) Arrest and Detention, Violence (physical)
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of expression Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment, Right to political participation
- HRD
- Blogger/ Social Media Activist, Media Worker
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Apr 13, 2022
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Apr 3, 2022
- Event Description
Police fired tear gas at hundreds of protesting students in central Sri Lanka on Sunday, a federal lawmaker said, as soldiers manned checkpoints in the capital to enforce a curfew imposed to curb public outrage triggered by an economic crisis.
Lakshman Kiriella, MP from the second-largest city, Kandy, said police used tear gas to scatter students protesting against the government near the University of Peradeniya.
"These students have come out in defiance of the curfew and police have fired tear gas to disperse them," said Kiriella, from the opposition Samagi Jana Balawegaya party. The university is on the outskirts of Kandy, where the students had been held back by police, he said.
Police officials in Kandy did not respond to calls from Reuters seeking comment.
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa declared a state of emergency on Friday as the Indian Ocean island nation grapples with rising prices, shortages of essentials and rolling power cuts. On Saturday, the government implemented a countrywide curfew as protests turned violent. It is to run until till 6 a.m. (0030 GMT) on Monday.
Critics say the roots of the crisis, the worst in several decades, lie in economic mismanagement by successive governments that amassed huge budget shortfalls and a current account deficit.
The crisis was accelerated by deep tax cuts Rajapaksa promised during the 2019 election campaign and enacted months before the COVID-19 pandemic, which wiped out parts of Sri Lanka's economy.
SOCIAL MEDIA RESTORED
In the capital Colombo on Sunday, some two dozen opposition leaders stopped at police barricades on the way to Independence Square, some shouting "Gota(baya) Go Home".
"This is unacceptable," said opposition leader Eran Wickramaratne leaning over the barricades. "This is a democracy."
Small groups in Colombo were standing outside their homes to protest, some holding handwritten banners, others with national flags.
In the afternoon the government lifted a block it had placed on social media platforms hours earlier. Access to Twitter, Facebook, WhatsApp, YouTube and Instagram had been blocked nationwide, said internet monitoring organisation NetBlocks.
Minister for Youth and Sports Namal Rajapaksa, the president's nephew, said in a tweet he would "never condone the blocking of social media".
Emergency powers in the past have allowed the military to arrest and detain suspects without warrants, but the terms of the current powers are not yet clear.
Soldiers with assault rifles and police manned checkpoints in Colombo on Sunday.
Nihal Thalduwa, a senior superintendent of police, said 664 people who broke curfew rules were arrested by the police in the Western Province, the country's most populous administrative division, which includes Colombo.
Western and Asian diplomats based in Sri Lanka said they were monitoring the situation and expected the government to allow citizens to hold peaceful demonstrations.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Other (e.g. undefined, organisation, community)
- Violation
- Violence (physical)
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of assembly, Freedom of expression Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment, Right to Protest
- HRD
- Student
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Apr 3, 2022
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Feb 14, 2022
- Event Description
The Criminal Investigations Department on Monday (14) arrested Civil Activist Shehan Malaka Gamage, from Panadura.
Police Spokesperson SSP Attorney-at-Law Nihal Thalduwa told News 1st that Gamage was arrested for a comment he made with regard to the Easter Sunday attacks, at a recent media briefing.
He was recently summoned to the CID and a statement was recorded as well, on the same matter.
The Criminal Investigations Department had sought advice from the Attorney General and upon instructions received the CID arrested Shehan Malaka Gamage, noting that he had committed an offense, said the Police Spokesperson.
Immediately after the easter attacks, Shehan had helped mobilize a blood donation campaign for those who have been injured. This was also done to help avoid violent and extremist reactions against any community. Three days after the easter attacks, on 24th April 2019, he had served as a liason between the presidential secretariat and office of the Archbishop of Colombo, to develop a national plan of response. He also played a leading role on social media in trying to calm down emotions of affected persons and Catholic youth, particularly to prevent extremist and hate speech online. He has been a strong advocate of truth and justice for easter attacks, and in November 2019, stated before media that the easter attacks could be a political conspiracy. In recent months, he has been a strong advocate of seeking justice for easter attacks, especially in social media. He has also been outspoken about the need for truth and justice in front of media, and one of the more explosive interventions was on 17th August 2021, which received wide media coverage (https://youtu.be/3krYcBhQKeQ.com). He was also active in promoting “Black Sunday” protest on 7th March 2021 and “Black Flag” protest on 21st August 2021, which were held under the leadership of Archbishop of Colombo, demanding truth and justice for easter attacks. His activism continued even after 8 days of intense interrogation (see section 4 below). On 15th November 2021, Shehan made a public statement that the present Minister of Public Security has direct responsibility for easter attacks, that he had given evidence about this when he was summoned to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the police and that the Minister would be in remand prison if these evidences had been investigated.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- (Arbitrary) Arrest and Detention, Judicial Harassment
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of expression Offline, Right to liberty and security
- HRD
- Community-based HRD
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Feb 17, 2022
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Feb 4, 2022
- Event Description
We the undersigned human rights organizations, express our deep concern about the statement issued by the Sri Lankan Foreign Ministry on February 4, 2022, in which the government denounced testimony given by Ambika Satkunanathan, a leading human rights lawyer, to the European Parliament on January 27. The government statement clearly constitutes an act of harassment and intimidation. We condemn the Sri Lankan government’s tactics to intimidate human rights defenders, and express our full solidarity with Ms. Satkunanathan, a well-known, respected and courageous human rights defender. Targeting her for providing accurate testimony about the human rights situation in Sri Lanka to the European Parliament is completely unacceptable, and sends a chilling message to all Sri Lankan civil society, especially those in the north and east, who are already operating under considerable duress under the current administration.
Sri Lanka’s international partners, including the European Union, should publicly condemn the Sri Lankan government’s statement and express solidarity with Ms. Satkunanathan, who has been targeted for her international engagement, and increase their efforts to engage with Sri Lankan civil society at large.
The Foreign Ministry’s statement contains numerous false claims in an attempt to disparage and delegitimize a distinguished human rights advocate, placing her at risk of physical danger in retribution for her brave work. The government’s claim that her testimony was “reminiscent of LTTE [Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam] propaganda that once stoked hatred among communities,” and that “such allegations need to be refuted in the interest of social harmony” Is particularly insidious and dangerous.
The government’s statement mirrors its repeated practice of falsely equating human rights defenders and human rights advocacy with those pursuing “terrorism.” The statement’s language aligns these baseless allegations with vague and frequently abused provisions under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), exposing Ms. Satkunanathan to a heightened risk of threats, attacks and persecution.
Ms. Satkunanathan was a commissioner of the National Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka before that body’s independence was compromised under the current administration and led the first national study on Sri Lanka’s prisons. Prior to that, she was for many years a legal consultant to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. She is the author of an important recent report on abuses committed during the so-called “war on drugs.”
We are concerned that the government’s statement seeks to place the blame on human rights defenders if the European Union determines that Sri Lanka failed to meet its human rights commitments under GSP+, the preferential tariff system. The European Union should remind the Sri Lankan government that the responsibility to uphold its international human rights obligations rests with the government. The government’s treatment of human rights defenders reflects its lack of respect for international human rights law.
We support Ms. Satkunanathan’s testimony to the European Parliament, which accurately described a situation already reported by the United Nations and many domestic and international human rights organizations. The government’s response contains numerous false statements, including:
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The government claims to be “engaged in long standing cooperation with the UN human rights mechanisms and the UN Human Rights Council.” On the contrary, in February 2020, soon after taking office, the government of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa withdrew Sri Lankan support from consensus resolutions of the council, repudiating commitments made by the previous government. Special Procedures mandate holders of the Council issued a statement on February 5, 2021, noting that their recommendations, including on torture, the independence of the judiciary, arbitrary detention, enforced disappearances, minority rights, counterterrorism, freedom of religion or belief, and freedom of assembly and association, had been ignored.
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The government claims to be “strengthen[ing] rule of law, access to justice and accountability.” However, President Rajapaksa campaigned on a platform of protecting “war heroes” from prosecution, and has appointed individuals implicated in war crimes to senior government posts. His presidential commission on “political victimization” has sought to interfere in judicial proceedings and block trials and investigations in human rights cases implicating the president’s associates and the president himself. The president pardoned Sunil Ratnayake, one of very few members of the armed forces ever convicted of human rights violations, who murdered eight Tamil civilians including children.
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The government denies that civic space is shrinking, as Ms. Satkunanathan described in her testimony. Yet under the current government, many human rights defenders have said that they are subjected to continual government intimidation, intrusive surveillance, and attempts to block their access to funds. In her most recent update to the Human Rights Council, High Commissioner Michelle Bachelet wrote that, “surveillance, intimidation and judicial harassment of human rights defenders, journalists and families of the disappeared has not only continued, but has broadened to a wider spectrum of students, academics, medical professionals and religious leaders critical of government policies.” The UN Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of slavery in his end-of-mission statement last December documented government intimidation of civil society and a “shrinking civic space.”
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The government claims there is no “concrete evidence of discrimination against minorities.” In fact, for nearly a year the government banned the burial of people said to have died with Covid-19, causing immense distress to the Muslim community without any medical justification in what is only but one example of discrimination against ethnic and religious minorities. Such burials are now permitted only at a single remote site. In January 2021 High Commissioner Bachelet found that, “Tamil and Muslim minorities are being increasingly marginalized and excluded in statements about the national vision and Government policy... Sri Lanka’s Muslim community is increasingly scapegoated.” The High Commissioner’s findings are in line with reports by Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and others that the Prevention of Terrorism Act is used almost exclusively against members of the Tamil and Muslim communities. The government continues to deny efforts to commemorate war victims belonging to the Tamil community.
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The government denies Ms. Satkunanathan’s description of alleged extrajudicial killings committed in the context of Sri Lanka’s “war on drugs.” However, these abuses are widely documented. In September, High Commissioner Bachelet said, “I am deeply concerned about further deaths in police custody, and in the context of police encounters with alleged drug criminal gangs, as well as continuing reports of torture and ill-treatment by law enforcement officials.”
The Sri Lankan government’s statement attacking Ambika Satkunanathan for her testimony to the European Parliament’s Sub-Committee on Human Rights exemplifies threats faced by human rights defenders, particularly when they engage with foreign and international forums, and it further shows the government’s refusal to address the ongoing serious human rights violations taking place in the country. Instead of trying to silence those who seek to defend human rights, the government should give serious consideration to their input and contributions, and take urgent action to ensure that they can work in a safe environment without fear of reprisals.
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- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Woman
- Violation
- Intimidation and Threats, Reprisal as Result of Communication, Vilification
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of expression Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment, Right to protect reputation
- HRD
- Lawyer, WHRD
- Perpetrator-State
- Government
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Feb 16, 2022
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Nov 27, 2021
- Event Description
Sri Lanka authorities must immediately open a new, impartial investigation into the attack on freelance journalist Vishwalingam Vishwachandran and hold the perpetrators to account, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today.
On November 27, a group of soldiers with the Sri Lanka army allegedly beat Vishwachandran, who contributes to ethnic Tamil publications, with a palm stick wrapped in barbed wire while he was covering a commemoration for Sri Lanka’s civil war dead in the northern Mullaitivu district, according to a statement by local press freedom group Journalists for Democracy in Sri Lanka; a statement by the Federation of Media Employees Trade Unions, a local network of trade unions for working journalists and media workers; a statement by the Mullaitivu Press Club; and a person familiar with the case, who spoke with CPJ on the condition of anonymity due to fear of reprisal by authorities.
After the Mullaitivu Press Club led protests demanding that authorities take urgent action against the accused, officers with the Sri Lanka military police brought three army soldiers to the Mullaitivu police station on November 28 and accompanied them until their release on police bail, according to news reports and the person familiar with the case. That person said authorities did not bring the accused before a magistrate, as usually required by law, and have not filed a formal report against the accused as of today.
On November 30, the Sri Lanka army released a statement denying the attack against Vishwachandran, claiming that its investigation found that the journalist fell backwards over his own motorcycle onto a barbed wire fence before lying on the ground to “pose for visuals for stage-managed filming.”
The statement also alleged that the medical examination report from the local hospital where Vishwachandran had received treatment following the attack showed that the journalist had been treated only for “abrasion” and “contusion.” Publishing the details of Vishwachandran’s medical examination report constitutes a breach of confidentiality under Sri Lankan law, according to a tweet by Ambika Satkunanathan, a human rights lawyer and former Commissioner of the Human Rights Commission in Sri Lanka.
“The Sri Lanka army’s denial of its soldiers’ brutal beating of Vishwalingam Vishwachandran is a brazen and shameful attack on press freedom in a country where Tamil journalists continue to face constant harassment for doing their jobs,” said Steven Butler, CPJ’s Asia program coordinator, in Washington, D.C. “Authorities must swiftly open a new impartial investigation into the incident and hold the perpetrators to account while protecting Vishwachandran’s safety and confidentiality in the process.”
A group of army soldiers allegedly attacked Vishwachandran while he was photographing the roadside Mullivaikkal name board, seized his phone and camera, and damaged his motorcycle, according to the statement by the Federation of Media Employees Trade Unions and the statement by the Mullaitivu Press Club. Nearly 50,000 Tamils were subjected to mass killings in the final stages of Sri Lanka’s decades-long civil war in the Mullivaikkal area of the Mullaitivu district. Ethnic tensions persist between the Tamils and the Sinhalese communities, the country’s majority ethnic group and leaders of its ruling Sri Lankan People’s Front party, after the civil war ended in 2009.
Vishwachandran suffered serious injuries to his stomach, arms, and legs and was admitted to a local hospital for treatment, according to the Mullaitivu Press Club’s statement.
Vishwachandran contributes to the privately owned news websites Lankasri and Tamilwin, according to the person familiar with the case, citing information received from the Mullaitivu Press Club. He also serves as treasurer of the Mullaitivu Press Club, according to the statement by the Federation of Media Employees Trade Unions.
CPJ emailed the media department of the Sri Lanka army and Mullaitivu’sSecurity Forces Headquarters, the regional command of the Sri Lanka army, for comment but did not receive any reply. The officer-in-charge of the Mullaitivu police station did not respond to CPJ’s request for comment sent via messaging app.
CPJ has recently documented other cases of Sri Lanka police interrogating and harassing Tamil journalists.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- Violence (physical)
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of expression Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment
- HRD
- Media Worker
- Perpetrator-State
- Armed forces/ Military
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Dec 6, 2021
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Jul 8, 2021
- Event Description
Sri Lanka police arrested over 45 people Thursday (08) for engaging and demonstrations and protests in violation of a COVID-19 ban on protests and public meetings, police said.
Thirty-one people including Sri Lanka Teachers’ Union General Secretary Joseph Stalin Thursday morning over a protest held against the proposed Kotelawala Defence University (KDU) bill at the parliament roundabout in Sri Jayawardenapura, Kotte.
The protest was jointly organised by the Inter-University Students Federation (IUSF), the Sri Lanka Teachers’ Union and the Frontline Socialist Party.
The bill, first presented in 2018 under the previous government, has been controversial, with left-leaning opposition parties including the Jantha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) alleging that it paves the way for militarisation of higher education in Sri Lanka.
Police Media Spokesman Senior Deputy Inspector General (SDIG) Ajith Rohana said that two monks and two females were among the 31 arrested.
Meanwhile, 13 members of the JVP, including two former provincial councillors, were arrested at a protest staged in Akuressa against the fuel price increase and the government’s controversial chemical fertilizer ban.
On Wednesday (07), former JVP provincial councillor Samantha Vidyaratna and national organiser of the All Island Govi Jana Federation (farmers’ collective) Namal Karunaratne and the three others were arrested over a protest against the fertiliser ban.
Four people including Nuwara Eliya district JVP organiser Manjula Suraweera Arachchi was arrested over another protest held in Hatton against the KDU bill on Thurday.
Meanwhile, the main opposition Samagi Jana Balavegaya (SJB) held a protest near parliament Thursday morning against what it called the government’s suppression of the people’s right to protest.
Sri Lanka banned protests and public meetings until further notice on Tuesday (06) to prevent large gatherings and the further spread of COVID-19.
Director-General of Health Services Dr Asela Gunawardena had written to the Inspector General of Police informing him of the decision, a police statement said.
Police said that the violations of the said decision will be dealt with according to quarantine regulations.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Other (e.g. undefined, organisation, community)
- Violation
- (Arbitrary) Arrest and Detention, Judicial Harassment
- Rights Concerned
- #COVID-19, Freedom of assembly, Offline, Right to liberty and security, Right to Protest
- HRD
- Labour rights defender
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Sep 16, 2021
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Aug 24, 2021
- Event Description
On 24 August 2021, human rights defender Sabharatnam Sivayoganathan, also known as Seelan, was visited by two officers from the Counter-Terrorism and Terrorism Investigation Division (CTID) at his residence, who summoned him to the Kallady Kaattukandhor police station for questioning the following day. During the inquiry, he was asked about his social media activities. The interrogation lasted for two hours after which the CTID officers informed him that he may be required to attend another interrogation at the Colombo CTID Headquarters.
Seelan is a longstanding human rights defender in Sri Lanka. During the ethnic conflict and civil war in Sri Lanka, Seelan supported victims of human rights violations in their fight for justice, many of whom are from vulnerable and impoverished communities. Seelan is an active committee member of the Batticaloa district NGO Consortium, a committee member of Transparency International Sri Lanka and the President of Batticaloa district civil society forum. Seelan has been part of several initiatives in relation to peace-building, transitional justice and the reconciliation processes. He has been vocal about the reprisals and intimidation faced by regional journalists, military land grabbing, militarization and the Presentation of Terrorism Act.
On 24 August 2021, two officers from the Counter-Terrorism and Terrorism Investigation Division (CTID) arrived at Seelan’s house and handed him an official notice summoning him for questioning at the Kallady Kaattukandhor police station. On 25 August 2021 at 12.30pm, Seelan presented himself along with is national identity card, passport, mobile phone and sim cards, as requested by the officers, to the station. During the interrogation, the officers questioned him about his communications and social media activities, especially on Facebook, WhatsApp and Gmail. The human rights defender is of the opinion that the CTID is using interrogation as a means to threaten and intimidate him against participating in human rights activities.
This is not the first time Seelan has been targeted for his human rights work. On 15 July 2021, Seelan was summoned by the CTID branch of Kaatukanthor, Batticaloa and was subjected to a two hour interrogation during which he was asked about his personal life and previous occupations. He was also questioned in detail about the 700 kilometer protest trek from Pottuvil to Pollikandi (P2P) held in February 2021, including the motivation behind it, the organisers, means of funding and his level of involvement in it.
On 23 May 2021, Seelan was interrogated by CTID at his residence during the nationwide lockdown in Sri Lanka in the wake of COVID-19. On 16 May 2021, the police handed over an order issued by the Batticaloa Magistrate court to the human rights defender, restricting any public participation ahead of the annual memorials for Tamils who were killed during the civil war which takes place on 18 May. In March 2021, Seelan was issued another court order along with 26 others to stop participating in a hunger strike in Maamangam, Batticalao.
Front Line Defenders is seriously concerned by the recent series of reprisals and harrassment faced by human rights defender Seelan, which appear to be directly related to his peaceful and legitimate work in defence of human rights.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- Intimidation and Threats, Judicial Harassment
- Rights Concerned
- Right to healthy and safe environment, Right to privacy
- HRD
- Community-based HRD, NGO staff
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Sep 12, 2021
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Aug 14, 2021
- Event Description
Police in Sri Lanka should immediately release journalist Keerthi Ratnayake and halt further investigations into him, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today.
Ratnayake, a former army intelligence officer and regular freelance contributor to the London-based, Sri Lanka-focused news website Lanka-e-News, was summoned to the Kollupitiya Police Station in Colombo in western Sri Lanka on August 14 to answer questions about information he had provided to the Indian embassy in Colombo concerning a possible terrorist attack on the embassy, according to Lanka-e-News and news reports.
After reporting to the police station, Ratnayake, who covers defense and politics, was subsequently ordered to be held for 90 days at the station under the Prevention of Terrorism Act, while his home was searched and computers and phones confiscated, according to the reports.
He has not been charged with a crime, according to a person familiar with the case, who spoke to CPJ on condition of anonymity due to fear of reprisal. While in custody, police have pressured Ratnayake to reveal his sources for a warning he gave to the Indian embassy and for stories critical of the government he had written for Lanka-e-News, according to the person. The person did not name specific stories.
Sandaruwan Senadheera, editor of Lanka-e-News, told CPJ via messaging app that he believed Ratnayake was arrested and held by the police because of his critical articles for the website given that he has been questioned about his journalistic activities, which have nothing to do with the warning he gave to the Indian embassy.
“Sri Lankan authorities need to release Keerthi Ratnayake from custody, return his electronic devices, and stop trying to force him to reveal sources,” said Steven Butler, CPJ’s Asia program coordinator. “Providing safety information to a foreign mission is hardly a crime, and should not serve as an excuse to investigate the work of a critical journalist, in the process severely undermining press freedom in Sri Lanka.”
Under the Prevention of Terrorism Act, individuals may be held initially for up to three months without charge.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- (Arbitrary) Arrest and Detention, Enactment of repressive legislation and policies, Judicial Harassment, Raid
- Rights Concerned
- Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment, Right to liberty and security
- HRD
- Media Worker
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Source
CPJ |
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Sep 2, 2021
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Aug 3, 2021
- Event Description
Confronted with a series of setbacks in addition to the failure in containing the devastating pandemic outbreak and economic crisis, the Sri Lankan government has launched a chilling crackdown on students and teachers in the Sinhala dominated south protesting militarisation of higher education. The crackdown has met with stiff opposition from academics as well as non-academics who have warned the government of consequences.
A leading activist Dr. Mahim Mendis of the Open University had been threatened over the phone for speaking at FUTA protest on August 3rd: “When I came home, someone called me to say that they don’t like what I said. Since then, I’ve been receiving threats,” he told JDS.
Police have also threatened former leaders of IUSF with death and hostage taking.
“I am receiving calls from the telephone number 072 5167782 saying - we won’t let you live in peace, at some point we will abduct you- and I am afraid to lodge a complaint as the police are also in the lookout for me,” said ex IUSF Convener and Buddhist Monk Rathkarawwe Jinarthana Thero.
The Centre for the Protection of Public Assets and Human Rights, an alliance of more than a dozen trade unions and grassroots activists condemned the government’s repressive action as a death blow to the freedom of expression. In a statement to the press the organisation said that the governments repressive action drives people to street protests notwithstanding the threat posed by the Covid19 pandemic.
- Impact of Event
- 2
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- Death threat, Intimidation and Threats
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of assembly, Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment, Right to Protest
- HRD
- Student
- Perpetrator-State
- Suspected state
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Aug 19, 2021
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Aug 6, 2021
- Event Description
Confronted with a series of setbacks in addition to the failure in containing the devastating pandemic outbreak and economic crisis, the Sri Lankan government has launched a chilling crackdown on students and teachers in the Sinhala dominated south protesting militarisation of higher education. The crackdown has met with stiff opposition from academics as well as non-academics who have warned the government of consequences.
On Friday (6), police convinced a court in the capital to detain two university student leaders who were effectively abducted by police the day before. The two are in the forefront of an ongoing protest against the militarising higher education. Scores of union leaders are in hiding as police carry on with unannounced visits to their homes and places they frequent. University dons have resolved to launch a strike action against the crackdown while many workers and professionals’ organisations have expressed solidarity with the teachers and undergraduates who are protesting the General Sir John Kotelawala National Defence University (KDU) Bill aimed at the military having a greater role in education policy and administration.
Arrests & abductions
Two leaders of the Inter University Students’ Federation (IUSF), the largest student body in Sri Lanka, Wasantha Mudalige and Amila Sandeepa produced before court were remanded until August 11 by Kaduwela Magistrate Manjula Ratnayake while two other activists Koshila Hansamali Perera and Chameera Koswatta arrested from their homes were also remanded until August 11. Both orders were later extended until 17.
Mudalige going home after attending a live TV broadcast was manhandled and handcuffed by men in civvies accompanied by uniformed police officers. Sandeepa abducted in broad daylight by men in civies was later declared by the police spokesman to be in their custody. University students and academics were able to foil an attempt to abduct Sri Jayawardenapura university lecturer Aminda Lakmal.
Police are targeting nearly 50 other student and trade union activists for arrest, according to activists.
“We are aware of 48 names on the hit list and police have visited many of their homes. Now they are in hiding,” a student leader told JDS on strict conditions of anonymity.
A group in civilian clothes who tried to abduct Sri Jayawardanapura University Senior Lecturer Aminda Lakmal while travelling, were stopped by colleagues and students. A mobile video streamed live by him went viral on social media platforms.
On Sunday, an Open University undergraduate tending to the father of another IUSF leader Udara Sandaruwan’s father who is undergoing treatment in the Colombo eye hospital has been given a police notice requesting Sndaruwan to present himself at the Peliyagoda police station.
The undergraduate had been warned that ‘someone from the family will be taken’ if the former convener doesn’t come the next day.
On Saturday, a vehicle claimed to be from the Peliyagoda police station in the western province had roamed Rajanganaya in the north central province seeking information about an IUSF activist while police teams had visited the office and residence of Chatura Samarasinghe, president of Ceylon Estate Staff union.
- Impact of Event
- 4
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- (Arbitrary) Arrest and Detention, Abduction/Kidnapping, Intimidation and Threats, Judicial Harassment, Raid, Violence (physical)
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of assembly, Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment, Right to liberty and security, Right to Protest
- HRD
- Labour rights defender, Student
- Perpetrator-State
- Judiciary, Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Aug 19, 2021
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Aug 4, 2021
- Event Description
In a blatant anti-democratic attack, Sri Lankan police arrested 40 teachers, including 16 female educators, and four drivers of the vehicles they were travelling in, following a protest for higher wages outside the presidential secretariat in Colombo on Wednesday.
Around 2,000 teachers participated in the demonstration which assembled outside the secretariat after travelling by motorcade from the suburbs of Welisara, Kadawatha, Moratuwa and Pannipitiya. The protest was held in defiance of a court order obtained by the police to ban the event.
The teachers were arrested by Colombo Harbour police who jailed them until the following day when they were brought before a magistrate. Hundreds of teachers mobilised near the court premises in support of their arrested colleagues. They were blocked by baton-wielding riot police.
In court police opposed any release, spuriously arguing that those arrested broke quarantine regulations, participated in an unlawful assembly and violated thoroughfare laws.
The magistrate ruled, however, that the police had failed to justify why they should not be released. The decision was in response to widespread establishment fears that the ongoing incarceration of the educators would provoke mass outrage. Those arrested were released on 100,000 rupees ($US500) personal bail. It is not yet clear whether the police plan to initiate charges.
The Rajapakse government is intensifying repression against anyone protesting its socially-regressive policies.
This week police unleashed a witch-hunt against the organisers of a demonstration near parliament on Tuesday of students and teachers opposing the Kotelawala National Defence University Act (KNDUA). The law is a part of accelerating moves by the government to privatise education and expand the militarisation of government rule.
The “Student and People’s Movement for Schools” protest, which also involved university teachers, was initiated by the Inter University Student Federation (IUSF), controlled by the pseudo-left Frontline Socialist Party (FSP). Police used force and iron barricades to block the demonstration.
On Wednesday night, police arrested FSP leader Chameera Koswatta and party member Kaushalya Hansamli who participated in the protest and the following day detained five student leaders, including IUSF convenor Wasantha Mudalige.
Nearly 250,000 public school teachers and principals are continuing their “online learning” strike which began on July 12.
The Ceylon Teachers Union (CTU), the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna-controlled Ceylon Teachers Service Union (CTSU), the FSP-affiliated United Teachers Service Union and several other unions called Wednesday’s protest in response to the rising anger of teachers over repeated government rejections of their wage demands. Educators are also calling for the withdrawal of the KNDUA.
The teachers’ strike is in defiance of education ministry orders that all principals and teachers should report for work on Monday. This directive is in line with last week’s government circular declaring that all state sector employees working from home must return to their workplaces.
Teachers’ union leaders met with an official from the president’s office on Wednesday during the protest. He told the union leaders that a committee of officials from the state treasury and the national salaries commission has been appointed to look into teachers’ wage demand. The new committee is yet another government manoeuvre.
Addressing Wednesday’s protest, leaders of the teachers’ unions made demagogic speeches in an attempt to keep their members under control. CTU leader Joseph Stalin thundered: “We came to inform you [the government] that if our problem is not solved by next Monday our actions will be stronger.” He called on the cabinet of ministers’ meeting on Monday to provide “a solution.”
CTSU secretary Mahinda Jayasinghe was more vociferous: “If you do not solve the problem we will not only close the gates of the presidential office but will file around the whole secretariat building with hundreds of thousands of heads… the struggle will end victoriously.”
In reality, the union leaders are rapidly moving to end the teachers strike action and impose another betrayal.
On July 28, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapakse met with teacher union leaders, bluntly declaring that “under the present global situation and the country’s financial predicament, the government is not in a position to rectify the salary issue at this moment.” The union leaders assured the prime minister that they understood the economic crisis facing the country and were not expecting an increase in teachers’ pay. They urged him to simply make a “policy” decision to reduce salary anomalies.
On August 2, President Rajapakse for a second time told his cabinet of ministers that the teachers’ wage demand could not be granted.
According to media reports, he said nothing about a “policy decision” to reduce salary anomalies, as hoped for by the unions as an excuse to end all industrial action. Instead, the president cynically “admitted” that teachers’ wages had to be increased but said that the salary problems of all state employees would be considered in the government’s November budget.
Kapila Fernando, a teacher and a leading member of the Teachers-Students-Parents Safety Committee (TSPSC), attempted to address Wednesday’s protest, following speeches by union leaders. Fernando is also a Socialist Equality Party (SEP) Political Committee member with a long record of struggle among teachers and other sections of the working class. CTU leader Joseph Stalin intervened and prevented him from speaking.
Fernando insisted on his democratic rights as a teacher involved in the struggle, but Stalin stopped him, declaring, “This is a meeting of our unions. You can speak in a meeting organised by you. We have taken this protest to a certain stage, don’t spoil it.”
Speaking with World Socialist Web Site reporters after the event, Fernando said Stalin and the other union leaders stopped him speaking because they feared he would explain the critical political situation facing teachers and the necessity to fight for an alternative program to win their demands.
“Teachers can’t rely on these unions and their leaders,” Fernando stated. “They have consistently betrayed us over the past 24 years. Now they are looking for an excuse to call off our current action. That is why they are urging the government to declare that it will merely accept as a principle that salary anomalies be resolved.
“Like all previous regimes, the Rajapakse government has repeatedly rejected our demands. The COVID-19 pandemic has deepened the economic crisis. The unions are tied to capitalism and the establishment, and cannot see beyond this, that’s why they support imposing the economic burden on the masses.”
Fernando said teachers had to take control of their struggle by building action committees in every school, turning to other sections of the working class and fighting for the program elaborated in the July 28 TSPSC statement. “Militancy and protest are important,” he said, “but they alone are inadequate. Teachers must base their struggle on socialist and internationalist policies.”
Such a turn is urgent. Educators are continuing to take action in several parts of the country. On Wednesday, teachers began a 100-kilometre march from Kandy in central Sri Lanka, expecting to reach Colombo this coming Monday. Regional protests have been held, including one on Thursday in Anuradhapura.
The teachers’ struggle is part of a series of strikes and protests in Sri Lanka that have erupted this year involving health, postal and electricity workers in the state sector, and plantation workers in the private sector. This growing movement is in response to the skyrocketing cost of living and job losses which the COVID-19 pandemic has worsened.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Man, Woman
- Violation
- (Arbitrary) Arrest and Detention, Enactment of repressive legislation and policies, Judicial Harassment
- Rights Concerned
- #COVID-19, Freedom of assembly, Offline, Right to liberty and security, Right to Protest
- HRD
- Labour rights defender, WHRD
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Aug 19, 2021
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Jul 12, 2021
- Event Description
Batticaloa-based Tamil journalist Selvakumar Nilanthan was interrogated by Sri Lankan’s Terrorism Investigation Division (TID) today.
Nilanthan, who is also the secretary of the Batticaloa Tamil Journalists Association, was summoned to the Batticaloa TID this morning where his statement were taken following intense interrogation lasting around three hours. He was asked whether he had any links to the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) and was questioned extensively about his work.
“Do you have any connection with the LTTE? Were you a member of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE)? Were any of your relatives in the LTTE? Have you helped the LTTE? Have you got any affiliations or are you in contact with former Batticaloa political head, Thayamohan?” “Do you run the Battinaatham or Meenagam website? How many years have you been a journalist? Which media outlets do you work for? Which international media outlets are you working for?”
The journalist was also demanded by the TID to disclose his personal and financial details. He was asked a significant amount of questions about his accounts and the passwords and told to give full access to his Facebook account, Whatsapp account, email account, bank account and other personal details.
Nilanthan was also examined extensively about his sourcing of funds:
“Do you get money from abroad? Which money comes from which country? Who is who and who sent you the money? Do you own a charitable trust?”
Following the investigation, the TID told Nilanthan that he may be expected to attend another investigation. Nilanthan, who was shaken and distressed from the investigation stated, “They robbed me of the last bit of freedom I had”.
Selvakumar Nilanthan has previously been interrogated for his coverage across the North-East. Last year, he was probed for reporting on the military-assisted Sinhala settlements on Tamil cattle farmers’ land and was also threatened and arrested for reporting on local government corruption.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- Intimidation and Threats
- Rights Concerned
- Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment
- HRD
- Media Worker
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Jul 17, 2021
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Apr 7, 2021
- Event Description
Freelance Journalist Malika Abeykoon, who was assaulted and arrested by Sri Lankan police on April 7, has been placed on remand until April 12. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and its Sri Lankan affiliates, the Federation of Media Employees Trade Unions (FMETU) and the Free Media Movement (FMM) demand his immediate release.
Abeykoon was arrested while he was covering a health workers’ protest rally organised by the United Health Workers Union (UHWU) on April 7. Following his arrest, he was brutally assaulted multiple times inside Maradana Police Station. The journalist was not given any reason for his arrest.
According to FMM Abeykoon was put before the Maligakanda Magistrate's Court on April 8 with a fabricated medical report signed from a judicial medical officer stating that he had not been assaulted. In response, Abeykoon removed his shirt and showed the judge the bruises and scars he received the night before in the Maradana police station. He also revealed that no medical attention was given to him while he was in police custody. The judge then asked Abeykoon to submit a medical report from the prison hospital and placed him on remand until April 12.
Following his arrest, activists protested in front of Maradana police station demanding his immediate release. The protestors accused the government of violating their democratic rights. No protestors were allowed to visit Abeykoon.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- (Arbitrary) Arrest and Detention, Judicial Harassment, Violence (physical)
- Rights Concerned
- Offline, Right to health, Right to healthy and safe environment, Right to liberty and security
- HRD
- Media Worker
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Apr 23, 2021
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Jan 5, 2021
- Event Description
A Tamil journalist was assaulted and threatened by a group of unidentified people, when he went to film a protest in Batticaloa on Tuesday (5th January).
Kugarasu Subojan traveled to Eravur, Batticaloa to cover a local protest against the ‘Airtel Tower’ on Tuesday morning when he was approached and threatened by a group of unidentified persons. They surrounded Subojan after identifying him as a journalist and told him to immediately stop filming the demonstrations, before attempting to assault him.
They tried to intimidate Subojan and said to him, “What is a journalist to us?, Oh, so you think you’re some big person?”
They repeatedly shouted at him to “delete the video” and tried to steal Subojan’s video equipment.
Subojan, however, resisted the attempts and was able to flee the scene safely with the help of some other nearby correspondents.
Journalists have demanded that Eravur police immediately locates and arrests the assaulters and submitted a complaint at the local Karadiyanaru police station on Wednesday.
Media repression in the North-East has escalated since the appointment of Gotabaya Rajapaksa as Sri Lanka’s president last year, with an increase in incidents of Tamil journalists facing state surveillance and intimidation.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- Intimidation and Threats, Violence (physical)
- Rights Concerned
- Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment
- HRD
- Media Worker
- Perpetrator-State
- Unknown
- Perpetrator-Non-State
- Unknown
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Mar 28, 2021
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Feb 27, 2021
- Event Description
A Tamil journalist was intimidated and harassed by three Sri Lankan Forest Department officials in Mullaitivu on 27th February.
Tamil Guardian correspondent Kanapathipillai Kumanan, who went to report on a Tamil landowner dispute in Thannimurippu, Mullaitivu was threatened and obstructed from doing his job by Forest Department officers, last month.
The officers took photographs and harassed him for his personal information, even though he was only in a nearby road to the land being disputed. Kumanan questioned the officers why he was stopped and subject to the intimidation. “Why is the department asking me for such information? I did not trespass in the forest to collect news?”
Despite identifying himself as a journalist, officials obstructed his work covering a local incident where a Buddhist monk accompanied by local Sri Lankan police, threatened and banned a Tamil villager from clearing his own farmland. The Buddhist monk insisted the land did not actually belong to the Tamil villager and that he must withdraw himself from the land that he claimed as ‘Buddhist land’.
Kumanan highlighted that there has already been similar incidents of hostility when journalists choose to report on issues of illegal logging and land disputes. He was attacked along with a fellow journalist for reporting on illegal logging and timber smugglers, which involved the Forest Department and the case is still being heard in court.
Media repression in the North-East has escalated since the appointment of Gotabaya Rajapaksa as Sri Lanka’s president in 2019, with an increase in incidents of Tamil journalists facing state surveillance, intimidation and violence.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- Intimidation and Threats
- Rights Concerned
- Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment
- HRD
- Media Worker
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Mar 28, 2021
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Mar 17, 2021
- Event Description
Sri Lankan Police have arrested freelance journalist, Sujeewa Gamage, for allegedly making 'false claims that he was abducted, tortured and abandoned on a road in Colombo by armed men on 10 March 2021,
While receiving treatment for burns and injuries in the hospital, Gamage told the press that the attack was to obtain information, containing his news sources and of his affiliations with opposition politicians, that was in his possession at the time of the incident.
On 17 March, police officers of the Colombo Crime Division (CCD) detained and investigated the journalist soon after he released from the hospital. According to Attorney-at-law, Namal Rajapaksha, whose representation was retained by Gamage’s relatives, he was denied entry into the custody and was told by a police officer that his client will not be released for putting the government “in a difficult position.”
The CCD is also reportedly going to interrogate former Minister Rajitha Senaratne and former MP Chathura Senaratne in connection with the case. According to Police Media Spokesperson Ajith Rohana, Gamage had visited an office of Chathura Senaratne in Thimbirigasyaya, where he had met with Rajitha Senaratne at the office. The suspect has also admitted that he had made a false complaint through a confession, Rohana added.
On Friday Gamage was granted bail.
Media freedom continues to be under significant threat as an increasing number of attacks against journalists continue to be reported under the Rajapaksa regime. Last month, a Tamil Guardian correspondent, who went to report on a Tamil landowner dispute in Mullaitivu, was threatened and harassed by Forest Department officers.
As the two have not returned for hours, family members have retained the service of attorney at law Namal Rajapaksha. Police have intimidated him and threatened that Gamage will not be released “because a lawyer has come on behalf of the journalist”.
“Relatives of my client told me that he is been interrogated under duress for hours,” lawyer Rajapaksha told JDS.
“Not only I wasn't allowed to provide legal assistance, police threatened me saying that he wont be released as a lawyer coming to the police station on behalf of him is an offence. I was not even allowed to pass the gate although I explained that he is a torture victim who was just discharged from hospital. An Assistant Superintendent of Police named Anuranga told me that my client will not be released as he has put the government in a difficult position.”
- Impact of Event
- 3
- Gender of HRD
- Man, Woman
- Violation
- (Arbitrary) Arrest and Detention, Denial Fair Trial, Intimidation and Threats, Judicial Harassment
- Rights Concerned
- Access to justice, Right to healthy and safe environment, Right to liberty and security
- HRD
- Family of HRD, Lawyer, Media Worker
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Related Events
- Sri Lanka: media worker abducted, tortured
- Date added
- Mar 28, 2021
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Mar 10, 2021
- Event Description
The Colombo Crimes Division (CCD) and the Mirigama Police are investigating the alleged abduction and torture of Siyarata News website Journalist Sujeewa Gamage, The Morning learnt.
Speaking to The Morning, Police Media Spokesman Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police Ajith Rohana said that further investigations have already been commenced by the CCD and the Mirigama Police.
Also speaking to The Morning yesterday (16), Gamage said that he had been conducting investigations on jihad and that this may have convinced the abductors to abduct and question him.
Gamage was allegedly abducted and tortured for information on his sources and political contacts on 10 March.
“I normally take a train from the Mirigama Railway Station to come to Colombo. On 10 March, I was near the Station when a person from a black Montero model jeep asked me to come towards the jeep. When I reached the jeep, they dragged me inside and covered my face with a black garbage bag. After about 40 minutes, the vehicle stopped at a place and they then took me into a room where I was unmasked. There were around four persons in the room wearing denims. They seemed to be like trained members of a VIP security detail. They demanded to know the truth. ‘Don’t lie, we need the truth,’ they said. I then said that I would reveal what I know. Then they threatened me and said that they would kill my wife and child if I did not give information.”
He went on to say that he was questioned about several political and non-political individuals.
“I was questioned about Arun Siddharth, the youth who launched a people’s march on 28 February from Point Dondra in Matara to Jaffna to unify Tamils and Sinhalese to fight against external forces driven by geopolitics and neoliberal strategies, who, according to the abductors, frequented former Parliamentarian Chathura Senaratne’s office in Thimbirigasyaya. I was questioned on whether Senaratne was being funded by the Tamil and Muslim communities. When I said that I didn’t know anything about this, they kept a heated knife on my hand. They also asked about the funding for a particular newspaper and former Speaker of the Parliament Karu Jayasuriya’s involvement in it. They questioned me about a data storage chip related to an interview about the wife of one of the Easter Sunday suicide bombers, Pulasthini Rajendran alias Sarah Jasmine. The interview was stored in that chip which was kept in my home. I think they might have found it and taken it as after 45 minutes, I heard them receive a call where they said: ‘Okay, we got what we wanted, we can release him.’ I was then brought to Dematagoda with my face covered and dropped close to the Railway Station. I was shocked and at that moment, my only thought was to go to Senaratne’s office. His father, Dr. Rajitha Senaratne, came and advised me to get admitted to the National Hospital’s Accident Ward. I suffered several injuries and am still awaiting the final medical report.”
He explained that he had started his career in journalism in the 1980s and that most politicians are known to him.
“Not just Jayasuriya or Senaratne,” he said.
Gamage, who previously worked for newspapers such as Janadina, Janasathiya, Yukthiya, and Aththa said that in his career, he had risked his life to reveal the truth.
Attempts to contact Chathura Senaratne and Dr. Rajitha Senaratne proved futile.
Meanwhile, Samagi Jana Balawegaya MP Dr. Harsha de Silva had also raised concerns regarding the alleged abduction via a Tweet.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- Abduction/Kidnapping, Intimidation and Threats, Raid, Torture, Violence (physical), Wounds and Injuries
- Rights Concerned
- Right to healthy and safe environment, Right to privacy
- HRD
- Media Worker
- Perpetrator-State
- Suspected state
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Related Events
- Sri Lanka: media worker abducted, tortured
- Date added
- Mar 28, 2021
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Jul 13, 2020
- Event Description
The families were met by a heavy police presence who claimed to have obtained a court order from the Eravur Magistrate Court to stop the protest from going ahead.
However, the organisers had notified the health department and the police department prior to the planned protest but were still disrupted by the police. This forms part of the ongoing surveillance and attempts to intimidate families and community representatives who are seeking justice for their loved ones.
Families from Jaffna, Mullaitivu, Kilinochchi, Vavuniya, Mannar, Batticaloa, Trincomalee and Ampara had travelled to Chenkalady to participate in the protest organised by the North Eastern Missing Person Organisation.
While the families have been campaigning for over a decade, they have been continuously protesting for over 1,250 days, demanding the fate of their relatives to be revealed.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Other (e.g. undefined, organisation, community)
- Violation
- Administrative Harassment, Judicial Harassment
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of assembly, Freedom of movement, Offline, Right to Protest
- HRD
- Community-based HRD
- Perpetrator-State
- Judiciary, Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Nov 11, 2020
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Aug 24, 2020
- Event Description
Denying the allegations leveled over a supposedly large-scale hotel built near the Sinharaja Forest, Yoshitha Rajapaksa, son of Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, has sent a letter of demand to environmentalist Sajeewa Chamikara through his lawyers seeking a compensation of Rs. 500 million within seven days.
Rajapaksa in his letter cites that Chamikara's statement is false, baseless and insulting.
Chamikara on August 19 told media that a large scale hotel belonging to Yoshitha Rajapaksa was built in the Sinharaja Forest and a road is being developed penetrating the forest canvass to enter the hotel.
Rajapaksa also makes the following demands in his letter;
Acknowledge that there is no truth to this statement and plead apology Inform the relevant media institutions or parties to remove this news item, had it been published on media, and make arrangements to remove the news item Acknowledge before media through a press release that there is no truth to this statement Statement that no baseless allegations will be leveled against Mr. Yoshitha Rajapaksa again Payment of Rs. 500 million as compensation within 07 days
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- Intimidation and Threats, Vilification
- Rights Concerned
- Offline
- HRD
- Environmental rights defender
- Perpetrator-Non-State
- Corporation (others)
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Nov 11, 2020
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Oct 12, 2020
- Event Description
Two journalists who are in hospital after been violently beaten up and threatened with death while investigating an illegal logging racket, fear for their safety as the assailants are roaming free with apparent protection from authorities.
On 12 Monday afternoon, Shanmugam Thavaseelan and Kanapathipillai Kumanan covering illicit felling in the Mullaitivu district were attacked by illegal loggers wielding clubs and an adze. Most of their photographic evidence was destroyed while they managed to save few video footage.
“The leader of the thugs who attacked us is roaming freely even though there are multiple complaints against him and several arrest warrants,” Thavaseelan who lost a couple of his front teeth had told fellow journalists visiting him in the Mullaitivu District Hospital.
“This shows the level of protection he enjoys. He had an adze in his hand which he threatened to use to cut me down to pieces. If some in the gang did not stop him, I would have been dead by now. If they are not arrested our lives are in danger.”
Four men on motorbikes
The two Tamil journalists were investigating a tip-off about an illegal logging operation in the Murippu forest reserve adjoining a cultivated teak range. While the teak was legally felled by a supplier to the State Timber Corporation (STC) the bordering forest reserve was illegally logged by another who was allegedly introduced to the supplier by the Beat Forest Officer (BFO) of the range. Locals are convinced that the illegal logger was running a timber racket in collusion with the licensed supplier and forestry officials under the guise of supplying legitimate timber to STC.
When Thavaseelan and Kumanan visited the nearby Kumulamuani east, they found a two-floor timber construction within a clearing enclosed in a bared wire fence with teak posts. The journalists estimate that at least 200 logs went to build the enclosure.
Four men on motorbikes confronted the journalists who were filming what they saw.
“We told them that we are hearing about illegal logging and what they have to say about it,” said Thavaseelan.
“Then they beat us up. Kumanan was from that village. They accused him of doing harm to the village and banged him heavily on the head. He started bleeding. I was attacked with an adze. I lost my teeth. The leader threatened to kill us.”
Attacked and robbed
The four forced them to the enclosure, their recordings were wiped off and memory cards were removed. Their money was stolen.
Once inside the enclosure, the attackers filmed the two journalists accusing them of illegal entry and theft.
“I told them that they can lodge a complaint with the police if we have committed any offence,” said Thavaseelan.
The assailants released the two journalists later who lodged a complaint at the Mullaitivu police station and were admitted to the Mullaitivu District Hospital.
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has rubbished exposures of illegal logging in forest reserves as “fake news campaigns”. In contrast, Defence Secretary Major General Kamal Gunaratne who admitted in public that the ongoing illegal timber racket is a serious threat to the environment, pledged to take action against it with the assistance of the president’s sibling and State Minister for Internal Security Chamal Rajapaksa.
- Impact of Event
- 2
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- Death threat, Intimidation and Threats, Violence (physical)
- Rights Concerned
- Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment
- HRD
- Media Worker
- Perpetrator-Non-State
- Non-state
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Oct 16, 2020
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Oct 3, 2020
- Event Description
The Free Media Movement strongly condemns the attack carried out on the Derana TV journalist Indunil Wijenayake in Monaragala, while he was there to cover an incident of unauthorized sand mining in the Kumbukkan Oya.
According to reports we have received, journalist Indunil Wijenayake has gone to report an incident of illegal sand mining around the Kumbukkan Oya. At that time, he was attacked by a group of people who obstructed his attempt to report, and as a result of the assault, he had to be admitted to the Monaragala Hospital for treatment. A complaint has been lodged with the Monaragala Police regarding the incident, and it has been reported that the police have commenced investigations into the incident and arrested one suspect.
During the past journalist have reported on unauthorized sand mining in various parts of the country, and recently with the police media spokesperson stating that those reports were instrumental and extremely helpful in the police investigations, it has validated and acknowledged the importance of the role of journalists.
The Government of Sri Lanka has a responsibility to protect the country’s rare natural resources through local environmental regulations as well as through international conventions.
In such a context, in the past journalists who have been engaged in reporting on the environment have been harassed and threatened on several occasions by people suspected of engaging in crimes against the environment. If the law were enforced adequately concerning such incidents, journalists would not often have to fall prey to these environmental criminals. Therefore, the Free Media Movement calls on the authorities to immediately conduct an impartial inquiry into the incident and enforce the law regardless of the status of the suspects.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- Violence (physical)
- Rights Concerned
- Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment
- HRD
- Environmental rights defender, Media Worker
- Perpetrator-Non-State
- Non-state
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Oct 16, 2020
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Jul 16, 2020
- Event Description
Last week Jaffna-based lawyer and widely respected academic Dr Kumaravadivel Guruparan handed in his notice of resignation from his post as Senior Lecturer of the Department of Law at the University of Jaffna. As he wrote in a powerful open letter, it was a move made “with utmost pain and sadness”. He has been, and continues to be, subjected to a long-standing process of state-led harassment, which is aimed squarely at silencing voices of dissent. Not only is this a massive loss to academia on the island, but it is a stark and dangerous marker of the road that Sri Lanka is hurtling down.
As Guruparan made painfully clear, this was a move he was compelled to make. His letter comes after a ban was imposed on him by the Council of the University of Jaffna to engage in private legal practice, following pressure from the Sri Lankan military after he took up a public interest habeas corpus case into the 1996 disappearance of more than two dozen Tamil youth. In August last year, Sinhala speaking men dressed in civil uniform photographed the Tamil lawyers in the courtroom, in a brazen act of intimidation. One of the men was then seen getting into a car belonging to the Deputy Solicitor General representing the Sri Lankan army. Shortly after, the Terrorism Investigation Division visited the Jaffna office of the Adayaalam Centre for Policy Research (ACPR), a human rights think tank Guruparan co-founded and was executive director of at the time. Just weeks later, the military sent a letter to the University Grants Commission (UGC) questioning whether Guruparan had permission to engage in private practice. Acting swiftly, the UGC that very same day forwarded the letter to Jaffna University and shortly thereafter, the UGC passed a memo barring Guruparan from private practice.
Though he has courageously attempted to challenge the ban, the drawn-out legal process which has seen bizarre claims made against the Attorney-at-Law, has understandably taken its toll. “I cannot continue my work as a law teacher whilst being barred from this social engagement that I have had with the law,” he wrote, stating it was “something that I consider as being an inseparable part of the profile of an engaged academic”.
The driving forces behind this targeting are clear. As Guruparan noted, this has nothing to do with his academic role and his engagement with legal practice – which had already been clearly marked out before he took on the lecturer role. It is because Guruparan, as a Tamil lawyer, attempted to use the law to hold the Sri Lankan government accountable for grave violations it continues to try and keep buried.
The targeted harassment of Guruparan has happened alongside the Sri Lankan state ramping up its repression of dissenting voices over the past year, particularly from Tamils and Muslims. Lawyers, human rights defenders and activists have come under increasing fire, with some even jailed for their work. Our journalist colleagues and correspondents based in the North-East too have faced an increase in the intimidation that for decades has plagued their profession. Incidents of state violence have increased and as Sinhala nationalist rhetoric grows louder ahead of elections next month, the Tamil homeland remains fearfully braced for further repression.
The capitulation of Jaffna university should also not be overlooked. As Guruparan noted, “the track record of my University in upholding the rule of law, good governance, academic freedom and basic norms of dignity has been bitterly disappointing”. The Sri Lankan government has always viewed the University of Jaffna in particular with contempt and wariness. It has long been seen as a hotbed of Tamil activism, with students continuing to bravely hold protests and memorial events. The government’s response has been to exert its influence on the university, drawing it under the control of paramilitary groups and even resorting to deadly violence. In recent years, students have been locked out of the campus, beaten and even killed. Just last year the Vice-Chancellor was dismissed from his role, with authorities citing baseless “national security” grounds. This latest incident demonstrates how far the subversion of the premier academic institution in the North has gone.
The wielding of violence and intimidation to silence those critical of the state, particularly from the Tamil community, is not a new tactic in Sri Lanka. It is something that successive regimes since independence have employed with deadly results. The current regime under a man accused of overseeing heinous atrocity crimes at the end of the war has predictably shown a willingness to be even more brazen. International actors must act to protect human rights defenders on the island and utilise mechanisms at their disposal to hold the state accountable and prevent further atrocities from occurring. Though Guruparan’s case has drawn widespread and much-needed condemnation, words will not be enough.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- Administrative Harassment
- Rights Concerned
- Academic freedom, Right to work
- HRD
- Academic, Lawyer
- Perpetrator-State
- Government
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Aug 27, 2020
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Jun 9, 2020
- Event Description
Sri Lankan police have released a Tamil lawyer who was arrested as she attempted to enquire into the detention of Black Lives Matter protestors, as clashes broke out in Colombo yesterday.
Swasthika Arulingam was reportedly detained by Sri Lankan police, though it remains unclear as to the grounds on which she was held and if charges are to be pursued.
Clashes broke out in Colombo yesterday as Sri Lankan police tangled with protestors from the Frontline Socialist Party (FSP) who attempted to stage a demonstration outside the US Embassy in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement.
Sri Lankan police reportedly arrested up to 20 people at the protest, with Arulingam one of the detained. All have reportedly since been released.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Woman
- Violation
- (Arbitrary) Arrest and Detention
- Rights Concerned
- Right to information, Right to liberty and security
- HRD
- Lawyer, WHRD
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Aug 21, 2020
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Jun 9, 2020
- Event Description
On June 9, officials from the Criminal Investigation Department raided Bastians� home in Colombo, the capital, and seized her laptop in connection to an investigation over the alleged abduction of a Swiss embassy staffer in the city in November, she wrote in a statement shared on Twitter.
Bastians, a contributor to the New York Times and former editor of the state-run Sunday Observer newspaper, wrote that the officers had a warrant for the laptop, and that they had twice previously tried to confiscate it without a warrant.
Authorities allege that the embassy staffer�s abduction was staged, and accuse Bastians of communicating with the staffer and being linked to the alleged abduction, according to news reports. Bastians left Sri Lanka in November, and the raid was conducted while her family members were living in her home, according to those reports.
�CPJ strongly objects to the seizure of journalist Dharisha Bastians� laptop and is concerned it could further endanger her sources,� said Aliya Iftikhar, CPJ�s senior Asia researcher. �Sri Lankan authorities should immediately end this intimidation campaign against Bastians, which is clearly retaliation for her critical reporting.�
On June 16, the Colombo Chief Magistrate ordered government analysts to examine whether anything on the laptop had been changed since it was seized, according to those news reports.
In her statement, Bastians said she was concerned about �potential efforts by interested parties to compromise the integrity� of the laptop. She also wrote that Criminal Investigation Department previously obtained her phone records without a warrant and leaked them.
Bastians has reported and written columns on politics, human rights, enforced disappearances, and accountability for journalists who were murdered in Sri Lanka.
In 2018, CPJ reported that former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, who at the time was in the opposition party and is now the country�s prime minister, publicly named Bastians after she contributed to a New York Times investigation into his failed 2015 presidential campaign.
The Criminal Investigation Department did not respond to CPJ�s emailed request for comment. Mohan Samaranayake, a spokesperson for President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, did not respond to a request for comment via messaging app.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Woman
- Violation
- Intimidation and Threats, Judicial Harassment, Raid
- Rights Concerned
- Right to healthy and safe environment, Right to privacy
- HRD
- Media Worker, WHRD
- Perpetrator-State
- Judiciary, Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Aug 21, 2020
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- May 24, 2020
- Event Description
Six persons including the main suspect who assaulted an Ada Derana journalist in Atulugama, Bandaragama have been placed under arrest, the police said.
The assault had taken place this morning (24) when the journalist in question had visited the Atulugama area for the coverage of Muslim devotees celebrating the end of the holy month of Ramadan (Eid-ul-Fitr) while adhering to social distancing guidlines.
The journalist in question, Bimal Shyaman, had initially spoken to and obtained a voice cut from the chairman of the mosque association in Atulugama, Najeed Hajjiar Mohamed Najeed.
He had then proceeded to obtain footage of one of the mosques in the area and as he was set to leave, a group of residents had blocked his vehicle and threatened him. They had also reportedly caused damages to his vehicle.
However, another group of residents had assisted the journalist to leave amidst the tense situation.
The Atulugama mosque association�s chairman also arrived at the location in order to help out the Ada Derana journalist.
Bandaragama Police had launched an investigation into the incident following a complaint lodged by the Ada Derana journalist and six arrests were made subsequently.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- Intimidation and Threats, Violence (physical)
- Rights Concerned
- #COVID-19, Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment
- HRD
- Media Worker
- Perpetrator-Non-State
- Extremist group
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Aug 21, 2020
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- May 23, 2020
- Event Description
On 23 May 2020, a Sri Lankan NGO was harassed by a national media outlet that urged an investigation against it in Sri Lanka.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Other (e.g. undefined, organisation, community)
- Violation
- Intimidation and Threats, Online Attack and Harassment
- Rights Concerned
- Right to healthy and safe environment, Right to protect reputation
- HRD
- NGO
- Perpetrator-Non-State
- Non-state
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Aug 21, 2020
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- May 14, 2020
- Event Description
On 14 May 2020, an unidentified number of students was intimidated by the police while commemorating the final stages of Sri Lankan civil war in Jaffna.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Other (e.g. undefined, organisation, community)
- Violation
- Intimidation and Threats
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of assembly, Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment
- HRD
- Student
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Aug 21, 2020
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Apr 14, 2020
- Event Description
The International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) yesterday called upon the Sri Lankan authorities to respect human rights in the conduct of their investigation of the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings, including ensuring that investigations into the alleged involvement of Sri Lankan lawyer Hejaaz Hizbullah are conducted in accordance with due process and fair trial guarantees under international law. Specifically, the authorities must specify the charges against him, grant him full and immediate access to a lawyer, and investigate the circumstances of his arrest for potential rights violations, they said in a statement.
Sri Lankan lawyer Hejaaz Hizbullah was arrested by the Criminal Investigations Department of the Police (CID) on 14 April pursuant to the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) and has since been kept in detention. No reasons were provided at the time of the arrest. During a media briefing, a Police spokesperson stated that he was arrested as a result of the evidence found against him during investigations into the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings. The ICJ understands that no remand or detention orders authorising his continued detention have been served, even after the lapse of 72 hours as required by Sections 7 and 9 of the PTA.
Moreover, Hizbullah was only granted limited access to legal counsel on 15 and 16 April, under the supervision of a CID official, who had insisted that the conversation be in Sinhala, in breach of attorney-client privilege. Legal access has been denied at least since 16 April. �No one questions the Government�s need and obligation to investigate the horrendous Easter Sunday attacks, but these investigations must be conducted in a way that is consistent with international law and the Sri Lankan Constitution,� said ICJ Asia-Pacific Director Frederick Rawski. �Not serving Hizbullah a remand order as required by law and denying him full and confidential access to legal counsel is unacceptable and in violation of international standards on the right to liberty.�
A Habeas Corpus petition was filed by Hizbullah�s father on 17 April, seeking his release from detention, and demanding that he be given access to his attorneys. According to the application, five persons posing as officials of the Ministry of Health entered his home and interrogated him after placing him in handcuffs. They demanded access to two of his case files, recorded a statement from him, and subsequently took him into custody at the Criminal Investigation Department.
�By allowing warrantless entry, search of premises and the arrest of persons, the Prevention of Terrorism Act violates basic due process guarantees under international law,� added Rawski. �This legal provision is one of many problematic provisions of the PTA. The ICJ reiterates it calls for the PTA to be repealed and replaced with a law that conforms with Sri Lanka�s international human rights obligations.�
According to Article 9 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, �anyone who is arrested shall be informed, at the time of arrest, of the reasons for his arrest and shall be promptly informed of any charges against him.� Article 14 entitles anyone charged of a criminal offence �to have adequate time and facilities for the preparation of his defence and to communicate with counsel of his own choosing�. Similar guarantees are enshrined under Article 13 of the Sri Lankan Constitution. The UN Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers provide that, �Governments shall further ensure that all persons arrested or detained, with or without criminal charge, shall have prompt access to a lawyer, and in any case not later than forty-eight hours from the time of arrest or detention.�
The ICJ has consistently called for the repeal of the Prevention of Terrorism Act, which has been used to arbitrarily detain suspects for months and often years without charge or trial, facilitating torture and other abuse. The ICJ reiterated its call for the repeal and replacement of this vague and overbroad anti-terror law in line with international human rights standards and Sri Lanka�s international obligations.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- Administrative Harassment, Denial Fair Trial, Judicial Harassment
- Rights Concerned
- Access to justice, Right to fair trial, Right to liberty and security
- HRD
- Lawyer
- Perpetrator-State
- Judiciary, Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Aug 21, 2020
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Apr 9, 2020
- Event Description
On 2nd April, Ramzy Razeek wrote a post on his Facebook wall about the need for ideological jihad or ideological struggle (?????? ???????? / ?????? ?????)[5]. Jihad is a controversial and often misunderstood word. According to multiple scholars, �jihad� means �struggle�, though it�s often misunderstood to mean armed warfare or terrorism. In his post, Ramzy is specific about the kind of struggle he is talking about � �ideological� � with �pen and keyboard�, through �social and mainstream media�, �on behalf of the county and all its citizens� and �to help people understand the truth� in context of �hate propagated against Muslims�.
When we read some of Ramzy�s past Facebook posts, it becomes clear he has been a consistent advocate against racism and promoting communal harmony, equality and justice. On 1st April, he had criticized the cremation of a Muslim COVID19 victim at a time Health Ministry guidelines allowed burials[6], but referring to reports of subsequently amended government regulations[7], he called on Muslims to accept cremations if it�s proved through health science that burials are bad for health or if the government has made a reasonable decision not to allow burials for public good[8].
On 3rd April, a day after the Facebook post about �ideological struggle�, April, Ramzy announced self-censorship � that he will not make future posts related to politics or national problems in Sinhalese, as he doesn�t want to endanger his children�s life[9]. He explained that some of the responses to his above-mentioned post included death threats and calls for his arrest and that his eldest daughter had been traumatized and fearful after seeing these. That statement of self-censorship is the last visible post on his Facebook wall.
It is reported that the above-mentioned post on 2nd April, had led to his arrest and that he has been remanded till 22nd April[10]. His lawyer said that the Magistrate had asked the police to report on 22nd April whether there is actual grounds to arrest and remand him. According to the lawyer, the police had cited the ICCPR Act[11] and the Cyber Crimes Act. The ICCPR Act gives discretion for the police to arrest and detain a person and Magistrates don�t have discretion in providing bail. Last year, a writer arrested under the ICCPR Act was imprisoned for more than four (4) months until a High Court judge gave him bail[12].
We have not seen any post or comment by Ramzy that would amount to the propagation of war or advocating hatred leading to incitement to hostility, discrimination or violence which is prohibited by Article 3 (1) of the ICCPR Act[13]. When arresting Ramzy, it appears the police has not considered the detailed recommendations by the Human Rights Commission[14] of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) on balancing the ICCPR Act provisions on hate speech with constitutional guarantees for free expression, six-point threshold test and the three-pronged test of legality, proportionality and necessity from Sri Lanka�s fundamental rights jurisprudence.
Ironically, there are comments that are death threats against Ramzy on Facebook, which is still available at the time of writing[15] but we have not seen news of any arrests or police actions in relation to these.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- (Arbitrary) Arrest and Detention, Death threat, Intimidation and Threats, Judicial Harassment, Vilification
- Rights Concerned
- Online
- HRD
- Blogger/ Social Media Activist
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Perpetrator-Non-State
- Suspected non-state
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Aug 21, 2020
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Mar 9, 2020
- Event Description
Women Nominees to be candidates of upcoming election: former Human rights commissioner Ambika Satkunarajah and women�s rights activist Nalini Ratnarajah were subjected to derogatory remarks and defamatory reporting by Tamil news website athirvunews. Ratnarajah was mainly targeted for her activism on reproductive rights and women�s rights.
- Impact of Event
- 2
- Gender of HRD
- Woman
- Violation
- Online Attack and Harassment, Vilification
- Rights Concerned
- Right to healthy and safe environment, Right to political participation, Right to protect reputation
- HRD
- WHRD
- Perpetrator-Non-State
- Non-state
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Aug 21, 2020
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Mar 2, 2020
- Event Description
The director of Vavuniya-based Thinapuyal newspaper, Sakthivelpillai Prakash and his wife alongside another editor, were summoned by Sri Lanka�s Terrorism Investigation Department (TID) on Monday, following the paper�s coverage of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva.
The latest incident of journalist intimidation comes as the 43rd session of the Council is currently underway, where Sri Lanka has withdrawn co-sponsorship of a resolution on accountability and the UN human rights chief has urged member states to �explore all possible avenues� for justice.
Prakash told reporters that the newspaper was targeted over its coverage of events in Geneva, but expressed confusion over the summoning of his wife.
�This both surprised and amazed me,� he said. �My wife is in no way involved with Thinapuyal.�
Prakash added that another editor at Thinappuyal, S.Sasitharan had also been summoned by the TID to attend earlier today.
He went on to state that journalists for the newspaper had been repeatedly targeted by Sri Lankan security forces in the past, and said that �in this country, independent media is unable to write freely�.
The latest incident comes as the intimidation and harassment of journalists has ramped up since the election of Gotabaya Rajapaksa as president in November last year.
- Impact of Event
- 3
- Gender of HRD
- Man, Woman
- Violation
- Intimidation and Threats, Judicial Harassment, Reprisal as Result of Communication
- Rights Concerned
- Offline, Right to liberty and security
- HRD
- Family of HRD, Media Worker
- Perpetrator-State
- Government, Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Aug 21, 2020
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Feb 27, 2020
- Event Description
On 27th of February university student activists started a protest in front of the Ministry of Higher Education building in Ward place, Colombo. The students launched a continuous protest against the long-time closure of the University of Ruhuna. Colombo court had issued a court order to remove the protest hut made by the students, and to prevent students from protesting either on the road or on the pavement of the road. They were also prevented them from entering the government office premises. This literally meant according to the order they could no longer continue the protest. The students were told that they will be arrested and charged for contempt of court unless they obeyed. The order was issued against Inter University Student Federation (IUSF) convener Rathkarawwe Jinarathana Thero, Convener of General Students Association of Ruhuna University Weranga Pushpika, Convener of General Students Association of Rajarata University Wasantha Mudalige, Co-conveners of General Students Association of Peradeniya University Mangala Maddumage, and Gihan Weerasekara and other protesters who participated in the protest with them.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Other (e.g. undefined, organisation, community)
- Violation
- Administrative Harassment, Intimidation and Threats
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of movement, Offline, Right to Protest
- HRD
- Student
- Perpetrator-State
- Judiciary
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Aug 21, 2020
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Feb 27, 2020
- Event Description
Police have allegedly threatened peaceful protestors that they will be arrested unless they move into the designated agitation site. The protestors were mainly women who have taken microfinance loans and caught in a debt trap and human rights activists. Microfinance loans have pushed rural women into debt traps, with high interest rates charged. The protestors marched from Pettah railway station towards the Presidential Secretariat.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Other (e.g. undefined, organisation, community), Woman
- Violation
- Intimidation and Threats
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of assembly, Offline, Right to Protest
- HRD
- Community-based HRD, WHRD
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Aug 21, 2020
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Feb 24, 2020
- Event Description
Police assaulted protesters, who were former employees of National Housing Authority, and who had blocked the Galle Road near to Presidential Secretariat. As a result of the incident, three female protesters were hospitalized.
- Impact of Event
- 4
- Gender of HRD
- Other (e.g. undefined, organisation, community), Woman
- Violation
- Use of Excessive Force, Violence (physical), Wounds and Injuries
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of assembly, Labour rights, Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment, Right to Protest
- HRD
- Labour rights defender, WHRD
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Aug 21, 2020
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Feb 14, 2020
- Event Description
Rathugala indigenous Vedda community leader was physically attacked after criticizing sand mining in the local area allegedly by the people engaged in sand mining.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- Violence (physical)
- Rights Concerned
- Right to healthy and safe environment
- HRD
- Indigenous peoples' rights defender
- Perpetrator-Non-State
- Extractive industries
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Aug 21, 2020
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Jan 17, 2020
- Event Description
Prasad Purnimal Jayamanne, a journalist based in Wennappuwa in Chilaw was assaulted by group linked to few politicians after he exposed unauthorized filling of a paddy field in Wennappuwa. Mr. Jayamannehas told Free Media Movement that he was assaulted by a group including the son of a former Wayamba Provincial Council member who had taken over the land filling from another former Wayamba Provincial Council member who claims to own the paddy field.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- Violence (physical)
- Rights Concerned
- Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment
- HRD
- Media Worker
- Perpetrator-Non-State
- Suspected non-state
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Mar 5, 2020
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Aug 4, 2019
- Event Description
A prominent Tamil disappearances activist and her daughter were attacked and hospitalised in Batticaloa on Sunday evening.
Amala Nayagi, the vice-president of the North East Families of the Disappeared Association and the president of the Batticaloa District Association, and her daughter were deliberately hit and knocked off their motorcycle by an oncoming motorcycle with three men.
The injured Amala Nayagi and her daughter were admitted to Karadiyanaru hospital in Batticaloa. They had been travelling to Batticaloa to attend a funeral when the attack took place.
While the attackers drove off after hitting the two, local youths attempted to chase and apprehend the three men. Although two escaped, one was caught and arrested by Karadiyanaru police.
Amala Nayagi has faced many threats over the years that she has been at the forefront of campaigning with families of the disappeared in Batticaloa. The activist said she was certain today’s attack was intended to intimidate her.
Unconfirmed reports suggest that the arrested attacker was linked to a paramilitary group.
- Impact of Event
- 2
- Gender of HRD
- Woman
- Violation
- Intimidation and Threats, Violence (physical), Wounds and Injuries
- Rights Concerned
- Right to healthy and safe environment
- HRD
- Community-based HRD, Family of HRD, WHRD
- Perpetrator-Non-State
- Non-state
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Feb 12, 2020
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Nov 9, 2019
- Event Description
We, the undersigned individuals strong condemn the recent threats, harassment and unfair treatment against human rights defender, Kumaravadivel Guruparan, by the Sri Lankan military and University Authorities. Guruparan, is a prominent human rights lawyer and academic based in Jaffna, in the Northern Province of Sri Lanka. He is the founder of the Adayalam Center for Policy Research, and is a Senior Lecturer and Head of the Department of Law, at the University of Jaffna. He is also a Co-Spokesperson of the Tamil Civil Society Forum (TCSF). On 09 November, 2019, Guruparan was informed by the Jaffna University Council, that he had been barred from private legal practice as per a decision of the University Grants Commission (UGC). We condemn this decision of the UGC, which was instigated by the military, and is aimed at silencing and suppressing Guruparan’s human rights work and legal advocacy.
Over the past decade or more, Guruparan has been a strong voice for human rights and accountability in Sri Lanka. Despite living and working in a highly militarized and hostile context, he has been consistently vocal against the failure of successive Governments to hold those responsible, especially the military, accountable for crimes against civilians.
The restrictions and harassment meted out against Guruparan are direct reprisals against his human rights work. We are deeply concerned at the conduct of the UGC and the University of Jaffna (UoJ), in their treatment of a senior faculty member. Both the UGC and the UoJ are civilian institutions, responsible at least in part, for moulding and guiding generations of university students in this country. In this instance, they have shown a crippling inability to withstand pressure from the military, a trend which threatens dangerous consequences. On 21August, 2019, the military wrote to the UGC questioning the basis on which Guruparan was permitted to practice law in court. Despite there being clear provisions under the University Establishment code under which a faculty member may be permitted to engage in private practice, and the military having no standing whatsoever to question or interfere in internal university matters, the UGC took the surprising decision on 05 September, that Guruparan should no longer be permitted to practice law. The decision of the UGC was communicated to the University of Jaffna which then in turn on 09 November 2019 has decided to ask Guruparan to act according to the UGC directives.
There has been a pattern of threats, intimidation and harassment against human rights defenders, especially those working in the North and East, in the lead up to the November election. Lawyers and activists working on military accountability have been particularly targeted. The recent threats and restrictions against Guruparan are believed to be linked to his representation of victims in the Navatkuli Habeas Corpus case, which relates to the enforced disappearance of 24 boys from military custody in 1996. Following the hearing of the case on 01 August 2019, Guruparan and other lawyers were photographed by unidentified men within the court premises. On 07 August, three officers from the Terrorism Investigation Department (TID) visited the Adayalam Center office and demanded staff details and information about their work. Other lawyers working on the case have also faced similar harassment and intimidation.
We reiterate that the restrictions and harassment against Guruparan are a reprisal against his human rights work. The restrictions on his legal practice is a clear attempt to subvert justice by preventing his cases from being litigated successfully in court. We stand in solidarity with Guruparan and other lawyers, journalists, and human rights defenders in the North and East, who face an increasingly tense and restrictive environment.
We also call upon the Judicial Service Commission to take note of the serious implications of such actions by the military, whose members have been named as respondents in the case that Guruparan is representing. Attempts to influence as to who appears on the other side through intimidation and undue influence is a very serious issue affecting the fundamental right to equality before the law and recourse to justice.The Hon. Attorney General who appears for the military must also appropriately advice his clients to desist from such reprehensible behaviour.
In conclusion, we condemn the UGC for aiding the military call on them to rescind the order, and clarify the rights of university legal academics staff to engage in practice.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- Administrative Harassment, Intimidation and Threats
- Rights Concerned
- Academic freedom, Right to healthy and safe environment, Right to work
- HRD
- Academic, Lawyer
- Perpetrator-State
- Armed forces/ Military, Government
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Feb 12, 2020
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Jul 29, 2019
- Event Description
Former Tamil political activist, Mr Kaviraj Shanmuganathan, was denied entry into Sri Lanka upon arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport on Monday.
Upon enquiry, he was told he was denied entry as he was listed as someone who worked against the sovereignty and interests of the country.
He was then told that he could voluntarily return a country of his choice or go back to the UK where he could make an application to visit with the permission of Sri Lanka’s Defence Ministry. He would need to contact Sri Lanka’s High Commission in London.
Tamilpolity reports that Shanmuganathan has chosen to go to Chennai where he will consider the options available to him. His family, however, have been granted entry into Sri Lanka.
Shanmuganathan was a leader of the protests in London between April to May 2009 which demanded a ceasefire in Sri Lanka and he also lobbied for an international independent investigation into the mass atrocities committed in the last stages of the war.
Shanmuganathan quit politics and engaged in humanitarian activities to support war victims in Tamil areas.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- Administrative Harassment, Restrictions on Movement, Travel Restriction
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of movement
- HRD
- Pro-democracy defender
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Feb 12, 2020
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Dec 10, 2019
- Event Description
Families of the disappeared decried the surveillance and intimidation they endure at the hands of Sri Lankan security and intelligence forces, while Sri Lankan intelligence officers came out in force to photograph and carry out surveillance of a mass rally in Mullaitivu on Tuesday.
“We the mothers participating in the struggle are also panicked that we may also go missing after realizing past incidents. As a proof to our dangerous situation, the military interference and surveillance have now increased,” the families said in a letter to the United Nations.
“The military intelligence personnel are very often interrogating our participant mothers while following us secretly and monitoring our daily activities. They visit our homes in odd times and carry out interrogation. They wantonly attack our District leaders and vanish. No action by the police even though we make entries at the respective police stations. Intimidation continues.”
Leaders of the protests, many of whom are vulnerable women, have been routinely attacked and threatened by suspected intelligence personnel since the roadside protests started and gained momentum almost three years ago.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Other (e.g. undefined, organisation, community), Woman
- Violation
- Intimidation and Threats, Surveillance
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of assembly, Freedom of association, Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment
- HRD
- Community-based HRD, WHRD
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Feb 12, 2020
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Dec 18, 2019
- Event Description
Sri Lankan police threatened residents of a Mannar village including the local priest when they protested against Sinhalese people illegally extracting sand from the village.
Residents of Thottaveli have for several years complained of illegal sand mining causing environmental damage to the area and leaving villages prone to flooding and soil erosion.
While local authorities including the divisional and district councils have repeatedly denied giving permission for sand extraction the problem has persisted due to the perpetrators producing ambiguous permits for other purposes, obtained from southern politicians.
In this latest incident on Wednesday, villagers, led by parish priest Father Alexander Benno Silva, confronted the sand miners. Following a verbal exchange, the miners initially agreed to refrain from extracting the sand.
However, a short while later, the extraction vehicles returned, this time with a police escort.
The villagers once again took to the streets and carried out a road-block to prevent the sand mining from taking place.
During a confrontation with police, one officer pushed Father Benno to prevent him from getting on his motorcycle, and continued to verbally threaten him and other residents while filming the women that were protesting.
As tensions were heightening, senior priests from the Mannar diocese and the head of the Mannar police station went to the village and attempted to defuse the situation.
The offending police officer was made to apologise to Father Benno, although villagers continued to criticise the police for protecting the sand miners.
The problem of sand mining continues to grow across the North-East, causing worsening relations between police and communities.
Tamil groups say the police use the issue as a guise to target and surveillance communities, accusing police departments of taking bribes to protect actual perpetrators.
In 2017, an unarmed Tamil man was shot dead by police in Vadamarachchi during a purported confrontation about sand mining.
- Impact of Event
- 2
- Gender of HRD
- Man, Other (e.g. undefined, organisation, community)
- Violation
- Intimidation and Threats, Violence (physical)
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of assembly, Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment, Right to Protest
- HRD
- Community-based HRD, Environmental rights defender
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Feb 12, 2020
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Jul 29, 2019
- Event Description
Sri Lanka Police were compelled to use water cannons and tear gas to disperse a protest in Colombo staged by a group of unemployed graduates.
The unemployed graduates marched from the Fort railway station in Colombo to the Presidential Secretariat citing injustice was caused when graduates were recruited to the government sector.
Ven. Thenne Gnananada Thero requested the police to meet the prime minister, Ranil Wickremesinghe regarding their demands.
However, police denied their request citing the emergency state prevailing in the country.
Several students were emotional following the discharge of water cannons and tear gas stating that all they demand is employment as they underwent numerous hardships to graduate.
Ven. Thenne Gnananada Thero, Convener of Joint Unemployed Graduates Association explained that the government had voluntarily removed the names of the individuals who suffer from visually and auditory impaired from the recruitment lists along with graduates who are over 35 years of age.
The protestors attempted to commence a fast this evening opposite the Fort Railway Station, however, the attempt was foiled.
Meanwhile, during a media briefing held at the Temple Trees today, UNP MP Chandima Gamage expressed that a program to provide employment to graduates is already in effect.
MP Chandima Gamage noted that despite criticism claiming that it is a political agenda, the prime minister has already decided to appoint 20,000 graduates as Development Officers.
He confidently stated that none of the job opportunities provided by the Yahapalanaya government are political ploys and the government has already decided to recruit a total of 16,800 graduates to the program.
He finally added that these Development Officers will be promoted to the Project Officers following their training program.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Other (e.g. undefined, organisation, community)
- Violation
- Use of Excessive Force, Violence (physical)
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of assembly, Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment, Right to Protest
- HRD
- Youth
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Feb 12, 2020
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Dec 20, 2019
- Event Description
The Free Media Movement strongly condemns the attack on journalist Prasad Purnamal Jayamanne and the obstruction in carrying out his professional media activities.
According to the reports received, Prasad Purnamal Jayamanne who was photographing a protest by villagers against a tipper transporting sand in the Mukkuthoduwawa area in Madurankuliya, has been attacked by a person inside the tipper truck.
It is reported that Prasad Purnamal Jayamanne’s camera equipment has also been damaged as a result of the attack.
This particular incident, is an addition to a series of incidents that have been reported pertaining to obstructions faced by journalists in carrying out their professional duties and it appears to have become an element of the anti-social behaviour of certain sections amongst the Sri Lankan society.
The development of such a trend is extremely detrimental to the existence of a democratic society.
The Free Media Movement does not approve in any form the prevention or obstruction of journalists from reporting information correctly for citizens to make informed decisions.
The Free Media Movement strongly urges the authorities to deliver justice by bringing those who disrupt the professional activities of journalists before the law, and to strengthen the required landscape in the country to maintain a free media culture. and conductive environment.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- Violence (physical)
- Rights Concerned
- Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment
- HRD
- Media Worker
- Perpetrator-Non-State
- Extractive industries
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Feb 12, 2020
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Sep 5, 2019
- Event Description
A senior Sinhala journalist was interrogated by Sri Lanka’s Terrorism Investigation Division (TID) for around six hours for allegedly threatening national security after reporting on the arrest of Kilinochchi’s Judicial Medical Officer (JMO).
Kilinochchi JMO and senior Tamil doctor Dr S Sivaruban was arrested by TID on August 18 for alleged links to terrorist activities.
Sinhala journalist Thinasena Rathgama was summoned to the TID in Colombo after publishing reports that the terrorism police were alleging Dr Sivaruban was involved in an assassination plot against former Defence Secretary and presidential candidate Gotabaya Rajapaksa and having links with the LTTE.
Rathgama said he had been accused of threatening national security by publishing the reports.
Dr Sivaruban, who remains in detention, was involved in several high profile cases as JMO, including providing medical reports linking the Sri Lankan army with the so called 'grease devil' attacks of 2011. He was also a key medical witness in the case of the rape and murder of a child by a member of the EPDP paramilitary group.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- Intimidation and Threats
- Rights Concerned
- Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment
- HRD
- Media Worker
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Feb 12, 2020
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Aug 9, 2019
- Event Description
Freedom Media Movement vehemently condemns the threat to journalist K. Prasanna by Palani Digambaram, Minister of Minister of Hill Country New Villages, Infrastructure and Community Development, in connection to an article titled ‘Does the Indian Housing Scheme provide fund the Minister’s food?’ written by journalist K. Prasanna using Right to Information Act.
This article by journalist K. Prasanna highlighting the irregularities that had taken place in the implementation of the Housing Scheme under the Ministry of Hill Country New Villages, Infrastructure and Community Development, was published in the ‘Thinakkural’ Tamil Newspaper on 4.08.2019. The journalist had written this article using the RTI. Prasanna told us that Minister Digambaram and the Minister’s Coordinating Secretary contacted and threatened him following the publication of the said article. Journalist K. Prasanna has lodged a complaint with the RTI Commission. Free Media Movement views this as an act of intimidation on the freedom of the press and a threat to the Right to Information Act, thus it calls upon all parties to cooperate with journalists in their work without hindrance.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- Intimidation and Threats
- Rights Concerned
- Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment
- HRD
- Media Worker
- Perpetrator-State
- Government
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Feb 12, 2020
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Dec 6, 2019
- Event Description
Aluthgama Police were yet to arrest the suspects identified in connection with the assault of Daily Mirror /Lankadeepa Aluthgama Correspondent Thusitha Kumara de Silva and his wife on Friday night, over an alleged exposure of artificial toddy mafia in the Kalutara District.
A large number of Kalutara District journalists representing mainstream print and electronic media organisations staged a silent demonstration yesterday afternoon demanding Aluthgama Police to bring the culprits of this attack to book without delay.
Thusitha Kumara and his wife who had been rushed to Aluthgama Base Hospital in a traumatic condition with assaults to their heads and body with clubs on Friday night had later been transferred to Kalutara General Hospital in Nagoda on Saturday. The journo and his wife who were away from home on a personal matter had rushed back hearing that an armed gang had stormed their house and was attacking it around 7.00 p.m. Friday (06). Their son was the only occupant at home during the incident. When the couple reached the scene about 10 to 15 men armed with clubs had started attacking them with threatening “you were the one who wrote about the artificial toddy industry in newspapers and exposed us”.
The gang had soon left the scene leaving the wounded couple behind who were rushed to the hospital by the neighbours.
Thusitha Kumara had lodged a complaint with the Aluthgama Police regarding the assault and had given details of five of the gang as identified to be residents of the same area. His mobile phone and cash amounting to Rs.4,800 had also been missing in the attack.Speaking to the Daily Mirror, National Organiser of Independent Media Foundation of Kalutara Suresh Wijeyarangana said the district journalists gathered in solidarity to demand justice to Thusitha Kumara and his wife.
He said Thusitha was renowned for his brave reporting against illegal artificial toddy manufacturers in the area, where several large scale detections were made by the Police Special Task Force (STF) personnel a few months back and seized 40,000 litres of chemical toddy in Aluthgama.
The demonstration was held to urge the law enforcement authorities to secure the lives of journalists who fight against this illegal and artificial toddy industry in the area carried out by the goons of top politicians and some leading underworld figures of Kosgama area.
Meanwhile, the Aluthgama Police had searched the houses of the five identified suspects who had reportedly fled the area.
A special police protection has been given to journo Thusitha Kumara and his wife at the hospital as well as to their smashed house in Hettimulla. JVP Parliamentarian Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa also took part in the demonstration.
- Impact of Event
- 2
- Gender of HRD
- Man, Woman
- Violation
- Intimidation and Threats, Raid, Violence (physical), Wounds and Injuries
- Rights Concerned
- Right to healthy and safe environment
- HRD
- Family of HRD, Media Worker
- Perpetrator-State
- Suspected state
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Jan 9, 2020
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Nov 14, 2019
- Event Description
Unidentified assailants attacked Lasantha Wijeratna, a freelance journalist and anti- corruption activist, on November 14. The International Federation of Journalist (IFJ) and its affiliate Free Media Movement (FMM) raise concerns about the attack which took place in the lead-up to the country’s presidential election.
Wijeratna was attacked by three men with firearms in his home at around 2.30am on November 14. Wijeratna sustained injuries from the attack including severe lacerations to his hand and was admitted to the intensive care unit in Karapitiya Hospital.
News 1stspokesperson SSP Ruwan Gunasekara alleges it was a retaliatory attack to Wijeratna for his work on alleged acts of corruption believed to have been committed by Gotabaya Rajapaksa during his tenure as the former Secretary of Defense. Gotabaya Rajapaksa was declared the new president of Sri Lanka after the weekend’s election.
The Free Media Movement said it strongly urge “all parties concerned to expedite investigations into this incident, which has challenged the democratic space in this country.”
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- Violence (physical), Wounds and Injuries
- Rights Concerned
- Offline, Right to healthy and safe environment
- HRD
- Media Worker
- Perpetrator-State
- Suspected state
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Nov 26, 2019
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Nov 1, 2014
- Event Description
Mayuri Inoka, the wife of a disappeared husband, Madushka Haris De Silva, was herself abducted on 1 November 2014. According to Mayuri, her abductors threatened her not to engage in any activities calling for the recovery of her husband. Mayuri's husband disappeared in September 2013, and remains missing. Issuing a statement the Asian Human Rights Commission says; On 27 October 2014, Mayuri spoke at a public gathering in front of the "Monument for the Disappeared" at Raddoluwa, Seeduwa, during the annual commemoration ceremony for disappeared persons. The persons who abducted Mayuri identified themselves by stating, "we are from the police". They followed her and boarded the three-wheeler in which she traveled to the city centre in Anuradhapura, where she wanted to purchase milk powder for her 11-month-old twin babies. According to Mayuri's statement, broadcast in BBC's Sinhala Service, a well-built man, pointing a gun at her face boarded her three-wheeler, tied her hands behind her back, blindfolded her, and took her in a three-wheeler. Later, she was shoved into a van. She was driven around for about an hour and half in this van, a period when she was continually abused and threatened by her abductors, who asked her "not to engage in the campaign and protests to find her husband". She has recalled that, several times, one of the abductors aimed a pistol at her neck and threatened to shoot her. Mayuri says she was terrified and feared for her life. She was repeatedly told that "she will also be taken to where her husband is", if she continued to search for him, which, in fact, is nothing other than an assassination threat. Mayuri was finally thrown out of the van, onto the roadside near Nochchiyagama. Talking to BBC Sinhala Service following her ordeal, Mayuri says that when she was thrown out by the side of the road, with her hands still tied behind her back, and yelling for help, no person came to her assistance. Later, after sometime, several police officers in civilian clothes arrived and abused her in foul language, threatened her, and treated her as if she were a prostitute. Every month Mayuri holds a fast (hunger strike), in front of the Anuradhapura Police Station, demanding information about the whereabouts of her husband. The case regarding the disappearance of her husband is fixed for tomorrow, 4 November 2014, at the Anuradhapura Magistrate's Court. She has named Senior Police Superintendent Mahesh Senarathna and a group of other police officers as those who are involved in the abduction of her husband. She has complained to the police and to the courts about this disappearance and about whom she thinks is responsible for the disappearance. On a previous occasion, two persons have visited her house and threatened her to keep silent or face the consequences, and threatened her with her own death and that of her children. It is obvious that a group of police officers, afraid of being discovered for involvement and links to the disappearance of Madushka Haris De Silva, are pursuing her in order to intimidate her and to silence her. Given previous experiences in similar incidents, it will not be a surprise if Mayuri will be assassinated. The Asian Human Rights Commission calls on the Inspector General of Police and all government authorities to immediately inquire into Mayuri Inoka's abduction and the constant threats that have been levelled at her and her children by persons identifying themselves as "police officers". Meanwhile the AHRC also calls upon the Inspector General of Police to provide special protection to Mayuri Inoka and her children. The AHRC particularly calls upon the women's movements in Sri Lanka to come to Mayuri Inoka's assistance and to prevent her possible assassination. The AHRC also calls upon all human rights organizations to do everything they can, to provide for her protection. The AHRC will also take steps to bring this matter to the attention of the United Nations Human Rights agencies and the diplomatic community in Sri Lanka.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Violation
- Abduction/Kidnapping, Enforced Disappearance, Intimidation and Threats, Reprisal as Result of Communication, Sexual Violence
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Sep 20, 2019
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Oct 25, 2014
- Event Description
Sri Lanka's anti-terrorism police on Saturday 25th October arrested a 58-year old Tamil man in Kilinochchi for allegedly distributing forms meant to be circulated among the witnesses of the ongoing war crime probe by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). Sri Lankan police has claimed that the Terrorists Investigation Department (TID) personnel on Saturday "has arrested Chinniah Krishnarajah at Mulankavil in Kilinochchi while he was distributing UNHRC witness forms". The police has also claimed to have recovered from Krishnarajah a set of UNHRC witness forms and other materials that were to be submitted to the UNHRC. According to sources, he has now been brought to the TID headquarters in Colombo for further investigation and is likely to be sent to the notorious Boosa detention camp in the South under the draconian Prevention of Terrorism (PTA) laws . Several hundreds of Tamil men and women have been held indefinitely in Sri Lanka's prisons without any charges under the provisions of PTA. President Mahinda Rajapaksa has not only refused to cooperate with the OHCHR inquiry, but has threatened to take action against those cooperating with the investigation, resulting in fear amongst the war-hit Tamil people. Leading human rights activists, however, have urged the survivors of the bloody war "to quietly and discretely have their evidence sent across" before it expires at the end of this month. The High Commissioner for Human Rights who presented an oral update during the September session of the Human Rights Council on the progress of the probe, will present the final report to the council's March 2015 session.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Violation
- (Arbitrary) Arrest and Detention, Censorship, Intimidation and Threats, Judicial Harassment, Reprisal as Result of Communication
- Rights Concerned
- Access to justice
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Sep 20, 2019
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Sep 21, 2014
- Event Description
Sri Lankan military intelligence operatives have intensified attacks on independent Tamil journalists in Vanni in recent days. A 33-year-old reporter from Paranthan, Sinnarasa Siventhiran, who files news stories at Uthayan's branch office at Karadippoakku junction had a narrow escape from a squad that intended to kill him by throwing him in front of a vehicle on A9 Road Sunday 21st September 2014. Two masked men stopped Mr Siventhiran, who was returning home in his bicycle on A9 road after filing stories at the office of the Tamil daily Uthayan. He is a teacher and files stories in the evening as an independent journalist. He cycles to the branch office of the Tamil daily between 8:00 and 8:30 p.m. to write his stories, as he doesn't have computer or Internet facilities at home. First, the two men who claimed they were from Criminal Investigation Division interrogated him for 10 minutes. When Mr Siventhiran said he could go to the police station if there is anything he needed to clarify, the men claimed they were from a higher authority than the police and said they wanted to finish him off to give a lesson. The attackers claimed that there was no use in disciplining certain Tamil journalist, according to Mr Siventhiran. The incident took place at a least-populated locality situated between Paranthan and Karadippoakku. After attacking the journalist, the masked men wanted to throw him in front a speeding bus trying to kill him and make it look like an accident. However, the attempt failed as the driver of the approaching vehicle managed to turn his vehicle away from the person lying on the road. Mr Siventhiran managed to run towards a restaurant and the public gathered to confront the masked men who were chasing him. Siventhiran, in his complaint to the police on Sunday said he could identify one of the masked men who had pulled off his mask before pushing the journalist in front of the vehicle on A9 road.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Violation
- Censorship, Intimidation and Threats, Killing, Reprisal as Result of Communication
- Source
[Tamil Net](TamilNet - http://tamilnet.com/art.html)?catid=13&artid=37389)
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Sep 20, 2019
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Sep 29, 2014
- Event Description
Protected by the police, around 30 supporters of ruling party held a counter demonstration opposite the #FreeJeyakumary campaign held in front of Fort Railway station on 29th Sep 2014. The mob displayed a banner showing leading civil society activists in Sri Lanka ridiculing them. The pro government protestors displayed placards accusing leading HRDs of anti-country treacherous acts. There were more police offficers and intelligence agents than the demonstrators at the protest venue, according to reports from Colombo.
- Impact of Event
- 8
- Violation
- Vilification
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of assembly, Freedom of association, Right to Protest
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Sep 20, 2019
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Aug 4, 2014
- Event Description
The Lawyers Collective has strongly condemned death threats to two of its leading members, Attorneys-at-Law, Namal Rajapakshe and Manjula Pathiraja. In a statement it said Rajapakshe and Pathiraja have been leading human rights activists and lawyers with long experience in public interest litigation. They appeared in a series of sensitive cases challenging arbitrary actions of all organs of the Government, including the Defence Authorities. Around 6:20 p.m. on 13 September 2014, two unidentified men with full face covered helmet and jackets, had rushed to the legal office of Rajapakshe, situated near the Thorana junction, Kelaniya, in the Colombo district. One of them had been armed, and he had taken Rajapakshe to a corner, and threatened that he and Manjula Pathiraja would be killed, if they appear in "unnecessary cases'. They particularly mentioned about several cases where Rajapakshe and Pathiraja had appeared against a controversial Buddhist monk. The two individuals had then fled on an unidentified motorcycle. Rajapakshe had made a complaint at the Peliyagoda Police Station bearing number CIB/III - 230/123. On 4 August 2014, Attorneys Rajapakshe, Pathiraja and Lakshan Dias were intimidated by a group of thugs inside the Maradana Police station, in front of the Head Quarters Inspector. The three of them were making representations on behalf of their clients, on the breaking up of a peaceful private meeting and criminal trespass. Rajapakshe had made a complaint regarding this incident on 5 August 2014. No actions have been taken by the Police in respect of this intimidation. Rajapakshe, Pathiraja and Dias have frequently appeared for victims of human rights violations across the country, irrespective of ethnic and religious backgrounds, often pro bono. They have made themselves available for emergencies at all times and days. While upholding the highest traditions of the legal profession, all three of them have been well respected and committed human rights defenders who have been taking forthright and courageous positions on issues of democracy, rule of law and human rights in Sri Lanka. Lawyers Collectice urges the Inspector General of Police to take immediate steps to ensure the protection of all three of them and to take all possible steps to hold accountable, all those responsible for these threats and intimidation.
- Impact of Event
- 3
- Violation
- Intimidation and Threats, Reprisal as Result of Communication
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Sep 20, 2019
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Oct 15, 2014
- Event Description
An unknown group calling themselves " Patriotic Force that defends the country"[rata rakagathdeshapremeebalakaya] directed death threats to the journalist participants, organisers and their families at an event which was held on 15th October in Colombo. This event was organized to award certificates of a journalism training programme conducted by the Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) section. Senior journalist and coordinator of the event Mr.Jayasiri Jayasekara and journalists Mr. Janoor Kichilan and Mr. Amadoru Amarajeewa are among those who received death threats. Mr.Shan Wijethunga, the organiser and Ravaya consultant editor Mr. Victor Ivan, resource persons of the event too had received threatening SMS messages. The Free Media Movement (FMM) asserts that this so-called "'Patriotic Force'' is another puppet group which is protected by the intelligence agencies. This conclusion has been reinforced by the statement given by journalist Mr. Amadoru Amarajeewa stating that the mobile phones that originated these threatening telephone calls belonged to some intelligence officers.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Violation
- Censorship, Intimidation and Threats
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Sep 20, 2019
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Oct 8, 2014
- Event Description
G Thevaraja, a human rights defender from Vavuniya, was assaulted by an unidentified gang on October 8th while Sri Lanka's human rights record was being reviewed at the UN Human Rights Committee. Thevaraja was attacked hours after he concluded a discussion with members of the Vavuniya citizens committee on a protest they were planning to stage on Friday 10th October urging the authorities to free detained human rights defender Balendran Jayakumari. He was attacked by four people and was heavily assaulted by iron rods. According to reports, the attackers threatened to kill him if he went on to stage the protest. Thevaraja has been admitted to hospital to receive further treatments.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Violation
- Intimidation and Threats, Violence (physical)
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of assembly, Right to Protest
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Sep 20, 2019
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Aug 18, 2014
- Event Description
The National Peace Council has expressed deep concern over the increasing and continuous surveillance of civil society activities by the Rajapaksa-regime using military and law enforcement authorities in the post-war period. In a media statement issued yesterday, the NPC has noted the escalating surveillance operations - initially widely prevalent in the North and East but now spread to the entire country - includes every aspect of civilian life including weddings, puberty ceremonies, memorial services in addition to seminars and workshops organised by civil society organisations in the North. Underpinning their accusations and concerns, the NPC has pointed out that during the past month, its activities implemented under the inter-religious reconciliation programme have been subjected to surveillance by security forces on three occasions. Among the three incidents where the NPC activities were disturbed by military and police surveillance were: 1) An inter-religious dialog in Kandy - the event had been held inside a private hall of a reputed civil society organization. Despite informing the relevant authorities of the event, intelligence personnel had entered the hall in civvies and had recorded the discussion. 2) An event in Galle -Despite inviting the local Police to attend the event,another Police team had arrived at the premises to investigate the programme 3) A youth Amity camp in Addalaichenai in the East - Although the local police and local government authorities had been informed of the event, uniformed military personnel with weapons had arrived and questioned the organisers of the programme on three separate occasions over a two day period. The NPC has pointed out that two of the incidents occurring outside the former war zones of the North and East indicates surveillance is now being carried out in the entire country. In its statement, the NPC has also pointed out that this type of activity has resulted in the polarization of social relationships and a perpetuation of such conditions of insecurity will contribute to the creation of a lasting social mistrust between communities and jeopardize reconciliation. It has also stressed on the fact that such spying on civilian activities will also lead to the emergence of forces that lack faith in peaceful methods to rectify their grievances as happened in the 70s. "The government needs to recognize that the surveillance of civil society activities by members of security forces strikes fear and resentment in the minds of the people - particularly those of the ethnic and religious minorities that would in turn lead to self-censorship and reluctance to voice their grievances," the statement notes adding if not, the concerns will remain stifled and would continue to fester within the hearts of the people who feel victimized and deprived of justice. Writing furthermore, the NPC has pointed out the breakdown of affection towards the government as a result of the public being intimidated due to spying and surveillance, will turn the reconciliation process harder to achieve. _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Amid allegations of NGO attempts to collect evidence to be sent to Geneva, the government has decided to consider a proper regulatory framework to monitor their accountability, External Affairs Minister G.L. Peiris said today. [More...] He said the Government would take a serious view on this matter, though there was no intention of taking punitive action against the NGOs that had attempted to collect evidence to be submitted to the UN investigative panel. The minister said a regulatory system would be put in place to monitor the activities of the NGOs. "It is necessary to look at the quantum of money they receive and how it is used," he said at the Fourth Defence Seminar, which commenced today at the Galadari Hotel, Colombo, organised by the Sri Lanka Army and added that such a regulatory framework existed in South Asian countries "A foreign minister of an Asian country told me that there was an avalanche of foreign funds was received by NGOs when elections are around the corner in his country. Elections are meant for people of a particular country to decide their future. In certain cases, NGOs mention their purpose vaguely. Therefore, it is a matter that warrants consideration. It has been flagged for consideration now," the minister said. However, he said no firm decision had yet been taken on this matter so far. "Our good Samaritans or do-gooders do not live up to our expectations and they simply forget that ours is a tradition-rich society. You can now see how Sri Lankans feel the sense of belongingness as the national anthem rends the air. We will therefore be alert to elements who are intent on doing harm to us with foreign funds, some of which are spent for the sake of so called "capacity-building', etc. Explaining the series of positive and pragmatic measures that have been taken by the government after putting in place local mechanisms with the implementation of social and economic equity projects, enhancing credibility and the trust, being reposed in a society that has been affected continuously for near 30 years was as a result of bloodshed and violence, caused by the LTTE. "It is a matter of profound regret that we look at some foreign powers who are targeting Sri Lanka without learning or seeing what we are today and our involvement and the trajectory for the future, to couple with our social and economic growth. Our critics conveniently say that physical development, alone is not adequate. But they always fail to see reconciliatory moves, set in motion in war-affected areas in correct perspectives," Prof Peiris said. "HE the President took the bold decision with political courage to have elections in the Northern Province after absence of 28 years. That gave the people the chance to use their franchise as they prefer, and now the Northern Provincial Council, like other provincial councils elsewhere, has sufficient authority to deliver to their people. Isn't it a home-spun and home grown process? Those rudiments denigrate the public opinion and their cherished values and traditions," Prof Peiris claimed. "It is the constructing approach that is wanted, instead, what is forthcoming is the disincentive to engage in earnest in domestic process, by application of devolved power. All what they talk is 13th amendment. Other than Police powers, everything has already been devolved and such devolution has to go on," Prof Peiris commented, saying that it is the people who would identify their needs and not the powers that dedicate terms to us." People believe that the hard-won victory in the country should be maintained and should not be allowed to be torpedoed by organizations with vested interests, he added.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Violation
- Intimidation and Threats, Judicial Harassment, Surveillance , Vilification
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of association
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Sep 20, 2019
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Jul 25, 2014
- Event Description
Seven journalists attached to Tamil newspapers in the Northern province had been detained last night and questioned for over six hours by the law enforcement authorities sabotaging a workshop they were planning to attend in Colombo today, under charges of possessing marijuana. The journalists had been en-route to Colombo to participate in a workshop last night. Tamil politician Gajendra Ponnambalam who has been tweeting on the incident claims the van had been tailed by the military since the group left Jaffna. According to his tweets the vehicle had been initially stopped at Mankulam and searched by the Army. Thereafter the second stop had been made at the Omanthai checkpoint where three Army personnel had placed in the front seat of the van, which had been searched thereafter. During the search, a packet of marijuana had been recovered from the van. Ponnambalam's tweets state that at least three journalists had witnessed the bag of cannabis being placed in the front seat of the van by the Army personnel. The group had thereafter been taken to the Omanthai Police where they were questioned for over six hours. The journalists also state that although they attempted to lodge a complaint concerning their suspicions over the planting of evidence, the Omanthai Police did not accept it. Military Spokesman Brigadier Ruwan Wanigasooriya commenting on the incident claims the checking was carried out after the officials at the Omanthai checkpoint received a tip on a possible transportation of heroin last night. "About ten minutes later, this vehicle in question had approached the checkpoint and it had been stopped to be checked during which, a packet of marijuana had been recovered. The driver and the van has been detained but the other seven passengers have been released. It is unfortunate that they had to be journalists," he said speaking at a media conference today. He also rejected allegations of an Army official stationed at the check point planting the evidence and said it could not have happened since it was two Police officials who discovered the marijuana packet from the van. Meanwhile, during a media conference organized by the Free Media Movement (FMM) today to raise objections over the harassment of the seven journalists, it was revealed that its Convener Sunil Jayasekara has been receiving death threats for holding the event. "I received a call from an unknown number, which I could not dial back - and the individual on the other end said he will not let me live if I hold this press conference today," he said adding that democracy and civil rights in Sri Lanka have been severely threatened presently and accused the Rajapaksa regime of attempting to turn journalists into puppets under their control.
- Impact of Event
- 7
- Violation
- (Arbitrary) Arrest and Detention, Intimidation and Threats
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of association, Freedom of movement, Minority Rights
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Sep 20, 2019
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Jul 14, 2014
- Event Description
Against the backdrop of some organisations defying the regulations governing NGO activities, the government has decided to enact a law, before the end of this year, making it mandatory for all of them to register with the National Secretariat on NGOs. NGO activities are currently governed by the provisions of the Voluntary Social Service Organizations[Registration and Supervision] Act Number 31 of 1980 and Voluntary Social Service Organizations[Registration and Supervision][Amendment] Act Number 8 of 1998. As required by the relevant acts, the NGOs are required register themselves with the National Secretariat on NGOs which functions under the Ministry of Defence. There are 1421 NGOs registered with this secretariat. Recently the secretariat issued instructions to NGOs to refrain from conducting press conferences and workshops for journalists unless they were mentioned in their annual action plans and approved by the secretariat. However, some organisations such as Transparency International and the Centre for Policy Alternatives, openly defied the instructions by the NGO Secretariat. Against this backdrop, Saman Dissanayake, the director of the NGO Secretariat, said the proposed law would be introduced in the form of an amendment to the existing Act and enacted before the end of this year. Then, he said, all these organisations would be required to register with the NGO Secretariat. "Otherwise, there will be legal restrictions on their activities. They will face restrictions in getting foreign funding," he said. Currently, though they operate as NGOs, some have been registered as nonprofit organisations under the Companies Act. Mr.Dissanayake said the new bill had almost been drafted. "The Legal Draftsman is giving it final the touches now," he said.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Violation
- Intimidation and Threats, Vilification
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of association
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Not active
- Date added
- Sep 20, 2019
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Jul 7, 2014
- Event Description
The National Secretariat for Non-Governmental Organization (NGOs), a body functioning under the Defence Ministry, has banned NGOs from holding news conferences, workshops and training of journalists and the issuance of media releases. The decision was taken in the aftermath of the cancellation of workshops for Journalists organised by Transparency International recently. It drew widespread condemnation from various bodies and the opposition. The NGO Secretariat, in a letter dated July 1 has requested all NGOs in the country to refrain from indulging in such activities. Its Director D.M.S. Dissanayake in a letter said such activities carried out by the NGOs were beyond their mandate. "It has been revealed that certain NGOs conduct news conferences, hold workshops, train journalists, and issue news releases, which is beyond their mandate. We reiterate that all NGOs should desist from such unauthorised activities with immediate effect," he said in his letter. When asked for a comment on the decision, Mr. Dissanayake told Daily Mirror NGOs had only been asked not to exceed their mandate through this letter. He said his office examined all aspects such as the trustee of the NGO concerned, its funding sources, vision and mission, programme of work and the officials, before registering it. He said intelligence reports were obtained about the officials when the NGOs applied for registration. "We register the NGOs after all these aspects are cleared. NGOs are also required to submit their annual action plans to us for approval. We also get confirmation letters of their foreign funding agencies as well. However, we have received numerous complaints that some NGOs act in contravention of their mandate. In this letter, we have only asked 1,416 NGOs registered with us to stick to their mandate," Mr. Dissanayake said.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Violation
- Judicial Harassment
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of association
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Not active
- Date added
- Sep 20, 2019
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Apr 4, 2014
- Event Description
The Sri Lankan government's decision to label 16 overseas Tamil organizations as financers of terrorism is so broad that it appears aimed at restricting peaceful activism by the country's Tamil minority, Human Rights Watch said on Monday. The government should provide evidence of the unlawful activity of specific groups and individuals or remove them from the list. On April 4, 2014, External Affairs Minister G.L. Peiris made public an order signed on March 20, on the advice of the defense secretary, freezing the assets and financial resources of entities ranging from the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), which was militarily defeated in 2009, to nonviolent Tamil organizations around the world. Chief Military spokesman Brig. Ruwan Wanigasuriya reportedly said that under the order, legal action would be taken against anyone having links with the listed groups. This would place local activists and alleged group members visiting the country at risk of being detained and held without charge under Sri Lanka's abusive Prevention of Terrorism Act. "The Sri Lankan government is using vague counterterrorism regulations to tie the major diaspora Tamil groups to the ruthless but defunct LTTE," said Brad Adams, Asia director. "This broad-brush sanction could then be used to punish local Tamil activists and politicians with international ties." Sri Lanka's United Nations Regulation No. 1 of 2012 empowers the government to designate individuals, groups or entities believed to "commit or attempt to commit or participate in or facilitate the commission of, terrorist acts" and freeze their financial assets and economic resources. The government's order provides no factual basis for its actions. Most of the groups listed in the order are lawfully registered entities in the various countries in which they are based. The asset freeze also covers 424 individuals. The government should address its legitimate concerns about foreign terrorist financing primarily through legal cooperation with foreign governments. It should promptly produce the factual basis for listing, and ensure organizations and individuals are able to contest their designations before independent and impartial courts. United Nations Resolution No. 1 is derived from UN Security Council Resolution 1373 (2001), passed in the wake of the September 11, 2001 attacks on the United States, and requires countries to freeze assets and entities of those "who commit or attempt to commit terrorist acts or participate in or facilitate the commission of terrorist acts." Human Rights Watch has extensively reported on how Resolution 1373 has provided governments broad leeway to create vague and overbroad definitions of terrorist activity and to curtail basic rights. In 2009, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay said that Resolution 1373, by serving as a vehicle for "numerous" countries to enact provisions that derogate from international human rights treaties, has had "a very serious negative impact on human rights." In 2010, the then-UN special rapporteur on human rights and counterterrorism, Martin Scheinin, said in his final report to the UN General Assembly that the counterterrorism regime created by the Security Council "continues to pose risks to the protection of a number of international human rights standards." Government statements on the asset freezes did not allay concerns of future rights abuses. The chief of national intelligence, Maj. Gen. Kapila Hendawitharana said that those having dealings with the listed persons and organizations could continue to do so as long as they do not violate Sri Lanka's constitution or collect money for terrorism, but did not specify further exactly what actions would be prohibited. Hendawitharana also left open the possibility that the government might issue an outright ban on the persons and organizations listed, and said that more could be added. "The government is putting all Tamil activists at risk by delegitimizing the major Tamil organizations abroad," Adams said. "Putting organizations engaged in peaceful political activity on a terrorist list is a modern version of McCarthyism."
- Impact of Event
- 16
- Violation
- Intimidation and Threats
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of association, Minority Rights
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Not active
- Date added
- Sep 20, 2019
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Mar 20, 2014
- Event Description
Mar 20, Colombo: A Sri Lankan court has issued warrants to arrest 15 students attached to the Kelaniya University. The Mahara Chief Magistrate issued the arrest warrants on the university students for allegedly disturbing the peace by holding a protest march despite a court order forbidding it. The arrest warrants were issued as the university students had failed to present themselves in Court following a complaint that they had gone ahead with the protest. About 5,000 undergraduate students of Kelaniya University belonging to the Marxist student union launched the protest march to Colombo Wednesday. However, the police fired tear gas and water cannons and dispersed the protesters when they tried to reach the Presidential Secretariat. The protest march was organized by the Inter University Student Federation (IUSF) over several issues faced by the country's education and higher education sectors including the slashing of budgetary allocations to the country's education sector. Source: Colombo Page UPDATE 27/03/2014: Daily Mirror- The students are freed on bail.
- Impact of Event
- 15
- Violation
- (Arbitrary) Arrest and Detention, Judicial Harassment
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of assembly, Right to education, Right to Protest
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Sep 20, 2019
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Mar 16, 2014
- Event Description
Last night's arrest of Ruki Fernando and Fr. Praveen in Kilinochchi on terrorism charges, soon after the arrest of Jeyakumari Balendran and her young daughter on suspicion of harbouring a criminal, is extremely disturbing and an urgent call to action. In stark contrast to what the Government says in Geneva is what it does in Sri Lanka. Human rights activists are being arrested under draconian laws which permit the authorities to interrogate them in isolation for extended periods of time. It is clear the government wants to go after those who flag human rights abuses. This is happening when deliberations at the Human Rights Council on Sri Lanka are taking place, demonstrating the regime's scant regard for international opinion and scrutiny. It is an urgent call to hold the government accountable and use all means necessary, in Geneva and elsewhere, to secure the safety of Ruki, Fr. Praveen, Jeyakumari, her daughter and others similarly under arrest and detained. Failure to do suggests that words aside, the international community accepts the democratic deficit in Sri Lanka. We received the following updates last night: At around 10.05 pm tonight, several of us received a text message from Ruki Fernando, on his mobile number 0773874xxx stating that Ruki and Father Praveen have been detained at the killnochchi police station, apparently on suspicion of a shooting. Later, Ruki informed a colleague also via text, that he and father Praveen were being questioned separately. A lawyer who called the Killinochchi police station, was informed that no such persons were arrested by the Killinochchi police or being held at the police station. However the police said that two persons had been arrested by a specially appointed unit of the TID and were being held at a separate location in Killinochchi. Another lawyer who spoke to the OIC Killinochchi was informed that Ruki and Praveen were being questioned and a decision regarding their continued detention would be made in the morning. This directly contradicts the version in the para above. We don't know the details of arrest or the facts leading up to it. We are very concerned for their safety and urgently need a lawyer who can visit the police station tonight and find out where they are being held on for what reasons etc. We published two more updates to the situation: Update 1: A lawyer who called the Killinochchi police, was informed that ruki and fr. praveen were being questioned by around 15 TID officers at the Killinochchi Police station. The HRC has also been informed that both persons are being held at the police station. Still no clear reasons for this treatment and we have also not been able to find a lawyer in Jaffna/Vavuniya/Killi who can visit the police station. Update 2: there is a possibility that ruki and father praveen ay be moved to colombo or vavuniya, but we have not been able to verify where they are at present.As journalist Dinouk Colomboge notes on Twitter, Ruki has been a prolific author on Groundviews, covering over the years issues and incidents mainstream media has often glossed over and the Government claims simply don't exist, are fabricated or over-hyped. A number of videos featuring Ruki's take on the human rights conditions in Sri Lanka can be viewed here. UPDATE : 21 March 2015 Statement to mark one year since the issuing of the gag order, travel restrictions and TID investigation against Sri Lankan human rights defender Ruki Fernando. The 21st March 2015 will mark one year since a court order restricting the freedom of expression on leading Sri Lankan human rights defender and writer, Ruki Fernando was obtained by the Terrorist Investigation Department (TID). Such restriction on freedom of expression of a prolific writer and commentator on human rights issues such as Ruki, is unprecedented in recent Sri Lankan history. Ruki and another colleague were arrested on 16th March 2014 during a fact finding mission to the war ravaged Northern part of the country. Both were released on 19th March 2014 after massive national and international outrage. Immediately after his release, Ruki gave interviews to local and international media. As a result of this, he faced intimidation after his release and a fresh investigation was launched against him by the TID. The TID also obtained Court Orders restriction Ruki's overseas travels and freedom of expression, and also confiscated communication equipment , all of which are effective till today. Ruki's arrest had resulted in him being branded a traitor and terrorist supporter by some media and Sinhalese nationalist groups, and the restriction on freedom of expression had made it difficult for him to respond to such accusations and defamation and defend himself. His human rights work locally and internationally as well as personal life has been constrained by the need to go to courts each time he needs to travel overseas. Even after obtaining court permission, he was compelled to miss a flight when he was travelling overseas for a human rights conference and he had faced delays, humiliation on other occasions he was travelling overseas for human rights work, due to being stopped and questioned by the Immigration and State Intelligence Service officers. It is now more than 4 months since Ruki's lawyers had made verbal and written submissions to the Attorney General's Department about the closure of the case and lifting of the restrictions . There has been an indication of readiness to lift the travel restriction. But the Attorney General's Department and the TID has refused to close the investigation, return the confiscated equipment and lift of the gag order. This clearly indicates the continuing anti -human rights and media freedom mind-set of the security establishment and the insensitivity of the new political leadership towards same. It shows that HRDs released from detention can be subjected to continued harassments and restrictions, despite the new political leadership in Sri Lanka. The conditions imposed on Ms. Balendran Jeyakumari, a woman HRD released on bail on 10th March 2015 after 362 days in detention, reaffirms this. We the undersigned fully endorse and look forward to "...the day when all human rights defenders and dissenters can be free from accusations of supporting terrorism and are able enjoy their rights to express themselves and travel freely" (as said by Ruki ). Signatures: Individuals 1. Ainslie Joseph - Convener/Chief Animator, Christian Alliance for Social Action (CASA) 2. Amal de Chickera 3. Anberiya Hanifa 4. Anthony Jesudasan 5. B. Gowthaman 6. Balasingham Skanthakumar 7. Brito Fernando 8. Budi Tjahjono 9. Chamila Thushari 10. Damaris Wickremesekera 11. Deanne Uyangoda 12. Dr. Cheran Rudhramoorthy 13. Dr. Leonie Solomons - Executive Director, Language Matters 14. Dr. Muhammad Muzzammil Cader - Convener, People's Movement for Non-Violence 15. Dr. Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu - Executive Director, Centre for Policy Alternatives (CPA) 16. Dr. Richard Perera 17. Dulan de Silva 18. E.M. Bandara Menike 19. Emil van der Poorten - Community Activist seeking to uphold basic human rights 20. Faizun Zackariya - Citizens' Voice for Justice and Peace 21. Freddy Gamage - Editor, Meepura Newspaper 22. Godfrey Yogarajah - Executive Director, World Evangelical Alliance - Religious Liberty Commission (WEA RLC) 23. Herman Kumara - Convener, NAFSO 24. Ian Ferdinands 25. Indika Udugampola 26. Jake Oorloff 27. Jayampathi Bulathsinhala 28. Jayanthi Kuru-Utumpala 29. Joanne Senn 30. Joe William 31. Jovita Arulanantham 32. K. Guruparan - Attorney-at-Law 33. Kalani Subasinghe 34. Kelly Senanayaka 35. Krishan Rajapakshe 36. Kusal Perera - Journalist 37. Laaurence KWARK 38. Lesley Sirimane 39. M. Nilashani 40. M.M. Rahman - Journalist, Mannar 41. Manjula Wediwardana 42. Marianne Johnpillai 43. Marisa de Silva 44. Melani Manel Perera - Journalist 45. Melisha Yapa 46. Menaha Kandasamy - Red Flag Women's Movement 47. Monica Alfred 48. Nalini Ratnarajah - Women Human Rights Defender 49. Nicola Perera 50. Nilantha Ilangamuwa - Journalist & Editor of Sri Lanka Guardian 51. Nilshan Fonseka 52. Nimal Perera - CSM 53. Nimalka Fernando 54. Nirmala Rajasingam 55. P. Selvaratnam 56. P. Vijayashanthan - Theatre Activist 57. P.N. Singham 58. Paba Deshapriya 59. Philip Setunga 60. Poddala Jayantha 61. Prof. Ajit Abeysekera 62. Prof. Jayadeva Uyangoda - University of Colombo 63. Prof. Jayantha Seneviratne - University of Kelaniya 64. R.M.B Senanayake - Retired C.C.S 65. Rajany Chandrasegaram 66. Ranjith Henayakaarachchi 67. Rasika Manobuddhi 68. Ravindra Chandralal 69. Rev. Dr. Rayappu Joseph - Bishop of Mannar 70. Rev. Fr. Jeyabalan Croos 71. Rev. Fr. Sherard Jayawardane 72. Rev. Fr. T. L. R. Dominic 73. Rev. Jason J. Selvaraja - Assembly of God, Chavakachcheri 74. Rev. Sr. Anne Perera- HF - CSM 75. Rev. Sr. Deepa Fernando - HF 76. Rev. Sr. Noel Christine Fernando - SCJM, Sri Lanka 77. Rohini Hensman - Writer and Independent Scholar 78. S. R. Perera 79. S.C.C. Elankovan 80. Sampath Samarakoon 81. Senaka Wattegedara 82. Shantha D. Pathirana - Human Rights Defender 83. Shreen Saroor 84. Sunanda Deshapriya 85. Suren D. Perera 86. T. Mathuri - Attorney-at-Law 87. Tanuja Thurairajah - Researcher 88. Tejshree Thapa 89. Udaya R. Tennakoon 90. V. Sanjeev 91. Visaka Dharmadasa Organizations 92. Association of War Affected Women (AWAW) 93. National Peace Council (NPC) 94. Rights Now Collective for Democracy
- Impact of Event
- 2
- Violation
- (Arbitrary) Arrest and Detention, Intimidation and Threats
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of association, Freedom of movement
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Sep 20, 2019
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Mar 13, 2014
- Event Description
Activist groups are now confirming that a Tamil woman from Kilinochchi and her 13 year old daughter have been arrested by police investigators following a five hour raid on their home at Dharmapuram last evening. Both of them are reportedly being held in Vavuniya. Reports that Balendran Jeyakumari a prominent campaigner for families of the disappeared in the Kilinochchi District and her daughter were being detained inside her home which is in the Indian Housing scheme broke late afternoon yesterday (13). Media and Tamil politician Gajen Ponnambalam reported that Jayakumari's home had been surrounded by police and armed forces personnel at about 4:30 P.M. on Thursday (13). Ponnambalam and other friends who called Jayakumari on her phone reported that the woman had first answered and that later her phone was snatched away by men claiming to be police, who said there was an investigation under way before switching off the mobile. Neighbours reported the sound of screams and crying by Vithushaini at the home. Media personnel rushing to the scene were not permitted to get close to Jayakumari's residence, with police cordoning off the area near her home. For several hours no reports emerged about their whereabouts, although late Wednesday night, Ponnambalam said there were unconfirmed reports Jayakumari and her daughter had been arrested. Police meanwhile, told reporters in Colombo that one policeman had been injured in an attack when a team of police personnel was attempting to arrest a suspected Ex-LTTE cadre in Kilinochchi. Police Spokesman Ajith Rohana told the BBC on Thursday that the suspect had been in a house in which there were two women who were now being investigated. More unconfirmed reports are emerging about further police casualties. Jayakumari and her daughter Vithushaini are familiar faces in disappearances protests and were heavily photographed during the missing peoples' protest in Jaffna when British Prime Minister David Cameron visited the area during CHOGM in November last year. Jayakumari had four children - two sons were killed in the war and a third went missing after she handed him over to the military in May 2009. Her 13 year old daughter is her last remaining child. Both Jayakumari and her daughter handed over documents of their family members last whereabouts and information to Channel 4?s Jonathan Snow who was mobbed by the demonstrators in Jaffna during Cameron's visit. Sources said that the two women were being harassed on suspicion of having been informants for the British Broadcaster. Video of demonstration at Nallur Kovil Jaffna prior to Cameron's arrival in the North shows Jayakumari and her daughter are in the first row of protestors. UPDATE: 10 March 2015 Jeyakumari was released after 362 days in detention under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) without charges. The Court granted conditional bail of Rs. 200,000 (approx. USD 1,464) and imposed travel ban by impounding her passport and ordering her to report to a police station twice a month. Police will continue investigations into her case.
- Impact of Event
- 2
- Violation
- (Arbitrary) Arrest and Detention, Enforced Disappearance
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of association, Minority Rights
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Active
- Date added
- Sep 20, 2019
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Jun 19, 2014
- Event Description
A Buddhist monk, who campaigned for inter-faith harmony was found assaulted today with cut wounds, and has been hospitalized in Sri Lanka. The General Secretary of Jathika Bala Sena, Ven. Watareka Vijitha Thero was reportedly abducted and found beaten with cut wounds in the Bandaragama area this morning, the police said. He was admitted to the Panadura hospital and was later transferred to Colombo National Hospital for further treatments. According to the information received by the Panadura Police, Ven. Wataraka Vijitha Thero was found with his hands and feet tied up early this morning on the road side in an area called Hirana. Ven. Wataraka Vijitha Thero was threatened by Galagodaaththe Gnanasara Thera, leader of the extremist Buddhist group Bodu Bala Sena (BBS) in April during an inter-faith press conference he held with the Muslim religious leaders. The militant monk leader of BBS disrupted the press conference and made Watareka Vijitha Thero to apologize. The Thero later complained to the Slave Island police that he apologized due to threats to his life. Earlier this month the BBS leader threatened the lawyer, former Provincial Councilor of the United National Party (UNP) Maithri Gunarathna, who was representing the victimized monk, at the court premises. Panadura Police has begun investigations into the assault on Watareka Vijitha Thero.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Violation
- Intimidation and Threats, Reprisal as Result of Communication, Violence (physical)
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of Religion and Belief, Minority Rights
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Active
- Date added
- Sep 20, 2019
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Apr 14, 2014
- Event Description
On the night of April 14, 2014, Mr. Sivagnanam Selvatheepan, a Tamil journalist, was brutally attacked by two masked men in the Puraapporukki area of Jaffna Peninsula, in Northern Sri Lanka. Although, the assailants attacked with metal rods with intent to kill, Selvatheepan miraculously survived the murderous attack. The International Council of Eelam Tamils strongly condemns the attack on journalists who are risking their lives to bring out news about the atrocities committed by the occupying forces. Selvatheepan was the Jaffna Vadamaraachchi region correspondent for Virakesari, Thinakkural, and Valampuri newspapers. As a member of the Jaffna Press Club, he had been informing the Jaffna Press Club and his fellow journalist about the continuing threats to his life. Recently, the Nelliady Police Station had obtained personal details about him. The assailants who followed him for a few kilometers clearly identified him prior to the vicious attack. It should also be noted that Selvatheepan, accompanied by his mother, gave evidence about his missing brother to the Lessons Learned and Reconciliation Commission appointed by the Government of Sri Lanka. The fact that he was attacked in a closely guarded area with heavy military presence points to the strong links between the assailants and the military. Journalists and editors working for Puthiyavan, another regional newspaper from Mannar District located in the Northwestern part of Sri Lanka, have been receiving death threats from a politician aligned with the Government of Sri Lanka. The Government of Sri Lanka has also refused to extend the Visa of BBC correspondent Mr. Charles Haviland. All of these point to a strong culture of repression of the press freedom in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka will continue to muzzle the press in order to hide its genocidal project coming to the attention of the international community. We strongly urge the international community to intervene and stop the attack on journalist and protect the Tamils from ongoing genocide.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Violation
- Intimidation and Threats, Reprisal as Result of Communication, Violence (physical)
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Not active
- Date added
- Sep 20, 2019
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- May 16, 2014
- Event Description
Two student activists were abducted by the Government of Sri Lanka and 17 student activists were remanded until May 19th, says the Inter University Students' Federation. Issuing a statement the IUSF today said; "Abducting and illegally detaining students without warrants and assaulting them is a grave violation of the fundamental rights of the students activists. We categorically condemn this political witch hunt of student activists by the police in collusion with the courts, especially in the context of the Higher Education Minister S.B.Dissanayake's open threat towards IUSF activists and their families. We invite the people of this country to organize and rally to protect educational, political and fundamental rights of the students."\ We publish below the statement in full; Although the Government of Sri Lanka has failed to give solutions to the cut in the Allied Health Sciences' degree and the resistance action of Rajarata students against the repressive university administration, it has launched a campaign of repression against the student activists fighting for education rights. The latest step by the police in this direction is following students in civil attire and abducting and illegally detaining them. Police has conducted two such illegal abductions. In both these abductions they have produced fake warrants against the students. These abductions happened when the students were leaving after a protest action held in front of the University Grants Commission yesterday (16) afternoon. The first abduction happened at about 3.45 in the evening in front of the Post Office in Town Hall. Police officers in civil attire have followed 4 students, ambushed them and a three wheeler and a jeep that arrived suddenly have abducted them. Then they were illegally detained at the Kirulapona Police Station. Second abduction happened at about 5.35 in the evening. Students have got into a bus to go to Colombo Fort and again police officers in civil attire had got into the bus had attempted to arrest a student under a warrant issued in the name of a different person. Students had protested the illegal arrest of the fellow student and the police had arbitrarily ordered the driver to take the bus along with the 13 students to Slave Island Police Station. When the bus arrived at the Police Station the police have inhumanly attacked the students with batons and poles right in front of the Police Station. As of now, students who were injured were not even hospitalized. Students were presented in front of the Fort Magistrate at his residence in Mount Lavinia at about 10.30 in the night and the Magistrate had ordered them to be remanded until 19th. Allied Health Science Students activists of Universities of Ruhuna and Peradeniya are thus being illegally detained and Students Council President of University of Peradeniya, Dimuthu Gunasekere is also among the illegally detained. Abducting and illegally detaining students without warrants and assaulting them is a grave violation of the fundamental rights of the students activists. We categorically condemn this political witch hunt of student activists by the police in collusion with the courts, especially in the context of the Higher Education Minister S.B.Dissanayake's open threat towards IUSF activists and their families. We invite the people of this country to organize and rally to protect educational, political and fundamental rights of the students.
- Impact of Event
- 17
- Violation
- (Arbitrary) Arrest and Detention, Intimidation and Threats
- Rights Concerned
- Access to justice, Freedom of assembly, Freedom of movement, Right to education, Right to Protest
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Not active
- Date added
- Sep 20, 2019
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Mar 5, 2013
- Event Description
On 5 March 2013, about 600 human rights defenders, including relatives of disappeared persons from Jaffna, Kilinochchi, Mullaithivu, Mannar and Vavuniya districts, were reportedly heading to Colombo in a convoy of 13 buses in order to attend a peaceful demonstration organized by the Association of the Families Searching for the Disappeared Relatives, an association set up to seek justice for victims of enforced disappearances, and thereafter march to the United Nations office in Colombo with a view to submitting a petition. This peaceful protest was meant to be part of a larger advocacy campaign organized by relatives of disappeared persons.When defenders started gathering at the Vavuniya Urban Council (VUC) ground in Vavuniya, men in plainclothes, believed to be intelligence officers, started enquiring about the identity of the organizer, and the purpose and funding of their trip. The men advised them to return home. Around 5.30p.m., police officials registered the details of the buses and drivers, and then agreed to allow the buses to proceed to Colombo, although it is reported that no such registration, nor permission, is needed for buses and private vehicles to travel from Vavuniya to the capital or any other destination. At 8.30p.m., when the buses, loaded with people, started to move out from the VUC ground, the police reportedly stopped them on alleged security grounds since, according to the police, a bus had been stoned between Vavuniya and Anuradhapura. The police claimed that they would not be able to ensure the security of the convoy should it proceed.The police eventually resorted to block the path in front of the buses with their trucks. The military was reportedly ready to intervene. Defenders inside the buses became disconcerted, and the police gave them assurances that they would be allowed to travel the following day at 4.30a.m.. On 6 March 2013, at 1:00a.m., 11 bus drivers were reportedly called by men dressed in plainclothes, believed to be police officers, to remove the buses from inside the VUC ground. The men warned the bus drivers that they would be prevented from working in Vavuniya, and that they could lose their route passes enabling them to operate commercial buses in the north of the country, should they not follow their instructions. As a consequence, nine of the 11 bus drivers moved the vehicles outside the VUC ground, and drove their buses home. It is further alleged that two more bus drivers received similar threats on the phone, and they reportedly removed the buses from Pampaimadu, about 10 kilometers west of Vavuniya, where their buses had been parked. At 5:00 a.m. the organizers went to the police headquarters, and were told that they could leave after 5.30 a.m. However, it is reported that at the same time the police instructed all bus drivers in Vavuniya, including the Private Bus Owners Association, not to drive the peaceful demonstrators to Colombo, warning them that they would be in trouble should they do so. The organizers eventually had no other choice than cancelling their travel to Colombo.They decided to peacefully march to the office of the Government Agent with a view to handing over a memorandum to him, in which they called, inter alia, for the release or disclosure of names of individuals abducted and detained. After some exchanges between representatives of the group of peaceful demonstrators and the Government Agent, the latter went out of his office to receive the memorandum.At 2:00p.m., a delegation of human rights defenders and members of political parties met with the Inspector-General of Police in Colombo to report and enquire about the action of law enforcement authorities who prevented their colleagues from reaching Colombo to attend a peaceful demonstration.
- Impact of Event
- 600
- Violation
- Enforced Disappearance, Intimidation and Threats
- Rights Concerned
- Access to justice, Freedom of assembly, Freedom of movement, Right to Protest
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Not active
- Date added
- Sep 20, 2019
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Dec 17, 2012
- Event Description
Alleged attack on human rights defender. According to the information received, on 17 December 2012, Mr. Gunaratne Wanninayaka was attacked outside his home by four unknown individuals carrying assault rifles. Mr. Wanninayaka managed to escape and enter his house, while the armed individuals followed him and attempted unsuccessfully to gain entry to his residence. Mr. Wanninayaka is a high-profile campaigner for the independence of the judiciary in Sri Lanka and is President of the Colombo Magistrate's Court Lawyers Association. He was at the forefront of a recent campaign opposing the impeachment of a Supreme Court judge.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Violation
- Intimidation and Threats, Violence (physical)
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Not active
- Date added
- Sep 20, 2019
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Sep 2, 2013
- Event Description
COLOMBO : A Catholic-run human rights group working in northeastern Sri Lanka said Monday it had been harassed by security personnel after meeting UN rights chief Navi Pillay last week. Pillay ended her first official visit to the formerly war-ravaged country at the weekend with a stinging press conference in which she accused the government of becoming "increasingly authoritarian". Veerasan Yogeswaran, a 60-year-old Jesuit priest who runs the Centre for Promotion and Protection of Human Rights, said five or six plainclothes policemen visited him at midnight and before dawn, just hours after the meeting with Pillay. "The concern is that they are going to homes at midnight and questioning people," the priest told AFP from his home in Trincomalee, 260 kilometres (160 miles) northeast of the capital Colombo. "This should not happen four years after the war has ended. People feel harassed and intimidated. "Just imagine the plight of the ordinary people when they are visited at midnight by the security forces." Pillay denounced the intimidation of people she had spoken to during her week-long fact-finding mission to probe alleged war crimes in Sri Lanka, which is under international pressure over its rights record. "This type of surveillance and harassment appears to be getting worse in Sri Lanka, which is a country where critical voices are quite often attacked or even permanently silenced," she said on Saturday. The Centre for Promotion and Protection of Human Rights in eastern Sri Lanka helps families of people who went missing during and after Sri Lanka's decades-long Tamil separatist war as well as people in detention. Rights activist Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu, who heads the Colombo-based Centre for Policy Alternatives (CPA), said he travelled to the war-affected districts of Mullaittivu and Jaffna and spoke to local people who also said they were questioned after meeting Pillay. "I have had reports confirming that civilians who spoke with her... had been visited and questioned by people they suspected to be military intelligence or army," Saravanamuttu told AFP. The CPA chief who is a member of the ethnic Tamil minority is routinely denounced on state television as a traitor and Tamil Tiger supporter. Sri Lanka's government has criticised Pillay, saying that she transgressed her mandate. It denied anyone who spoke with her had been harassed. Information Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said the government was prepared to probe her allegations of intimidation if she could provide evidence. "Those who make these allegations are only trying to discredit the country," Rambukwella told reporters. "If there is a complaint from them to the law enforcement authorities, we are ready to have a complete investigation." There was no immediate comment from the UN in Colombo or Pillay's office in Geneva to government demands for evidence of intimidation. Sri Lanka's battle with separatists from the minority ethnic Tamil group ended in 2009 with a no-holds-barred military offensive which crushed the Tamil Tiger rebel group. The military campaign sparked allegations that troops killed up to 40,000 civilians and committed other war crimes such as executing surrendering Tamil rebels and shelling civilian centres which had been declared no-fire zones. In March, the UN passed a second resolution in as many years pressing Sri Lanka to investigate alleged war crimes more thoroughly.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Violation
- Intimidation and Threats
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of association
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Not active
- Date added
- Sep 20, 2019
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Aug 17, 2013
- Event Description
COLOMBO -- A Sri Lankan media rights group on Sunday accused the military of intimidating journalists who reported a deadly army crackdown on villagers protesting at contaminated water supplies. The army has been come under pressure after soldiers fired on unarmed locals on August 1 in a village outside Colombo, killing three, as they protested against a factory which they say polluted their ground water. The Free Media Movement (FMM) said the army summoned reporters, photographers and video persons to give evidence as part of a military investigation into the incident. "Summoning the journalists who were also badly assaulted by the army to give evidence is seen by us as further intimidation," FMM convener Sunil Jayasekera told AFP. "They (the media) were asked to come to an army camp on Saturday, but they did not comply." Jayasekera said the rights group was willing to cooperate with a separate police investigation also under way , but not one conducted by the army considering its own soldiers were accused of wrongdoing. "We have asked the military to tell us under what law are they summoning the journalists to army camps to give evidence." Military spokesman Brigadier Ruwan Wanigasooriya denied troops were intimidating witnesses, and said they issued summonses in the interests of a fair inquiry and to corroborate evidence gathered so far. At least 26 journalists have fled Sri Lanka in the past five years to escape threats, intimidation, violence and imprisonment, according to the New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists. At least five journalists have been killed in the same period. Sri Lanka was ranked 162 out of 179 countries in a recent press freedom index compiled by the Paris-based Reporters without Borders. Media rights groups say journalists have been forced to self-censor their work due to fear of attacks. Residents of Weliweriya, the village 20 kilometers (12 miles) northeast of Colombo, have also told Sri Lanka's Human Rights Council of their fear of intimidation following army summonses to give evidence, local media reports said Sunday. The U.S. and the European Union have condemned the August 1 shooting and called for a speedy civilian inquiry to prosecute those responsible. The incident comes ahead of a visit next week by U.N. human rights chief Navi Pillay, who has demanded an international probe into alleged war crimes by Sri Lankan forces during the final stages of a war against Tamil rebels in 2009.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Violation
- Censorship, Intimidation and Threats
- Rights Concerned
- Right to Protest
- Source
[China Post](http://China Post
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Sep 20, 2019
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Nov 4, 2013
- Event Description
Complaint made to the HRC-SL and IGP by Dr. Nimalka Fernando The radio programme titled Rata Yana Atha (The way country is forging ahead) broadcasted in the Commercial Channel of the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation on 4th November 2013 was based on a voice cut given by me to the Hiru TV to be relayed in the HARD TALK segment during the daily news bulletin. I had listened to the original version of the HARD TALK relayed on Sunday 3rd of November by HIRU TV. On 4th November morning I received several telephone calls from friends and relatives stating that a statement made by me to HIRU TV is being used in a radio programme of the SLBC in an improper manner including causing threat to my life. According to them what was said in this programme was going to cause a real danger to my life. Since the telephone calls received were of serious nature taking note of their concerns I decided to switch on the radio to listen to this particular programme around 9.00am on the 4th. I listened to the programme for about 30 minutes. What I heard was so violent , defamatory and stressfulI and I had no mental strength to continue to listen any further. The synopsis of what I heard is given below: The main title of the Programme was
Stoning the Sinner Woman' Broadcast: Sections of what I said in the Hard Talk interview
59 years old...divorced....serving 30 organisations...about Rs 100,000...since 1989 carried tales....' From the studio voice of Mr Hudson Samarasinghe Chairman of the Sri Lanka Broadcasting CorporationSee what she has done' Then calls were taken. I am writing only what I remember though much more abusive and defaming statements were made by the callers , Mr Hudson Samarasinghe and a person called Gayan who was present in the studio as the compeer of the programme: Call 1: " We can not allow persons like Nimalka Fernando to live in this society" Call 2: " We use insecticides to eliminate the spread of mosquitoes. Some mosquitoes develop a resistance to such spray. These people are like that. We have to find a method to destroy them." Call 3: "If we do something to them the government will be blamed by the human rights people. We should use a lorry and cause an accident." Call 4: " There is something call cleaning in the army. Mr Gotabaya knows this. We should hand her over to the cleaning system." Call 5: "Chairperson, today you have started a good activity. Continue this upto March 2014 and begin to deal with the NGO clan one by one." While callers were making such statements Mr Hudson Samarasinghe was actively involved in supporting the ideas expressed to eliminate me. The words he used welcomed such ideas as well as endorsed them. The person called Gayan too (present in the studio) joined him agreeing to the ideas and facilitated the calls. Most of the callers were men. During the 30 minutes at least 3 of them identified themselves as those who had served the armed forces and retired. Another caller said that he has a friend who was injured during the war. Some callers also mentioned names of Vickramabahu and Lal Kantha who are political leaders in Sri Lanka who have expressed fearlessly their positions publicly. They were of the view that
the society has not taken action against them'. Mr Hudson Samarasinghe who is the Chairman of the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation did not stop the callers from making offensive and derogatory statement nor spreading such violent ideas against me. He did not disassociated himself from these comments which called for my annihilation. I heard a caller referring to me as a prostitute. The Chairperson of the SLBC encouraged all these comments and further encouraged openly defamation and my annihilation. The totality of this programme is the creation of a dialogue through a government media to destroy my life. On 26 November 2013, a Joint Urgent Appeal (JUA) was addressed to Sri Lanka by the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression; the Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association; the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders; and the Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions. Sri Lanka has not responded.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Violation
- Intimidation and Threats, Reprisal as Result of Communication
- Source
Sri Lanka Brief26/11/13 JUA: UN OHCHR
- Monitoring Status
- Not active
- Date added
- Sep 20, 2019
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Jul 20, 2017
- Event Description
As we are all aware, there is a prolonged campaign against the government's attempt to legalize South Asian Institute for Technology and Management (SAITM) as a Private Medical College without proper accreditation by Sri Lanka Medical Council. University Students of Medical and all other Faculties are at the forefront of a battle against SAITM and have demanded its nationalization. As the campaign against SAITM has grown to be a national movement, the government has turned undemocratic to suppress it by using covert and overt violent means. As a result of the government's brutal suppression of several protests many student protesters were injured, and several leading student activists are being held in custody indefinitely. The government seems to be determined to suppress the anti-SAITM student movement by arresting its entire leadership. The government is targeting student leaders by unleashing violence and using intelligence services and civil clad military personnel to arrest them. The most recent example occurred on 20th July 2017 when there was an attempt to abduct a leading student activist, Ryan Jayalath, by some men without uniforms who were supported by the Police. Fortunately, Ryan could not be abducted due to the intervention of some activists who were around him. He was being clearly targeted for his activism. The government in arresting student leaders and suppressing their campaign undemocratically, is acting against the very principle of good governance. We as concerned academics belonging to several Universities and several other organizations working for the right of free education and social justice have resolved to condemn the government's attempt to suppress students and make a mockery of the rule of the law in this country. With this objective we will hold a Press Conference on 23rd July at 2.00 .p.m. at the Center for Society and Religion (CSR), Maradana. We kindly invite your media organization to attend this press briefing and provide wide publicity for the stance we are taking in order to safeguard the rights of student activists in particular and condemn the government's undemocratic and brutal approach in general.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- Abduction/Kidnapping, Administrative Harassment, Intimidation and Threats, Surveillance
- Rights Concerned
- Right to education
- HRD
- Student, Youth
- Perpetrator-State
- Suspected state
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Sep 20, 2019
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Jun 17, 2017
- Event Description
On 14 June 2017, during a the TV talk show titled "Aluth Parlimenthuwa (new parliament)", Lakshan highlighted that Muslim and Christian places of worship are under attack and that 195 attacks against Christians have been reported since 8 January 2015. Lakshan has been a determined and long standing campaigner and advocate on the rights of religious minorities. He often travels far to rural areas, interacts with victimized communities, publicizes their plight, and appears in courts across the country on numerous cases, during this Government and under the previous Government. Although he was referring to the NCEASL report, he is personally aware of many such incidents. His comments on the TV talk show, especially his candid assertion that Buddhist Monks are behind some of these attacks, drew immediate and angry reactions from a hostile anchor and two other panelists. And within days, it also drew negative reactions from President Sirisena and Minister of Justice and Buddhasasana, Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe, both of whom were quoted on primetime news of government TV station, ITN on 17 June 2017. President Sirisena said that he had called the Catholic Archbishop of Colombo, Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith, and asked from him about attacks on Catholics/Christians (although Lakshan never mentioned attacks on Catholics in the TV talk show). According to President Sirisena, the Cardinal had said that there had been no such attacks. Minister Wijeyadasa misquotes Lakshan as having said 166 attacks against Christians in recent days of this year (what Lakshan actually said is that there have been 195 attacks between 8th January 2015 till todate). The Minister then goes on to say that the Cardinal had claimed no such incidents have happened in Sri Lanka. On June 17, 2017, Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe threatened Lakshan Dias to "take necessary steps to remove him from the legal profession" unless Dias apologized for remarks on a television program three days earlier about attacks on the Christian community.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- Administrative Harassment, Intimidation and Threats
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of Religion and Belief, Minority Rights, Right to work
- HRD
- Lawyer
- Perpetrator-State
- Government
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Sep 20, 2019
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- May 16, 2017
- Event Description
On 20 May 2017, Father Elil Rajan was summoned in relation to a commemorative event he organised near St. Paul's Church in East Mullivaaikkal, a village on the north-east coast of Sri Lanka which was the scene of the final battle of the civil war. The event consisted of placing rocks carved with the names of Tamil victims of this final battle. While the police summons was withdrawn, the human rights defender was asked to provide the list of names that was engraved on the rocks. Father Elil Rajan had previously been summoned and questioned on 16 May by the Mullaitivu Police and on 19 May by the Vavuniya Police over the event he organised for Mullivaikkal Remembrance Day on 18 May, a commemorative day observed by Tamil people to remember those who died in the final stages of the civil war. The ongoing harassment of Father Elil Rajan is part of a broader crackdown on Tamil civil society, which has been subjected to other forms of harassment, intimidation and surveillance which hinder non-exclusionary truth and reconciliation efforts by restricting the recognition and remembrance of human rights violations suffered by Tamil people during the civil war. Human rights defenders such as Father Elil Rajan who work on Tamil issues and for the inclusion of the Tamil perspective in truth and reconciliation efforts, are particularly targeted through surveillance, and freedom of expression and assembly is restricted in Tamil regions, especially in military-occupied territories affected by the civil war. Police occasionally use excessive force to disperse protesters, and the army has imposed some restrictions on assembly in the North and East, particularly for planned memorial events concerning the end of the war, which impact human rights defenders working on violations perpetrated in the region both during and after the civil war. These restrictions have disproportionately affected Tamil people.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- Intimidation and Threats, Surveillance
- HRD
- Minority rights defender, NGO staff
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Sep 20, 2019
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Mar 23, 2017
- Event Description
Ms. Nimalka Fernando and Mr. Sunanda Deshapriya participated in the UNHRC 34th session in March 2017 where the resolution entitled "Promoting reconciliation, accountability and human rights in Sri Lanka (A/HRC/34/1)" was adopted by consensus with the co-sponsorship of the Government of Sri Lanka. It decided to request the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) to continue its assessment on progress on the implementation of the Office's recommendations and other relevant processes related to truth, justice, accountability, reconciliation and human rights in Sri Lanka for next two years. Since the adoption of the resolution on 23rd March, the two human rights defenders have been subject to smear campaigns. After the UNHRC session, a public campaign was launched on Facebook which brands Ms. Fernando and Mr. Deshapriya as traitors. Their pictures were placed next to the image of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam's flag with texts calling them "white tigers". Such stigmatization would pose them to a risk for attack, intimidation and harassment. On 27th March, a protest was organised by the Women for Justice (WFJ) Organization on the street of Ms. Fernando's residence. The demonstrators condemned her that she is lying to the United Nations and working for foreign money. Those personal attacks by alleged non-State actors raise serious concerns on the safety of the human rights defenders who rightfully engaged with the UNHRC. Since 30th March, a number of Sri Lankan human rights defenders including Ms. Fernando and Mr. Deshapriya have been named by certain individuals in Sri Lankan media. They are labelled as "foreign-funded NGOs working against the country". The reprisals against the two human rights defenders were reactions to the new UNHRC resolution on Sri Lanka. The perpetrators claimed that the two are responsible for the Council's decision to extend the OHCHR's monitoring on the country. Yet in fact, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein clearly recommended the UNHRC "to continue its close engagement with the Government of Sri Lanka and to monitor developments in the country", based on his office's independent and comprehensive assessment of the country's progress on the transitional justice process. At the same time, he drew attention to the continuing incidents of harassment of human rights defenders, the use of hate speech and aggressive hate campaigns against groups and individuals in Sri Lanka. The recent two attacks are clear examples of reprisals against human rights defenders who cooperate with the UN human rights system. In 2015, the Government of Sri Lanka demonstrated its commitment by co-sponsoring the UNHRC resolution 30/1 to address all attacks against human rights defenders, hold perpetrators accountable and prevent future attacks. However, we regret that the Government failed to investigate the previous incidents n against human rights defenders including Ms. Fernando's case in 2013. It left the culture of impunity unaddressed which facilitated the recent attacks against Ms. Fernando and Mr. Deshapriya.
- Impact of Event
- 2
- Violation
- Intimidation and Threats, Online Attack and Harassment, Reprisal as Result of Communication
- Rights Concerned
- Right to access and communicate with international bodies, Right to liberty and security, Right to political participation, Women's rights
- HRD
- NGO, Pro-democracy defender, WHRD
- Perpetrator-Non-State
- Non-state
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Sep 20, 2019
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Event Description
A well known as a human rights defender Rev. Fr. Nandana Manatunga, is being harassed by the police including the OIC of Wattegama Police Station, the Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC)�_ reports.�_ Rev. Fr. Nandana Manatunga is the parish priest of St. Mary's Church in Wattegama, Kandy District. Following a land dispute with the owner of land ajoining the Wattegama Street, St.Mary's Church, police officers began harassing the priest, impartially carrying out the rule of law. The Priest states that he supported several torture victims in their legal battles against their torturers. In this case, two police officers attached to the Wattegama Police Station, were sentenced to 7 years rigorous imprisonment on 3rd, December 2014. Nandana said that he has been subjected to police harassment in revenge for his supportive help for torture victimss. He demands immediate justice. This case illustrates the collapse of the rule of law in Sri Lanka, says AHRC. CASE NARRATIVE: According to information received by the Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC), Rev. Fr. Nandana Manatunga is the parish priest of St. Mary's Church in Wattegama in Kandy District. He is a well-known human rights activist and the Director of the Human Rights Office of Kandy. St. Mary's Church and its premises belong to the Roman Catholic Church, administration coming under the perview of the Bishop of Kandy. There was a long, boundary dispute with the owner of the ajoining land, due to his grabbing of land belonging to the church. The administration of the Bishop's House in Kandy took legal action against him in the District Court of Teldeniya. This case is pending under No: L/170/13, where the church adminstration is the plaintiff and the ajoining land owner, Francis Richard, is the defendant. In early 2016, Fr. Nandana learned that Francis Richard made a complaint against the church. On several occasions, police officers harassed Father when he inquired about the complaint. When Fr. Nandana went to the police station to clarify the situation, he was subjected to filthy language by Francis Richard and his wife. The police did not stop the abuse, simply allowing it. On 28 January 2016, when he was called to the Wattegama Police Station for a complaint made by Francis Richard, reference No: MCR 2575/16CH/ 102-03-06, Fr. Nandana retained his attorney-at-law, Mr. Padmadakshan who accompanied him to the police station. But when the inquiry was called up, the Police Officer-in-Charge (OIC), dismissed the lawyer and would not allow him to represent Father Nandana. The Priest was strictly warned by the OIC not to come to the police station again. If there was any dispute in future, the police would produce both parties in court and execute a bond for keeping the peace. Before this incident, on 17th June 2015, Francis Richard came into the mission house with one of his workers who was carrying a knife and threatening the priest. He then filed a complaint No: MCR 2286/15. It was not investigated, nor was the person who carried the knife called to the police station. Again, on 13th August 2016 Francis Richard complained to the police. Police officer (No: 47062) came to St. Mary's Church with Francis Richard and threatened the Priest. "Your priest is grabbing land and if he does not come to the police station, he will be arrested." At that, the police officer and Richard who were good friends went to the complainant's house for refreshments. Rev. Fr. Nandana, on 15 August 2016, did not go to the police station. He wrote to the OIC saying that he would not come given the above reasons. He lodged a complaint with the Senior Superintendant of Police (SSP), Kandy, regarding the continuous harassments and the non-investigation of his complaints. He reported the illegal inactions of the OIC and other officers of the Wattegama Police Station. Considering the appeal to higher authorities and submission of the Teldeniya District Court proceedings, the priest, through his lawyer made the following request: copies of the complaints made against him and made by him from the OIC office. But his request was denied. He learned later, that all copies were given to Francis Richard. Rev. Fr. Nandana states that the OIC and other police officers attached to the Wattegama Police Station, illegally harassed him. Further, they implemented the law maliciously. Fr. Nandana, states that two police officers from the Wattegama Police Station were sentenced to 7 years of rigorous imprisonment on 3th December 2015. Both were former police officers at Wattegama. He further reiterated, that as the Director of the Human Rights Office Kandy, he pioneered assistance work for these two torture victims. Both were brutally tortured by two police officers of the Wattegama Police. Fr. Nandana states that therefore it is obvious that Wattegama OIC and the police officers are using Francis Richard to facilitate these psychological harassements in taking revenge. Rev. Fr. Nandana states that his fundamental rights were violated by Sri Lankan State Officers. He demands justice and is waiting for a fair and impartial implementation of the rule of the law by the police officers.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- Intimidation and Threats
- HRD
- Freedom of religion/belief activist
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Sep 20, 2019
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Sep 3, 2016
- Event Description
By Ruwan Nelugolla. Following a book launch yesterday (03), I returned home at Kalalgoda Road after 11.00 pm. As I was having a chat with some of my friends at home, policemen in uniform and civics stormed in, dragging behind them a friend of ours by the name of Sanjaya, who is staying with us. As he was on his way to a boutique nearby, a police jeep stopped him, asked if he was a drug user, removed his clothes on the road and searched him. He was beaten up and dragged into the house. The police searched the house for drugs and finding nothing, tried to take all of us to the police station. Continuing my protestations, I asked them as to how they could do so. A man in civics, uttering raw filth and wielding a pistol, assaulted me and said I would be sent to prison by fabricating a heroin and ganja case against me. They dragged Sanjaya and me to the jeep. When they showed us the pistol, I asked if they were going to shoot us. Since I did nothing wrong and there was nothing to fear the police, and it was the police that had been abusing the law, I went to the jeep. After getting in, I took my mobile phone out, and the same person in civics asked as to whom I was going to call and again assaulted me. Then, I told them that I am a journalist working for Lanka News Web, and that the police had no right to assault people like that. Saying, "Your mother *** media", that person continued beating me up all they way until the jeep reached Thalangama police station. That is how the police marked its 150th anniversary yesterday. By the time Sanjaya and I were taken to the police station, our lawyer was already there. The police settled the matter and freed us. After being beaten by the police, I was not in a mental condition to get hospitalized, and returned home. On the previous day, there was an exchange of words with the police during a protest near Galle Face Green. Police did not allow us the peaceful protestors to go to the Presidential Secretariat to seek justice for Madhushka de Silva of Anuradhapura who was made to disappear three years ago. It ended with top police officials hiding behind a group of police women and warning of arrest on a charge of harassing the women if we tried to proceed forward. Madhushka's wife too, was with us and we did not want to inconvenience a group of women in police uniform who were being used against us. As we dispersed, two men from the police traffic division asked us for our identity cards. When we opposed their asking us for our identifications without a purpose, they called the Colombo Fort police and brought in two more policemen. We showed them our identity cards with an advice that they should not terrify us in the same manner they had terrified the average citizens of the north and elsewhere. Only the police that came yesterday know if these two incidents were related. Anyway, I am the aggrieved party and in both incidents, the culprit was the Sri Lanka Police Department. I work as a journalist of Lanka News Web website, and also an activist of the national movement for freedom for political prisoners. I know the law to a certain extent. Had an average citizen faced what I had to face yesterday, he would be behind bars by now. This is how Sri Lanka's police enforce the law. The person who assaulted me wielded his pistol and threatened me inside the jeep saying, "I first killed a man when I was at Year 11." Which institution is responsible for finding out if those in the police are murderers? The only reason for wielding a pistol and attacking me was my question of as to how they could take people like the way they did. I do not know how the police can be so conceited that a citizen could not ask them a question. That is clearly the lawlessness.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- Intimidation and Threats, Violence (physical)
- Rights Concerned
- Right to liberty and security
- HRD
- Media Worker
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Sep 20, 2019
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Event Description
A memorandum showing how the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) violates the rights of political prisoners. During the last 30 years due to the war that prevailed in the northern and eastern areas of Sri Lanka arrests were made. While the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) was made use of from arrests like that up to the court proceedings through that those persons as well as the Tamil people as a community of people were subjected to a grave violation of human rights. The persons who were arrested under the PTA during the past from time to time were released though judicial processes as well as though political decisions. (ex: the detainees of all armed organizations operating in the north and east who were arrested and detained were granted release based on political decisions during the 1987 period. In 2001 when the government changed and the peace agreement was signed the release of detainees on political decisions has taken place). Such releases took place in instances when the war situation has not ended. While the arrests and detentions under the PTA prevailed at a very high level during the last stages of the war with the end of the war fifteen thousand (15,000) had been under arrest. They have got the release though various methodologies and got integrated with the society and only a small number of persons still remain under detention in prisons. Up to date seven years have lapsed after the end of the war. Even from time to time arrests and detentions are made making use of the PTA. During a period of more than 30 years making use of the PTA from the point of arrest up to the point of acquittal or conviction within the judicial process have entailed grave violations of human rights and disregard of the law causing intensive injustices and it still continues to happen. We are presenting below major concerns we have identified. 1. Arrest __� While the arrest have happened in an arbitrary way what has happened in most instances were abductions. __� Few days after the abduction the detention within a police division comes to be known. __� Unidentified groups abducting and handing over to legitimate security divisions after detaining at unknown places for weeks or months. __� The abductees have been subjected to torture in terrible ways. 2. Detention __� After arrests keeping in detention under Detention Orders for long periods (most detainees for one and a half years or more unlawfully) purportedly for investigations in various police divisions and thereafter remanding them. __� There are persons who have been kept under the custody of investigation divisions for more than 5 years. They have been indicted in High Courts while being detained as such and are being produced in courts for the cases under the custody of those divisions. They have not been presented in a Magistrate Court even for one day. __� Had been subjected to torture while being under detention. 3. Obtaining statements __� The statements have been obtained after keeping under detention for long periods on Detention Orders in investigation divisions. (most of the persons have been under detention for one year or for one and a half years.) __� Obtaining statements after subjecting to physical and mental torture while being under detention for long periods. __� Signatures have been obtained through assault or by coercion to documents purported to be confessions made in front of a Assistant Superintendent of Police or higher ranking officer. (Out of the number of cases filed 95% have been filed based on such confessions. The position that most of the persons coming under arrest made confessions voluntarily to an officer of high rank without being pressurized to do so cannot be accepted.) __� Most Tamil detainees often time have been made to sign documents presented to them prepared in Sinhala a language which they don't know. Example: Most of the persons whose details are given in attachments have faced this situation 4. Remanding __� After remanding having been kept in remand for long periods without filing indictment and have been produced in Magistrate Courts only for the extension of the remand order. (There are persons who have been in remand for close upon ten years like that) Example- Attachment (No 29) Subramanium Senduran __� Has to be in remand till the conclusion of the trial without receiving a release on bail. (There are persons who have been in remand like that for 19 years). Example: Fact sheet (No 76) Suppiah Sridharan (No 77) Sinnappu Selvarajah. For both these persons there have been no rails conducted for 19 years and in 2016 on agreement one year imprisonment and 06 months rehabilitation have been imposed and those cases concluded. Presently they are in prison serving the sentence. __� Even though kept under remand for long periods without concluding the cases release on bail is not granted. __� Though kept in remand for long periods of time these people not receiving right treatment for their ailments has even results in loss of lives. The possibilities of granting bail to such patients in remand have not even been considered. __� While there are persons who are over 60 years or even 70 years of age a granting of release on bail for them has not happened. (Even persons who are over 75 years of age have been released only after conviction) __� While the Tamil detainees within prisons have been subjected to severe racially motivated assaults from time to time on a number of instances, the number who have been killed during such assaults number around 100. 5. Maintaining High Court cases __� Nineteen 20 year long periods have been spent without concluding the trials __� The cases have been postponed for 06 to 08 months again and again for long periods (even now such practices continue). __� After dragging the trails for durations like 15 years the detainees have been both convinced and acquitted (Till then have been kept under remand) __� After keeping under detention for long periods when it comes close to acquittal and release after conclusion of the trial, the Attorney General Department has filed fresh indictments. For some persons when they are about to be released after serving the sentence fresh indictments have been filed. __� For many persons cases have been maintained based on confessions. While these confessions have been obtained by force after being subjected to torture often times signatures have been obtained for documents prepared in a language they don't know. Furthermore in this way signatures have been obtained to documents purported to be confessions after keeping in the custody of investigation divisions for periods around one and a half years. (Due to that reason it is really problematic whether those who were convicted were the real offenders). __� In the courts in the north eastern Tamil areas the case have been heard speedily while in the courts in the south even weak cases have been maintained without taking up for trail, for long periods of time. __� In the cases maintained, in the courts in north east Tamil areas, based on confessions in the "voire dire" examination due to the defective/questionable conditions in which the confession were taken the rejection of the confession has taken place. However, in the courts in southern areas the confessions have been accepted disregarding the defective questionable conditions in which the confessions were taken and most of the time convicted based on such confessions. __� The Attorney General's Department has transferred cases from north east Tamil areas to Sinhala areas when the accused are about to be granted bail or acquitted after trial. __� The courts in southern Sinhala areas have imposed maximum punishments than the courts in the north-eastern areas. Most of the time the punishments have been imposed based on the acceptance of the confession at the "voire dire" examination. __� Due to even after filing indictment in courts the cases not been taken up for trials and even if it is taken up for trial the trials being dragged on for a period as long as 15 years specially in the southern courts most of the detainees have been impelled to come to an agreement with the judiciary and the Attorney General's Department to plead guilty for a lesser offence with the amendment of the indictment, concluding the case quickly, serving the sentence and get released soon. Most of those who have been convicted up to now (like 80%) have been convicted in this manner and after release have got integrated with the society. __� While there are cases where maximum punishments have been imposed after trials there are also instances wherein similar cases lesser punishments have been given with amendment of indictments and the opportunity have been given to integrate with the society. This shows that though maximum punishments have been imposed there is a possibility to seek judgements to re-integrate them also with the society. __� While the arrests were made due to the prevailing war situation the detainees have been charged with many indictments in a number of courts in a number of districts. Most of the time all these indictments have been filed based on the same confession which is the only evidence available and while in one case the confessions gets rejected the other cases gets dragged on for many years without release of the detainee. In the same way though in one court the confession is rejected the same confession has been made use of in other courts. 6. Re-arrest __� There are persons who have been re-arrested and remanded after being released by courts. __� These persons before being arrested for the second time have been kept under detention, on Detention Orders, in investigation units for long periods of time and remanded only after doing the investigations. __� There are persons who have been re-arrested after getting integrated with the society having been referred for rehabilitation by courts and getting rehabilitated for one year. __� After re-arrest they incarcerate in remand prison for a number of year without any indictment being filed 7. Solutions offered in response to protests __� Due to protests made by detainees from time to time while the authorities have promised to release them on those occasions proposals have been made that detainees will be granted bail, will be rehabilitated and released after conducting the trials speedily. __� More over while there are occasions where it has been accepted that it is unjust to keep them in detention, there are also occasion when those acceptances have been publicly stated and also occasion when actions have been taken towards achieving that end. __� Due to the fast staged by these detainees a release have been made with a Presidential Pardon. Example: Attachment (No 30) Sivarajah Jeniven __� There is the instance when a group of close to be 40 detainees who continued to be in remand after the filing of indictments were produced in the Colombo Chief Magistrates Courts and released on bail, during the time of the fast in November, 2015 __� There are occasion when letters have been obtained from detainees inquiring about their consent for rehabilitation. __� There has been an instance when the Attorney General Department has published a list of 20 detainees for batch by batch rehabilitation consequent to a fast staged in 2016 (This has not been out into action as yet) __� Another time on the advice of the Attorney Generals Department the officers of the Legal Aid Commission have gone inside the prisons at the beginning of 2016 and have obtained the signatures of detainees stating their consent for rehabilitation (This has not been put into action as yet). Establishment of special High Courts as a solution Due to protests staged by detainees on the many occasions and the protests emerging from the society on the unjust situation in which people were detained special High Courts have been established purportedly to the solve the problems by accelerating the cases. After the controversial situation that ensued due to a fast staged by detainees in the Vavuniya Prisons in 2012 demanding that either the hearing of their cases be accelerated or else they be released while proposals were made to establish special High Courts in the Mannar Districts and the Vavuniya District in 2013 a special High Court was established in the Anuradhapura District. (In the instance of that fast 2 detainees were killed and the human rights of 17 detainees were violated by wounding them with the breaking of their limbs). In the High Court established in Anuradhapura a while around 400 cases of child abuse and raping of women are being heard the hearing of cases of political detainees are postponed for long periods deviating from the purpose for which it was established. Consequent to a fast staged by the detainees in Colombo prisons in 2016 a special High Court has been established in the No 8 High Court. Even there the trials are not conducted speedily and log trial dates with postponements extending to many months are being given. It does not seem that special ability has been created by the establishment of special High Courts to conclude the cases field under the Prevention of Terrorism Act speedily except in the usual lethargic way the Attorney Generals Department acts as the High Courts are unable to overcome the impediments posed by the Attorney General Department. Enjoying freedom for political reasons Though there is reluctance to grant freedom to these political detainees there are persons who have been released on political exigencies without going through a legal process. Karuna alias Vinayagamoorthi Muralidaran, K.P. alias Kumara Pathmanadan are special. While those who have received military training under Karuna and getting arrested and received punishment for acting on his orders, and those who are awaiting a resolution of their cases for number of years, those have received imprisonment for life sentence (example: Attachment for (No 10) Sellapillai Mahendran) are still languishing in jails Karuna alias Vinayagamoorthi Muralidaran had represented a seat in the Parliament even holding a ministerial portfolio. In addition based on political needs there are persons who have received legal redress. Among them Daya master and George master are special. Around 160 detainees who are still detained in the prisons in Sri Lanka under the Prevention of Terrorism Act have been subjected to injustices in ways as described above. Our belief is that it will become amply clear from the little bit of facts we have presented above the extent of injustice they will be subjected to by going to resolve the problems of these detainees though a legal process. The number of attachment containing the facts, we present as examples are very few in number. The violations of human rights and actions taken disregarding the law and beyond the law have been faced by the detainees under arrest during the whole of last 30 years. Likewise many detainees who are not included in our attachment have been subjected to the injustices we have enumerated. We say that at this time 7 years after the conclusion of the war to continue to act like this making use of the Prevention of Terrorism Act is a baseless act and is a great hindrance towards fostering reconciliation among the ethnic groups. As the existing situation is as aforesaid we propose that instead of going through the legal process to resolve the issue of political detainees that all detainees be freed through a political solution. (Prepared by the National Movement for the Release of Political Prisoners)
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Violation
- Enactment of repressive legislation and policies
- Rights Concerned
- Minority Rights, Right to political participation
- HRD
- Minority rights defender, Pro-democracy defender
- Perpetrator-State
- Government, Judiciary
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Sep 20, 2019
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Sep 5, 2015
- Event Description
Sri Lankan police officials have reportedly attempted to stop a signature campaign in Jaffna calling for an international accountability mechanism to examine mass atrocities committed during the final stages of Sri Lanka's armed conflict, where tens of thousands of Tamil civilians were killed. The campaign, launched yesterday, had entered its second day and was taking place in locations across the North. In Nallur, whilst temple festivities were taking place campaigners set up a stall and collected signatures from the Jaffna public. The president of the Tamil National People's Front Gajendrakumar Ponnambalam tweeted that Nallur police officials had subsequently arrived as signatures were being gathered and "ordered it to be stopped". Speaking to the Tamil Guardian, Mr Ponnambalam said that despite permisssion being granted by Jaffna municipal authorities, police officers led by IC Yapa of Nallur police station demanded the campaigners stop collecting signatures and relocate. The campaign, organised by the Tamil Action Committee for International Accountability Mechanism (TACIAM), is collecting signatures ahead of the United Nation Human Rights Council session later this month, where a report into mass atrocities in Sri Lanka is to be discused. Tens of thousands have signed the petition since the campaign was started. - Sri Lankan police today disrupted a signature campaign in Trincomalee, calling for an international accountability mechanism to deal with mass atrocities committed during the final stages of Sri Lanka's armed ethnic conflict. The organisers of the campaign were asked by police to meet the chief inspector over a complaint that they were forcibly recruiting signatures in Trincomalee. President of the Tamil National People's Front Gajen Ponnambalam, who went to the police station, tweeted that the campaign was filmed by the police media unit, pointing out that the police could confirm that the allegations were untrue by checking their footage. Mr Ponnambalam further said that he was told the campaign was illegal as it was "against the government". The campaign, which was launched on Friday in Jaffna, entered its 4th day today. Sri Lankan police officials in Jaffna also attempted to stop the campaign on Saturday.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Violation
- Administrative Harassment
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of assembly
- HRD
- Pro-democracy defender
- Perpetrator-State
- Police
- Source
Tamil Guardian | [Tamil Guardian(http://www.tamilguardian.com/article.asp?articleid=15831)
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Sep 20, 2019
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Aug 14, 2015
- Event Description
47-year-old Thavapalan Piriayatharsini, who is the head of Women Development Society at Theaththaa-vaadi, a village situated near Iluppaik-kadavai in Maanthai West division of Mannnaar district, says she and her three daughters have been subjected to death threats by an unknown squad. The family has been subjected to death threats since 11 August. A group of unknown men, who came in a white van entered her house that day and warned "rape and death' if she continued to give social leadership to the villagers. They were particularly angry about Piriyatharsini making demands from political parties. The threatening presence of a white van squad is still continuing, she told TamilNet on Thursday. Ms Piriyatharsini is a survivor of the 2009 genocidal onslaught on Vanni. Her husband, Balasubramaniyam Thavabalan, was a press worker at the Eezhanaatham daily in LTTE administered Jaffna before the mass exodus of Tamils from the peninsula to Vanni in 1995. The Sri Lankan military arrested him in 1999 during the military operation named Rana Gosha. Since then, there was no news of the whereabouts of her husband. During the final stages of the war in Vanni, her two sons recruited to fight against the advancing SL military had sacrificed their lives. One of her daughters, wounded in the shelling, has become disabled. Her family is dependent on agriculture in the resettled village. It is under these circumstances, Piriyatharsini, a former law student, who also has experience from NGO work in Vanni, came forward to give leadership to the resettled villagers of Theaththaa-vaadi. Piriyatharsini and her villagers, comprising around 23 families and 100 voters, have been demanding the political parties coming to the village seeking votes to prove their credibility by helping them to drill a bore well as the resettled families have been struggling to access potable water. The politicians, including those belonging to the Tamil National Alliance (TNA), who come to the village seeking votes during the times of the elections, forget their promises after the elections, the villagers under the leadership of Piriyatharsini were firm in passing their message. Their were firm in telling the politicians to prove their credibility by digging a borewell. Priyatharsini, her family and the villagers in Theaththaa-vaadi, who were once part of the de-facto Tamil administration with a noble cause and sacrifices are now reduced to the level of fighting for a borewell from the parties locked in the race for SL elections. TamilNet releases a video clip of Piriyatharsini, recorded before she was subjected to death threat by the unknown squad. In the interview, she describes the pathetic state of affairs in the village.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Woman
- Violation
- Death threat
- Rights Concerned
- Right to food, Right to healthy and safe environment
- HRD
- WHRD
- Perpetrator-State
- Unknown
- Perpetrator-Non-State
- Unknown
- Source
Tamil Net?catid=13&artid=37886)
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Sep 20, 2019
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- May 1, 2015
- Event Description
Media release/ 02 May 2015 Violence against Dissent should be punished - Free Media Movement - Sri Lanka The Free Media Movement strongly condemns the physical attack unleashed on Dr. Nirmal Ranjith Devasiri and Dr. Kumudu Kusum Kumara at the May Day rally organised by the pro- Rajapaksa political parties and groups at the Kirullapona Lalith Athulathmudali ground, Colombo. The National Freedom Front (NDF) led by Wimal Weerawansa, a member of the Parliament played a leading role in this pro-Rajapaksa rally. Dr. Devasiri is former FUTA President and current media spokes person of the Federation of University Teachers Association (FUTA) and Dr. Kumudu Kusum Kumara, also a prominent public intellectual. FMM would like to reiterate that those violent politicians and their henchmen who cannot stop the habit of hunting the dissenters should be brought to book. Dr. Devasiri has been actively engaged in not only on the issues of the University Community but also in re-establishing the democracy and good governance in the country. He is a person who expresses his views on social good without fear. It is not unusual that politically sensitive persons walk around the city of Colombo on May Day to various avenues to listen to different political opinions. Dr. Devasiri and Dr. Kumara have been attacked while listening to the speeches of pro-Rajapaksa May Day rally upon recognising them. The attack unleashed at the rally led by politicians like Wimal Weerawansa, who is known to make hate speech against dissenters and incite his followers against them shows that they are unable to reform themselves even after losing the state power in recently held presidential election. The FMM wants the government to take speedy action against those responsible for the assault against Dr. Nirmaal Ranjith Devasiri and Dr. Kumudu Kusum Kumara. At the same time the FMM would like to highlight that although some positive initiatives has been taken by the government in relation to media freedom, still old habits of media suppression had been reported form different parts of the country in recent times. One such incident was reported form Poddala in Galle district. An ITN TV reporter who has been covering short comings of a maternity clink held at the Poddala, Bope local council was assaulted and prevented from doing his profession by the Council's vice president. Again it was reported a journalists of the Swarnawahini TV was assaulted by a policeman while on his way home after work saying that the journalist ignore the sign to stop motorcycle he was riding. In Jaffna, journalists were prevented from covering a meeting held to discuss the serious issue of water pollution in Chunnakam. This was a clear case of preventing right to information of the people which the government has promised to adhere to. The FMM would like to urge the government to look in to these issues as well and take appropriate action in order to prevent repetition. Seetha Ranjanee Convenor, Free Media Movement - 0777312460
- Impact of Event
- 2
- Violation
- Violence (physical)
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Sep 20, 2019
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Mar 21, 2014
- Event Description
Visuvalingam Kirupaharan, General Secretary of the Tamil Centre for Human Rights, was reportedly threatened during the twenty-fifth session of the Human Rights Council. On 21 March 2014, Mr. Kirupaharan participated in a side event on human rights in Sri Lanka, organized by the International Buddhist Foundation. After the event, a journalist, reportedly from the Sri Lankan newspaper Divaina, approached Mr. Kirupaharan, stating that he could not return to Sri Lanka and that he would face consequences if he did so. The journalist allegedly told Mr. Kirupaharan that photographs of him at the Council would be published in newspapers in Sri Lanka. At the time of finalization of this report, no reply had been received from the Government to a joint communication sent on 27 March 2014 by three special procedures mandate holders.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Violation
- Intimidation and Threats, Reprisal as Result of Communication
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Not active
- Date added
- Sep 20, 2019
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Mar 6, 2014
- Event Description
On 21 March 2014, a group of special procedures mandate holders sent a joint communication regarding allegations that, on 6 March 2014, in its English news bulletin, the State-controlled Sri Lanka Rupavahini (TV) Corporation accused 24 civil society organizations of having issued a joint civil society memorandum to the Human Rights Council and the international community, while broadcasting the full names and images of the leaders of nine of those organizations and the names of affiliated civil society organizations. In the same bulletin, the Corporation allegedly also accused the mentioned organizations of having submitted false information to the international community to discredit the country, claimed that their memorandum would damage the peace and reconciliation prevailing in the country among various ethnic groups and regions and stated that it was common among NGOs to exaggerate information about the situation in Sri Lanka in order to receive funding. At the time of finalization of the present report, no reply had been received from the Government.
- Impact of Event
- 24
- Violation
- Reprisal as Result of Communication, Vilification
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Not active
- Date added
- Sep 20, 2019
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Mar 7, 2013
- Event Description
On 10 February 2014, allegations of intimidation and reprisals, including death threats, were raised concerning members of the National Fisheries Solidarity Movement, including in connection with the visit of the High Commissioner. On 7 March 2013, Jude Besil Sosai Anthirai was prevented from travelling to Colombo to the United Nations compound, where he wished to submit a petition. On 22 August 2013, Sanja Sandanadas was questioned at her home by officers from the Criminal Investigation Department about her work and told not to organize any event during the visit of the High Commissioner. On 3 September 2013, Selvakumar Krishnapillai was questioned several times by two men about a petition presented to the High Commissioner; two days later he was asked to report to the Ministry of Defence. At the time of finalization of the present report, no reply had been received from the Government to a joint communication sent by several special procedures mandate holders.
- Impact of Event
- 3
- Violation
- Intimidation and Threats, Judicial Harassment, Reprisal as Result of Communication
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of assembly, Freedom of movement
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Not active
- Date added
- Sep 20, 2019
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Apr 14, 2015
- Event Description
A two-member squad, dressed in civil clothes, was trying to knife three journalists in Jaffna after chasing them in a motorbike for 2 kilometres at Nalloor on Tuesday night. The journalists were returning to their offices in two motorbikes after collecting news of a hunger strike when the incident took place. The journalists managed to escape from the attackers and rushed to the Police station in Jaffna to lodge a complaint on the assassination attempt. At the police station, they saw the motorbike of the attackers parked inside the premises and the alleged attackers were a police inspector and a surgeon. The police officers at duty refused to file the complaint from the journalists. In the meantime, another reporter from Point Pedro has been remanded on Wednesday for filing a story about an attempted rape of a school girl by a police constable belonging to Nelliyadi police station. Tharmapalan Vinojith, the staff reporter at Yaazh Thinakkural and the chairman of Jaffna Press Club, Piratheepan Thampithurai, the Jaffna correspondent of Hiru TV and Mayurathan Sreeramachandran, the reporter of Ada Derana and Tamil Mirror were the three journalists, who were intercepted by the two member squad that chased them at Nalloor around 9:45 p.m. on Tuesday. When the journalists spotted the attackers wielding knives against them, they managed to escape from the site. The journalists say that the attackers in civil were wearing t-shirts used by the police. Only one of them was wearing a helmet. When the three journalists arrived at the police station and witnessed that the attackers were policemen from the same station, the policemen at the station not only refused to register their complaint, but they also attempted to assault them, the journalists said. A complaint was accepted only on the following day after a long process and that too registered as a "minor offence', the journalists said. In the meantime, the Senior Police Superintend in Jaffna was trying for a negotiation on Wednesday night with the journalists to avoid legal proceedings against the policemen, media sources in Jaffna said. Now, the police has accepted that the it was two of its police officers who were behind the incident. But, the police says that they took the knives for their "personal security'. The involved police officers have alleged that the three journalists had attempted to assault them. The journalists say that the attackers intended to cause major harm as the squad had chased them for 2 kilometres and pointed knives against them while intercepting them. "How could three journalists confront two trained police officers who were armed with knives", a journalist asked. In the meantime, Jaffna Press Club (JPC) has said the journalists have been continuously harassed by the SL police, the so-called Terrorist Investigation Division (TID) and the SL military intelligence. Journalists Mayoorathan and Vinojith have been harassed after they brought out the news of houses being destroyed inside the High Security Zone (HSZ) in Valikaamam North. Majorathan was subjected to an attack on the road by a squad. The TID has been harassing them continuously, the JPC said. The journalists, who do not want to drop the case agains the police squad, have approached the Human Rights Commission in Jaffna on Thursday. "We still remember that the assassinated journalist Nimalrajan was harassed by police squad that visited him before he was slain," one of the journalists told TamilNet. Meanwhile, S. Logathayalan, a journalist working for Uthayan and Thinakkural was remanded on Wednesday for investigations against filing a story on a rape attempt by a policeman from Nelliyadi station. The story was published in Uthayan paper on Tuesday. The story didn't mention the name of the policeman. However, on Wednesday, the SL police went out with a denial against the story in the same paper. The SL police wanted the editor T. Premananth and the staff reporter Logathayalan to record their statements. But, Logathayalan was arrested after he gave his statement and was taken to the court on Wednesday. Point Pedro court's acting Magistrate P. Subramaniyam remanded the journalist till 17 April. The journalist was released on bail on Thursday. It is very strange that the journalist was legally remanded for publishing a story that didn't violate the norms of journalism, journalists in Jaffna said
- Impact of Event
- 3
- Violation
- Intimidation and Threats, Violence (physical)
- Rights Concerned
- Right to information
- Source
Tamil Net?catid=13&artid=37723)
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Sep 20, 2019
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Jan 7, 2015
- Event Description
Today, on 7th January 2015, three human rights activists received death threats over the telephone from sources that have refused to identify themselves, but have appeared to be connected with security authorities. The human rights activists who received these death threats are Mr. Brito Fernando, Mr. Phillip Dissanayake and Mr. Prasanga Fernando - all of whom work with the Right to Life organization and the organization of the families of the disappeared in Sri Lanka. They have also been in the recent past taking part and actively campaigning for the common opposition candidate in the presidential election of Maithripala Sirisena on the basis that massive human rights violations have taken place and are taking place in Sri Lanka and that these need to be stopped. Brito Fernando and Prasanga Fernando have also received threats by way of hanging freshly killed dogs' heads in their homes earlier this week. During the phone conversation the speaker says that "we know all the details about you, your wives and about your children; ... and we know where they travel and where they can be found. We also know where your children go to school. We will teach you a lesson first, before we deal with your big people... before we do that we will get all the details from you about what you do... you have been involved in some matters relating to the Anuradhapura Police. We know all about that. We know how to get information from you once we get hold of you. It is after obtaining this information that we will finally deal with you... make your funeral arrangements at your homes.' Details relating to the earlier threats have been published in several media channels and you may find the details at the following link. [Asian Human Rights Commission](http://www.humanrights.asia/news/ahrc-news/AHRC-STM-002-2015 The Asian Human Rights Commission condemns these dastardly, cowardly, and mean acts of issuing death threats and we are also warning the public that carrying out of such death threats could actually take place in this environment of the upcoming presidential elections on 8th January 2015. We ask the Government of Sri Lanka and the Inspector General of Police to investigate into this matter with immediate effect and we will also inform all human rights organizations in Sri Lanka and overseas about these threats. We will also inform all the Embassies in Sri Lanka and the United Nation's about these threats. We ask President Mahinda Rajapaksa to immediately take appropriate action to find the culprits and apprehend them. In the event no such action is taken it may appear that such death threats are being made with President Rajapaksa's direct or indirect approval.
- Impact of Event
- 3
- Violation
- Intimidation and Threats, Reprisal as Result of Communication, Violence (physical)
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Active
- Date added
- Sep 20, 2019
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Jan 4, 2015
- Event Description
Two heads of dogs, freshly severed, have been strewn in front of the houses of two well-known human rights defenders as the race in the presidential election is intensifying in Sri Lanka. Mr. Brito Fernando and Prasanga Fernando are two well-known human rights activists who have a long history of fighting for the protection of human rights in Sri Lanka. They have also been campaigning against enforced disappearances, extra judicial killings, and torture and other human rights abuses. They have been actively campaigning for the common opposition candidate Maithripala Sirisena on the grounds that the Government of Mahinda Rajapaksa has been engaged in systematic violations of human rights that need to be stopped. Brito Fernando has also recently publicly declared that on a previous occasion he had campaigned together with President Rajapaksa when he was in the opposition, against enforced disappearances and other abuses of human rights. However, once in power President Rajapaksa has failed to honour his promises to bring the perpetrators of human rights violations to justice and in particular to end the present form of the executive presidential system which destroys the possibility of the protection of the rights of the people. The Asian Human Rights Commission condemns the threats made to these two human rights activists by the exhibition of severed heads of dogs, thrown in front of their houses which are a barbaric act. These types of sinister attacks can only be done with the corporation of some sections of the security agencies who are carrying out political instructions against those who are exercising their right to freely participate in campaigning for candidates of their choices. The AHRC also states that this act is a gross violation of the electoral laws which provides freedoms for all citizens to participate in the elections in order to elect a government of their choice. The rights of all citizens to participate in the elections are enshrined in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. We ask the Government, and the Commissioner of Elections to inquire into this act as it is a serious violation of the electoral laws. We also ask all Sri Lankan people to actively protect the rights of every citizen to participate in the electoral process and in particular to condemn this barbaric attack on the two human rights activists. The AHRC will also bring this matter to the attention of relevant United Nations authorities and to the attention of the international community.
- Impact of Event
- 2
- Violation
- Intimidation and Threats, Reprisal as Result of Communication
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Active
- Date added
- Sep 20, 2019
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Nov 28, 2010
- Event Description
On 28 November 2010, human rights defenders Mr Aruna Roshantha and Mr Marcus Anthony Fernando were arrested on charges of conspiring against the Government in Sri Lanka after being requested to attend a meeting at the Police Headquarters to discuss their recent human rights activities. Further Information Aruna Roshantha is a trade union leader with the Sri Lanka All Island Fishermen's Trade Union and Marcus Anthony Fernando is the Chairperson of the Negombo Lagoon Fisher People's Union. Both are leaders in the Alliance to Protect the Negombo Lagoon. On 28 November 2010, Aruna Roshantha and Marcus Anthony Fernando were arrested, before subsequently being released on bail, under Section 150 of the Penal Code for conspiring against, and trying to incite people to overthrow, the Government of Sri Lanka. That morning the two union leaders had been summoned by the Negombo Police to attend a meeting with Inspector Somasiri Liyanage at the Police Headquarters in Negombo. During the course of the meeting they were questioned over the distribution of a pamphlet on 27 November 2010 that explained environmental problems that would result from the reclamation of part of the Negombo Lagoon as part of a Government project to promote tourism to the region. The reclaimed land is the proposed site for a new landing strip for sea planes. Protest actions against the plans have resulted in a temporary cessation of some project activities. On the day in question approximately 60 people, including Aruna Roshantha and Marcus Anthony Fernando, were involved in distributing the pamphlets explaining the adverse consequences of the project. There were allegedly a number of plain clothes police officers amongst the crowd but there were no reports of problems or obstructions. Front Line believes that the arrests of Aruna Roshantha and Marcus Anthony Fernando is a result of their legitimate and peaceful activities in the defence of human rights in Sri Lanka, and in particular their attempts to protect the Negombo Lagoon and the rights of those whose livelihoods are dependent upon its protected environment.
- Impact of Event
- 2
- Violation
- (Arbitrary) Arrest and Detention
- Rights Concerned
- Right to liberty and security
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Not active
- Date added
- Sep 20, 2019
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Oct 8, 2012
- Event Description
On 8 October 2012, Mr Manjula Tillakeratne - the secretary of the Judicial Services Commission was assaulted by four unidentified men. He was taken to hospital after being stabbed at least three times, and his mobile phone was stolen. This attack reportedly took place after the Judicial Service Commission had issued a statement denouncing attempts to interfere with and propaganda against the judiciary, particularly regarding the Judicial Service Commission. According to higher education minister S.B. Dissanayake, the assault on the Judicial Service Commission secretary is nothing other than a conspiracy hatched by local and foreign forces.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Violation
- Violence (physical)
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Not active
- Date added
- Sep 20, 2019
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Dec 4, 2012
- Event Description
On 4 and 7 December 2012, members of the human rights organisations Right to Life and Families of the Disappeared (FOD) were repeatedly summoned and questioned by police and immigration officials following a solidarity event organised by the Asian Federation against Involuntary Disappearances (AFAD) and its partners. Police officers appeared at the event and threatened to arrest several human rights defenders who were in attendance, seizing a copy of a documentary and electronic equipment in the process. Both NGOs work on human rights issues including enforced disappearances in Sri Lanka. The solidarity event took place at Lagoon View Restaurant in Negombo around 6.30pm on 3 December 2012. Among the guests were AFAD Council members from various Asian countries including the Philippines and Indonesia, and numerous members of civil society organisations as well as two mothers of victims of enforced disappearances. A Sinhala-language version of an AFAD primer on the UN Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance was presented, and a documentary was shown about the commemoration of victims of disappearances and massacres in Sri Lanka that was held on 27 October 2012. At 9.10pm, a group of people including the two mothers of disappeared victims and FOD Secretary Mr Wasantha Ranil Kumara left the venue in a taxi, which was stopped 100 metres further down the road. A group of policemen, both uniformed and in plain clothes, questioned the human rights defender and the mothers of the victims before forcing them to sit in the police jeep and confiscating their mobile phones and a laptop which they had with them. Wasantha Ranil Kumara was told by the officers that the group would be arrested. The officers reportedly said this was because they had shown a documentary critical of the President to foreigners at the event. The officers also demanded a copy of the documentary. After being held in the jeep for an hour, the group were eventually let go without arrest after the FOD Chairperson Mr Brito Fernando arrived and argued with the officers. Right to Life Secretary Mr Philip Dissanayake was also stopped by police while leaving the venue, and the organisation's laptop, projector and camera were seized. AFAD Council members who left the venue to go to the airport were also followed and stopped by police officers who recorded their passport details. Around 1pm the following day, five officials from the investigative unit of the Department of Immigration and Emigration led by Chief Immigration Officer W. P. Aminth S. Perera came to the Right to Life and FOD offices and questioned three staff members, among them Wasantha Ranil Kumara, about the purpose of the event and the foreigners who had come to attend it. When Brito Fernando arrived, he was similarly questioned but refused to answer in the absence of an official written request. He was subsequently summoned for questioning at the Department of Immigration and Emigration on 7 December 2012. During that interview he was again asked for details of the foreign visitors who had come to Sri Lanka for the event.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Violation
- Enforced Disappearance, Judicial Harassment
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Not active
- Date added
- Sep 20, 2019
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Jan 24, 2010
- Event Description
The Committee to Protect Journalists is deeply concerned by the reported disappearance of Prageeth Ekneligoda, a political reporter for the Sri Lankan news Web site Lanka eNews. Lanka eNews Editor Sandurwan Senadeera told news organizations that Ekneligoda was last seen leaving the office on Sunday evening. He told news outlets that he fears the reporter may have been abducted. In its own account, Lanka eNews described Ekneligoda as a political analyst who has supported opposition presidential candidate Sarath Fonska, a retired general, in Tuesday's election. The presidential election has already been marred by widespread violence and accusations of cheating by both sides. Lanka eNews has long been targeted for harassment by the government of Mahinda Rajapaksa, the incumbent who is seeking re-election in Tuesday's vote. In 2008, CPJ urged Rajapaksa to halt the Defense Ministry's practice of denouncing Lanka eNews and other news outlets on its official Web site. "We are deeply concerned by the disappearance of Prageeth Ekneligoda. Sri Lanka's elections are surrounded by violence, and it is legitimate to fear for the safe return of Ekneligoda," said Bob Dietz, CPJ's Asia program coordinator. The abduction of journalists is a recurring problem in Sri Lanka. Many local journalists say the government has permitted a climate of impunity that emboldens the assailants. The Canadian Press quoted Media Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena as saying that the government had no involvement in Ekneligoda's disappearance. "The Web site has been publishing defamatory articles but all we did was to reply to them. We will not resort to these kinds of actions," Abeywardena told the Canadian Press.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Violation
- Abduction/Kidnapping
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Active
- Date added
- Sep 20, 2019
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Oct 15, 2012
- Event Description
On 15 October 2012, slanderous posters in Sinhala could be seen around Colombo with a reference made to CPA Executive Director, Dr. Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu. The text on the posters translates as: "Let us save the pro-people Divineguma Act that builds the lives of fifteen lakhs of low income families from the Paikiasothy gang that aids and abets the separation of the country." The context of the reference in the poster to the Divineguma Bill, which at the time of writing is in the enactment process, and CPA's legal challenge to its constitutionality. When the Bill was placed on the Order Paper of Parliament on 10 August 2012, both CPA and Dr.Saravanamuttu in his capacity as Executive Director, filed petitions challenging the Bill in the Supreme Court, bringing to the Court's attention a number of substantive and procedural grounds on which the Bill was potentially inconsistent with the Constitution. There are several substantive areas of constitutional concern in what is envisaged in the Bill, including the doctrine of the separation of powers, the possible reversal of certain subjects devolved to Provincial Councils, Parliament's control over public finance and its general oversight over the executive, and public access to information held by government. We will make no further comment at this stage on these issues as the matter is pending before the Supreme Court. On the procedural issues, however, the Supreme Court agreed with the averment in CPA's initial petitions that the substance of the Bill impacts on a number of devolved subjects in such a way as to require it to be passed in terms of the special procedure laid down in the Constitution, which involves the consent of the Provincial Councils. Pursuant to this determination by the Supreme Court, the government sent the Bill to the Provincial Councils where consent has been forthcoming, except in the case of the Northern Province, where there is no elected Provincial Council. There is currently a legal challenge by a Member of Parliament for the Jaffna District to the consent provided on behalf of that Province by the Governor. Regardless of the matter being referred to the Supreme Court on the question of the role of the Governor, the Bill was tabled for the second time in Parliament on 9 September 2012. CPA and Dr. Saravanamuttu have challenged the Bill yet again, with the matter to be taken up in the Supreme Court this week. Aside from these attacks, CPA disclosed that the military visited CPA office in the morning of 15 October, the same day the posters appeared. The military personnel informed CPA security that they in turn had been told by the Postal Department that the CPA address was one that had a connection to the Elections Department, which they were checking.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Violation
- Vilification
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Active
- Date added
- Sep 20, 2019
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Dec 9, 2011
- Event Description
On 9 December 2011, Mr. Lalith Kumar Weeraraj and Mr. Kugan Muruganandan disappeared. The two HRDs were last seen leaving the house of Mr. Muruganandan in Avarangal, Jaffna, North Sri Lanka. Mr. Lalith Kumar Weeraraj is a prominent human rights defender mainly working on disappearances in the north and east Sri Lanka. He is the Jaffna Coordinator of the Movement for People's Struggles (MPS, ocal name: Jana Aragala Wiyapaaraya), a group aiming at mobilizing people against state repression. Mr. Kugan Muruganandan has been assisting Mr. Lalith Kumar Weeraraj in his work for MPS, especially on cases of enforced disappearances and unlawful detentions. On 9 December 2011, Mr. Lalith Kumar Weeraraj travelled to Jaffna to meet Mr. Kugan Muruganandan and organize a press conference together on International Human Rights Day, 10 December. The press conference planned to highlight a protest on 13 December in Colombo organized by MPS calling for the immediate release of missing activists . The two HRDs were last seen leaving Mr. Kugan Muruganandan's house at around 5pm and rode his motorbike with license number NP GT 7852. After this last sighting, the fate and whereabouts of the two missing human rights defenders remain unknown, as they never reached their destination. That evening, Mr. Lalith Kumar Weeraraj's father received a number of threatening phone calls which he reported on 11 December 2011 at the Kosagma police station in Colombo. Prior to his disappearance, Mr. Lalith Kumar Weeraraj had received repeated threats, intimidation and physical assault as a consequence of his active involvement in campaigns and work on enforced disappearances and arbitrary detention. In the year 2011 alone, Mr. Lalith Kumar Weeraraj was abducted twice by a group of men claiming to be army officers who questioned him about his work. On 14 November 2011, Mr. Lalith Kumar Weeraraj together with other activists were badly beaten up by a group of thugs while staging a protest with families of the disappeared in Jaffna. This attack took place in full view of the police and the army who did not take action to stop the violence. The families of both Mr. Lalith Kumar Weeraraj and Mr. Kugan Muruganandan already filed a complaint at two separate police stations after they went missing. Mr. Lalith Kumar Weeraraj's father also filed a complaint with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) regarding the two missing HRDs. On 10 December 2011, written complaints were submitted by the Member of the Parliament Mr. Ajith Kumara to the Secretary of Defence Mr. Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, to the Jaffna police station, as well as to the National Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka. Mr. Ajith Kumara also made a statement in Parliament on 14 December 2011 regarding the two missing HRDs. On 14 December 2011, Mr. Kugan Muruganandan's wife found her husband's motorbike inside the Atchuveli police station in Jaffna. The Jaffna police has thus far denied that the two missing HRDs are under their custody, and claim that the vehicle was found by the Kopai police parked near a Hindu temple in that area. However, the Cabinet Spokesperson Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said in a briefing on 15 December 2011 that the missing HRDs were not disappeared and "are there", without specifying any place. Minister Keheliya Rambukwella indicate that the two missing HRDs are in government custody, although added that if the two were in police or military custody, that they would be produced before a Magistrate and be treated according to the law. The family has heard through unofficial sources that the two are being held in an unspecified detention center somewhere in Jaffna. However there is no official confirmation of this information. They have reason to believe that the two are being held by security forces because of their human rights work and previous incidents in relation to this.
- Impact of Event
- 2
- Violation
- Enforced Disappearance
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Active
- Date added
- Sep 20, 2019
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Jan 30, 2011
- Event Description
Mr. Visuvalingam Kirupaharan has been subjected to harassment and intimidation as a result of an ongoing smear campaign against him, by various newspapers and websites in Sri Lanka. It is alleged that the articles are published in pro-Government newspapers, in English, Singhalese, and Tamil. As a result of this smear campaign, Mr Kirupaharan has received numerous threatening phone calls. Mr. Kirupaharan has engaged with various UN mechanisms and brought to the attention of the UN Human Rights Council the situation on human rights in Sri Lanka. He exposed the alleged lack of adequate investigations into human rights violations. On 30 January 2011, a Sri Lankan newspaper called Divaina published an article claiming that Mr. Kirupaharan, along with 20 others, were wanted by Interpol for his alleged contact with people from the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). However, Interpol reportedly holds no information concerning Mr. Kirupaharan in its files. The articles reportedly branded Mr. Kirupaharan as a "traitor" stating that he is an agent of the LTTE and suggested that "these people should be kept out of the UN". The publication of this article reportedly forms part of an ongoing smear campaign against Mr. Kirupaharan. It is alleged that a similar article was previously published by Divaina on 21 March 2010, labelling Mr. Kirupaharan a non-patriot and a terrorist, who had betrayed Sri Lanka and should therefore not be permitted access to the UN. The article was printed alongside a photograph of Mr. Kirupaharan which was taken as he attended the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva on 12 March 2010. The photograph was reportedly taken by a driver for the Sri Lankan Permanent Mission whose name is known by the Special Rapporteur, while Mr. Kirupaharan was speaking to another Sri Lankan human rights defenders at gate 40 of the UN Palais des Nations. Approximately 15 minutes after the photograph was taken, Mr. Kirupaharan was approached by the same man who had photographed him, who asked him to confirm his name. The man then allegedly asked Mr. Kirupaharan to accompany him to a quieter location within the Palais de Nations, where they spoke briefly. It is alleged that the objective of this conversation was to threaten Mr. Kirupaharan.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Violation
- Reprisal as Result of Communication, Vilification
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Not active
- Date added
- Sep 20, 2019
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Jan 19, 2012
- Event Description
On 6 March 2012, Mr. Asela Bandara Ihagama was forced to cancel the annual women's day event which he had organised for Commission for Justice, Peace, Human Development, Human Rights Secretariat in Kandy (SETIK-Caritas Kandy) following an order by the Office in Charge (OIC) of the Hatton police, prohibiting any public event to take place in Hatton from 6 to 8 March 2012. The event was to be held in Hatton on 7 March and all arrangements had been made when the police informed that the event should not be held at around 6.30 pm on 6 March. Around 500 women from the estate community were expected to participate in the event, which focused on violence against women, in particular domestic violence. The OIC told Mr. Ihagamathat no public gathering or celebration would be permitted since it would disrupt preparations for the women's day celebrations organised by the Government, in Hatton, to which over 5,000 Sinhala women from Anuradhapura and Pollonnaruwa were due to participate. The OIC said that all buses and vehicles would be prevented from entering Hatton town from 6 to 8 March and threatened that any gathering of more than five persons would result in arrests by the police. As a result, Mr. Ihagamaand his staff were forced to cancel the event planned for the following day and to return to the city of Kandy that night. Moreover, Mr. Asela Bandara Ihagama has been subjected to a series of threats, intimidation and surveillance by State intelligence officers since January 2012. On 29 January officers from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) visited his village and questioned neighbours about his work. On 9 February, Mr. Ihagama was questioned at his office by an officer from the Terrorism Investigation Department (TID) who said that the TID had received information that Mr. Ihagama was working to support the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) among the estate community and was providing information to international groups, including through their websites in order to discredit the Government. On 19 February 2012, at around 8 pm, a group of men in a white van were seen parked near a funeral house Mr. Ihagama had visited in the morning in his neighbourhood (around 30 meters from his house). When neighbours asked the men where they had come from and what they were doing there, they replied that they knew Mr. Ihagama and had come from Colombo. They also questioned the neighbours regarding Mr. Ihagama's work and the details of his family members. They left at around 10.15 pm. On 20 February 2012, men visited Mr. Ihagama's office in Kandy and asked the caretaker whether he was in office, telling him that that they were Mr. Ihagama's friends and wished to speak with him. The caretaker informed them that Mr. Ihagama had not come to office since it was a holiday on that day and offered to give him a message. The men refused to leave a message and left shortly after. Mr.Ihagama believes that these men were intelligence officers since any of his friends would have called him before visiting the office. At SETIK, Mr. Ihagama has been involved in documenting human rights abuses including torture and assisting victims of torture and rape and their families since 1998. In particular, he has provided information to international bodies and has campaigned actively to raise human rights awareness and against rights abuses, particularly among the Estate Tamils.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Violation
- Intimidation and Threats
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of assembly
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Sep 20, 2019
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Dec 10, 2011
- Impact of Event
- 42
- Violation
- (Arbitrary) Arrest and Detention
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of assembly, Right to political participation
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Not active
- Date added
- Sep 20, 2019
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Jan 1, 2012
- Event Description
Since January 2012, threats, harassment, intimidation, vilification and incitement to violence against Sri Lankan human rights defenders in connection with their views on accountability issues in Sri Lanka. These threats are part of a hate campaign directed against human rights defenders who have engaged with the 19th regular session of the UN Human Rights Council (Council) and supported the recent adoption of the Council resolution on "promoting reconciliation and accountability in Sri Lanka" (A/HRC/19/L.2). The resolution urges the Sri Lankan government to implement the recommendations of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) and probe alleged abuses of international humanitarian law at the end of the war with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Elam (LTTE). Human rights defenders present at the Council in Geneva and repeatedly identified, Dr. Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu, Dr. Nimalka Fernando, Ms. Sunila Abeysekera and Mr. Sunanda Deshapriya, are particularly targeted for their support of the resolution. They have been depicted as traitors and accused of supporting the LTTE as well as spreading lies about the human rights situation in Sri Lanka, with the view to undermine the legitimacy of their work. Furthermore, Media Minister Keheliya Rambukwella insinuated that the defenders present at the Council "betrayed the motherland for dollars after enjoying free education and health services," and that "they are worse than the foreign elements". The present series of accusations started in January 2012 and have been spread through State-controlled TV and radio stations and appear in pro-government print and online news in Sri Lanka. The continuous daily coverage, which provides names and photographs of the defenders, contains thinly-veiled threats of retaliation which has only compounded the climate of fear under which defenders work in the country and has had a chilling effect as comments to online news items by the general public have clearly incited violence. One comment to an article questioned whether there was anyone willing to set fire to Ms. Sunila Abeysekera's home. Another article suggests that in a country like Iran these "kinds of bastards would be stoned in public". The adoption of the Council's resolution on 22 March 2012 has further intensified the hate campaign against supporters of the resolution. On 23 March 2012, speaking at a protest against the UN resolution on Sri Lanka, Minister of Public Relations Mervyn Silva named Dr. Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu, Dr. Nimalka Fernando and Mr. Sunanda Deshapriya as traitors. He threatened to "break their limbs" in public if they dare to set foot in the country. The Minister also claimed responsibility for the eventual exile of journalist and free press activist Mr. Poddala Jayantha, who left Sri Lanka in 2009 after being abducted and severely beaten up. He stated that President Mahinda Rajapaksa would not take any action against him as "even if a tsunami flowed from Sigiriya, no tsunami would flow against him from Rajapaksa". On 23 March 2012, the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Ms. Navi Pillay warned that there must be no reprisals against Sri Lankan human rights defenders. She noted with concern the unacceptable level of threats, harassment and intimidation directed at Sri Lankan activists who had travelled to Geneva to engage in the debate, including by members of the Sri Lankan government delegation. During the plenary sessions of Council as well as in parallel events, members of Sri Lanka's delegation carrying diplomatic UN identity cards were seen photographing at close range Dr. Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu, Ms. Nimalka Fernando, Ms. Sunila Abeysekera and Mr. Sunanda Deshapriya and harassing them verbally. In a statement released by Dr. Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu, Ms. Nimalka Fernando and Ms. Sunila Abeysekera on 21 March 2012, they expressed that as human rights defenders they will remain committed to their ideals and goals to defeat impunity in Sri Lanka and to build strong system of justice and accountability for human rights violations.
- Impact of Event
- 4
- Violation
- Reprisal as Result of Communication, Vilification
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Sep 20, 2019
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Sep 12, 2011
- Event Description
Human rights defender Mr Sunanda Deshapriya was the target of a media smear campaign and death threats, following his participation in an event held at the UN headquarters in Geneva on 12 September 2011. State controlled media reportedly published an inaccurate account of the event following which calls were made to have Sunanda Deshapriya killed for betraying the Sri Lankan State. Sunanda Deshapriya is a Sri Lankan human rights defender who has been living in exile in Geneva since 2009. He has worked as a press freedom campaigner and journalist and currently writes a column which often focuses on human rights issues for the Sinhalese newspaper Ravaya. He also edits a website known as the Sri Lanka Brief and maintains an online blog which gathers information about human rights violations with a particular focus on freedom of expression. While in Sri Lanka, Sunanda Deshapriya was the head of the Free Media Movement. On 12 September 2011, Sunanda Deshapriya attended a side event to the 18th session of the UN Human Rights Council organised by the Sri Lankan Government. The event was attended by a number of Sri Lankan ministers and Government officials, as well as representatives from a number of diplomatic missions and H.E. Mohamed Nasheed, the President of the Maldives. There were also some representatives from human rights organisations as well as some other Sri Lankan human rights defenders in attendance. In the days following the event, various sections of the Sri Lankan media including the Sri Lanka Mirror, and the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation among others, published articles which claimed that the President of the Maldives made negative comments about Sri Lankan human rights defenders who attended the Human Rights Council including a former leader of the Free Media Movement,. It is reported by those who attended the side event, that the President of the Maldives did not make statements as published in the Sri Lankan media. The President engaged in conversation with Sunanda Deshapriya and other human rights defenders after the side event. Since May 2009, Sunanda Deshapriya has been living in exile in Geneva as a result of threats issued against him following his participation and oral intervention in the 10th session of the Human Rights Council in March 2009 and 11th Special Session on Sri Lanka in May 2009. He has been repeatedly targeted by smear campaigns against him in the Sri Lankan media. Numerous calls have been made to have him killed as a result of his human rights work. Front Line believes that Sunanda Deshapriya has been targeted solely as a result of his work as a human rights defender. Although Sunanda Deshapriya is no longer living in Sri Lanka, Front Line is deeply concerned that calls have been made to have him killed. In this connection, deep concern is expressed for the physical and psychological integrity of his family who remain in Sri Lanka as concern grows that they may be targeted.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Violation
- Reprisal as Result of Communication, Vilification
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Sep 20, 2019
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Jul 31, 2011
- Event Description
Reporters Without Borders is shocked to learn of yesterday evening's savage attack on Gnanasundaram Kuhanathan, 59, the editor of the Tamil-language daily Uthayan, who was beaten by unidentified men with iron bars in the northern city of Jaffna. He was rushed to hospital, where he was in a critical condition with serious head injuries and still unconscious. "We demand a rapid and thorough investigation into this appalling crime," Reporters Without Borders said. "The violence used by his attackers clearly shows they did not intend him to survive. Combating impunity is the first step towards creating the conditions for independent and pluralist journalism. "This attack must not be the prelude to a new wave of violence against journalists, which has been on the wane during the past year, in part because so many journalists are in exile. We remind the authorities that impunity continues to encourage wrongdoers." Kuhanathan was attacked near his home at around 6:30 p.m. by several men with iron bars who were waiting for him. After being rushed to a Jaffna hospital, he was put on a respirator in an intensive care unit. His doctors may decide he should be transferred to a hospital in the capital, Colombo. An opposition newspaper that defends the interests of Sri Lanka's Tamil minority, Uthayan tends to support the Tamil National Alliance, which won most of the local councils in Tamil areas in the local elections held on 23 June. Physical attacks against journalists have fallen overall since 2010 but threats and acts of intimidation continue to be common in Sri Lanka without the judicial authorities necessarily taking much interest. Yesterday's attack on Kuhanathan was nonetheless the second attack on an Uthayan journalist in the past two months. The reporter S. Kavitharan was attacked by armed men as he was going to work on 28 May. There have been four murders of journalists in Sri Lanka since 2008 in which a link with the victim's work was clearly established, and a well-known cartoonist, Prageeth Eknaligoda, has been missing since January 2010. None of these cases has been solved. More than 50 journalists and press freedom activists have fled abroad in recent years because their lives were in danger.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Violation
- Violence (physical)
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Sep 20, 2019
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Jul 29, 2011
- Event Description
An active non-governmental organization worker based in the Puttalam district and who travelled widely carrying out relief work for victims of the conflict as well as those hit by the tsunami has disappeared after he was allegedly abducted in February last year. Identified as Pattani Razeek (56), it appeared he had known his abductors as he was seen getting into their vehicle - a white van - without any resistance. As a result of many protests and complaints search operations were launched to locate the NGO worker who last served as the Managing Trustee of the Community Trust Fund (CTF), but all efforts were fruitless. However, Police were able to finally discover his body buried in a partly built house in Valaichchenai. "My family members including myself received several telephone calls demanding a ransom of Rs. 20 million for his release. The figure was revised to Rs. 10 million and then was reduced to Rs. one million. The last call we received was in September last year," his son Riz Khan told the Sunday Times yesterday."The alleged abductors first inquired about the operations of the Fund and told us to get the money on behalf of our father. We declined as there were other members of the organization who had to give their consent," he said. He said the callers later inquired about the assets of his father and said they were willing to release his father if Rs. one million was paid. "I told the callers we cannot raise that amount of money even if we sold our house. My father was only a retired grama niladhari. However, later we agreed to pay Rs. 900,000, but wanted to talk to our father. That never took place and we never heard from them again", he said. The family members had then given the Police the telephone numbers of the persons who called, enabling the Police to make a breakthrough early this month. As a result police took into custody one Shabdeen Naushad, an employee of a vocational training institute located in Kilinochchi. The arrest came after investigators intercepted some phone calls made by the employee. He is said to have served as a co-ordinator of Minister Rishad Bathiudeen. In an anticipatory bail application filed by the suspect last year, he admitted his connection to Minister Bathiudeen and admitted that he met Razeek on the day of his disappearance and that he travelled with Minister Bathiudeen's brother and the staff of Minister Bathiudeen in a vehicle belonging to Minister Bathiudeen's Ministry. He also admitted he was a Government supporter and said his arrest might affect his credibility and also the credibility of Minister Bathiudeen and affect the prospects of the Minister in the upcoming elections. Police finally received information that Mr. Razeek was killed and buried in a partly built house in Valaichchenai. The house was owned by a relative of one of the two suspects currently in custody. The body of Razeek was in a highly decomposed state and was sent for a DNA test to Colombo. The results of the test are due on Tuesday. Family members of Mr. Razeek had been under pressure to fund a political campaign in the Puttalam district, but they had rejected the request. The recovery of the body has prompted a call from the UN to carry out investigations into other disappearances as well. UNHRC wants other disappearances probed The Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights said it hopes that investigation and prosecution into the death of prominent human rights activist Pattani Razeek whose body was exhumed on Thursday will be expedited, and that there will be similar progress in resolving the many thousands of outstanding cases of disappearance in Sri Lanka. "We hope that investigation and prosecution of this crime will now be expedited, and that there will be similar progress in resolving the many thousands of outstanding cases of disappearance in Sri Lanka," Ravina Shamdasani, a Spokesperson for the UNHRC in Geneva said on Friday. Mr. Razeek, the Managing Trustee of Community Trust Fund (CTF) and a leading member of regional NGO networks, has been missing since February 11, 2010. It is only in the past few weeks that two suspects were arrested in relation to the case. The information they provided reportedly led to the discovery of the body. Now that the fate of this human rights defender has been established, it is time for an investigation to establish the truth of the circumstances of this heinous crime, and for prosecution to bring justice to the victim's family, the UNHRC spokesperson aid. In particular the spokesperson referred to the case of freelance journalist and cartoonist, Prageeth Ranjan Bandara Ekneligoda, who has been missing and considered "disappeared' since January 2010. "We strongly urge the Government of Sri Lanka to expedite investigations and provide information on Mr. Ekneligoda's whereabouts and fate," she said. The spokesperson also encouraged the Government to seek the assistance of the UN Working Group on Enforced and Involuntary Disappearances, which has 5,653 outstanding Sri Lankan cases on its books, by inviting it to visit the country.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Violation
- Abduction/Kidnapping, Death
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Active
- Date added
- Sep 20, 2019
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- May 20, 2011
- Event Description
The Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) has received information that Mr. Niroshan Premaratne, a professional journalist attached to the Independent Television Network (ITN) of Wickremasinghe Pura, Battaramulla, Colombo was illegally arrested and severely tortured by police officers attached to the Panadura Police Station on 8 May 2011. While Niroshan was driving with his wife and brother-in-law they were stopped by police officers and brought to Pandura Police Station. When Niroshan tried to inform his senior management regarding the illegal arrest two police officers started beating him. Shortly afterwards he was released and admitted to the Panadura Base Hospital who in turn transferred him to the Colombo South Teaching Hospital. He suffered several contusions to his face and one tooth was broken as a result of the beating. This case is yet another illustration of the exceptional collapse of the rule of law in the country where persons are tortured and extrajudicial killed in police stations and journalists have become fair game. CASE NARRATIVE: According to the information the Asian Human Rights Commission received Mr. Niroshan Premaratne, a professional journalist attached to the Independent Television Networks (ITN) of Wickremasinghe Pura, Battaramulla was subject to arbitrary assault by two police officers at the Panadura Police Station on 8 May 2011. In the morning Niroshan had gone to participate at a family event at Wadduwa with his wife and his brother-in-law following which they travelled back to Colombo in his vehicle. Some officers of the Motor Traffic Unit of the Panadura Division pulled him over on charges of driving his vehicle while disobeying Police orders. But Niroshan states that he did not see the signal which the police officers said they had given him. Instead of carrying out the necessary investigations after taking him to the Panadura Police Station the officers tried to lock up him in the cell. When Niroshan tried to inform his senior management of the situation using his wife's mobile phone two officer of the Motor Traffic Unit brutally assaulted him. This assault was witnessed by his wife and brother-in-law. Niroshan was not charged and after the assault he, his wife and brother-in-law were released. He was admitted to the Panadura Hospital and thereafter transferred to the Colombo South Teaching Hospital. As a result of the beating he sustained injuries to his head and face and one tooth was broken. He also said that his gold chain and mobile phone had gone missing following the incident. Following the assault the Inspector General of Police (IGP) ordered a special investigation and the two police constables have been suspended over their alleged involvement in the assault. However, it is apparent that there will only be an internal inquiry into this incident and it is unlikely that any prosecutions will take place.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Violation
- (Arbitrary) Arrest and Detention, Torture
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Not active
- Date added
- Sep 20, 2019
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Apr 1, 2011
- Event Description
The continuous persecution by the Sri Lankan government of the Lanka-E-News publication reached a new stage when its editor, Bennet Rupasinghe was arrested and detained yesterday. For many months now Lanka-E-News has been under severe attack and one of its reporters, Prageeth Eknaligoda has been missing for over one year now. His family has accused the government of Sri Lanka for causing his forced disappearance. Very recently the Lanka-E-News office was subjected to an arson attack. Previously there had been several other attacks on this web-site. According to reports it appears that the government is trying to blame the arson attack on the editors of the website itself. This method of trying to attribute attacks on media organisations to the staff of the organisations themselves is now a common feature in Sri Lanka. The attack on the Sirasa News Agency was also attributed to the staff of that agency and there were even suggestions that the assassinations and attacks on journalists were also self-inflicted. There was an attempt to attribute the earlier attacks on journalists to the opponents of the ruling regime in order to discredit the government. For example the assassination of Lasantha Wickrematunga was blamed on Sarath Fonseka who was the former army commander who led the struggle against the LTTE. Fonseka was also the opposition candidate that ran against President Rajapakse in the last presidential election. One of his colleagues was arrested and detained for several months under this charge before being finally released. The attack on Lanka-E-News preceded a vicious campaign against website publications referring to their editors as traitors to the nation. It appears that the government which has been engaged in the suppression of the print media within the country for a considerable time and who has to a greater degree achieved this end is now directing its attack on the web organisations. The Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) has for a long period of time pointed out that the manipulation of the criminal justice process for political purposes is becoming a marked feature in the persecution of those perceived to be opponents of the government. The manipulation of the criminal justice process has reached the point where the confidence of the public in this process has greatly diminished. The AHRC calls for the end to the persecution of the management and staff of Lanka-E-News and the vicious campaign against the web-site-based newspapers. Such attacks are attacks, not only on the individuals concerned but also on the rights of the Sri Lankan people who are already being deprived of the right to be informed about the public affairs of their own country. We specifically call for the immediate release of Bennett Rupasinghe who has been subjected to several unjustified attacks on his rights as the editor of Lanka-E-News.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Violation
- (Arbitrary) Arrest and Detention
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Sep 20, 2019
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Mar 7, 2008
- Event Description
Mr. Jayaprakash Sittampalam Tissainayagam is a respected Tamil journalist and editor who writes for the Northeastern Monthly Magazine and the Sunday Times in Sri Lanka. He is also the founder of the website Outreachsl.com, which focused on the Tamils minority in Sri Lanka. On 3 December 2008, Mr.Jayaprakash Sittampalam Tissainayagam was nominated for a media freedom award for defending the freedom of information by the Reporters Without Borders (RSF) On 2 October 2009, Mr.Jayaprakash Sittampalam Tissainayagam was awarded the first Peter Mackler Award for Courageous and Ethical Journalism. His wife, Mrs. Ronnate Tissainayagam, accepted the award on his behalf because he was in prison then. On 7 March 2008, Mr. Jayaprakash Sittampalam Tissainayagam was arrested by the Terrorist Investigation Division (TID) of the Sri Lankan Police in Colombo. The police eventually confirmed that they had detained him because they suspected him of being a member of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). On 8 March 2008, TID officers raided and searched Mr. Jayaprakash Sittampalam Tissainayagam's home without a warrant. A copy of the Northeastern Monthly Magazine was seized. On 23 March 2008, sources close to the family of Mr. Jayaprakash Sittampalam Tissainayagam revealed that there were several phone calls threatening his wife. The source suspected that the threats emanated from government agencies On 6 April 2008, Amnesty International (AI) issued a press statement claiming that Mr. Jayaprakash Sittampalam Tissainayagam suffers from an eye condition that has required operations to re-attach his retinas. High levels of stress, or exposure to extreme levels of light, could cause a recurrence of the condition, which may result in blindness. It is not known whether he has received the required specialist medical treatment for his condition. On 9 May 2008 Mr. Jayaprakash Sittampalam Tissainayagam was granted access to an eye specialist. The specialist had said his condition required monitoring and that he needed new glasses. On 25 August 2008, Mr. Jayaprakash Sittampalam Tissainayagam was indicted for alleged violations of the PTA and was also charged with violating the 2006 Emergency Regulations with regard to allegations of aiding and abetting terrorist organizations through raising money for the magazine. It is noted that he is the first person who was charged under the PTA in the almost 30 years since it was adopted as a "temporary" measure. Mr. Jayaprakash Sittampalam Tissainayagam was denied bail on the ground that he has been charged under the PTA. On 9 September 2008, the Sri Lankan authorities dropped the charge against Mr. Jayaprakash Sittampalam Tissainayagam of "bringing disrepute to the government" but retained other charges related to editing, printing and fundraising for the magazine. On 24 October 2008, the Free Media Movement (FMM) reported that a series of letters were received by human rights defenders and lawyers associated with the current trial of Mr. Jayaprakash Sittampalam Tissainayagam. The letter reportedly warned any supporters of Mr. Jayaprakash Sittampalam Tissainayagam or other defenders of human rights cases that they would be summarily killed or suffer life-threatening injuries. The source of the letter, "Mahason Balakaya" (Mahason Regiment) is an unknown group. In November 2008, Mr. Jayaprakash Sittampalam Tissainayagam testified that he had a serious eye condition. An accident when he was 18 had caused a detached retina in both eyes and since then, he has only had 50 percent vision. Doctors had advised him that a blow to the head could make the condition recur. He said that officers of Sri Lanka's terrorist investigation division had threatened him saying he would be "beaten up like other detainees" and that he would go blind if the officers beat him. He also said he was threatened on a daily basis. On 5 December 2008, the High Court ruled that the confession made by Mr.Jayaprakash Sittampalam Tissainayagam has been proven to be made voluntarily, despite the fact that he has told the court at the initial hearing that the confession was made under duress from the police. On 31 August 2009, Mr.Jayaprakash Sittampalam Tissainayagam was convicted by the Colombo High Court and sentenced to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment for inciting communal violence and receiving money from the LTTE. On 11 January 2010, Mr.Jayaprakash Sittampalam Tissainayagam was granted bail by the Appeals Court. His lawyer said the court had ordered him to surrender his passport and pay $500 for bail. It is noted that Mr.Jayaprakash Sittampalam Tissainayagam's sudden release comes in the run up to Sri Lanka's Presidential elections in which President Mahinda Rajapaksa is pitted against his former army chief, General Sarath Fonseka. Tamil votes may play a deciding factor in the elections. On 13 January 2010 Mr.Jayaprakash Sittampalam Tissainayagam left prison.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Violation
- (Arbitrary) Arrest and Detention
- Rights Concerned
- Minority Rights
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Not active
- Date added
- Sep 20, 2019
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Sep 7, 2010
- Event Description
Mr. Jayampathy Bulathsinhala, owner of the J and J Printing Press and one of the victims, is known to be a strong supporter of civil society initiatives against the civil war, the curtailment of freedom of expression, and attacks and intimidation on media persons. In the evening of September 7, 2010, Sarala Graphics, a printing press located at 43/43, Walauwatta Road, Nugegoda town, was raided by a Police team from the Special Investigations Unit located at the Mirihana police station. Authorities were looking for a poster of the President printed by the United National Party (UNP). The owner of the press and 7 workers present there, including one woman, were arrested. These posters which featured images of the Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksha were a part of campaign against the controversial 18th amendment to the Constitution of Sri Lanka. Civil society groups in the country believe that the 18th amendment undermined checks and balances instilled in the Constitution. At about 3 a.m. on the 8th September, Police went to the house of the person who had brought the print order to Sarala Graphics, Jayampathy Bulathsinhala, on Kandewatta Road, Nugegoda. He was not at home. They arrested his wife, Kumudu Wijeyawardena (34), and her two younger brothers, Nimal (30) and Kelum Wijeyawardena (26), who were in the house at the time. The three of them were also asked for the posters. They said they knew nothing. They were taken to the Mirihana police station, and at about 9 a.m. were taken to the premises of the New Vidyadara Bookshop in Maradana, which is where the office of J and J printers, the name of Bulathsinhala's printing press, is located. The premises were searched. No posters were found. At about 1 p.m. Jayampathy Bulathsinhala went to the Mirihana Police Station and handed himself over to the Police. The wife of Mr. Bulathsinhala and her two brothers were later released and produced before the Magistrate, after Mr. Bulathsinhala reported to the police and was subsequently arrested. In the afternoon, UNP MPs, Mangala Samaraweera, Jayalath Jayawardena and Dayasiri Jayasekera,went to the Mirihana Police Station and informed the Police that Jayampathy had been executing a printing order for them and that they would take full responsibility for the poster. However, the Police asked them too to hand over the poster if they wanted Jayampathy to be released. Detention Orders under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) were subsequently issued on 9 persons. 1. Jayampathy Bulathsinhala, Sinhala, male, owner of J and J Printers; 2. Galagoda Ranjith Perera, 50, Sinhala, male, owner of Sarala Graphics; 3. Sirinatha Kumaradasa Jayasundera, 39, Sinhala, male, Manager of Sarala Graphics; 4. Narahenpitage Anushka Sandaruwan Costa, 22, Sinhala, male, Machine Minder, Sarala Graphics; 5. Narahenpitage Asanka Sandaruwan Costa, 26, Sinhala, male, Machine Minder, Sarala Graphics; 6. Adikarige Thilanka Chaturanga Perera, 18, Sinhala, male, Printers' Assistant, Sarala Graphics; 7. Lalinda Pradeep Alahapperuma, Sinhala, male, Machine Minder, Sarala Graphics; 8. Dorairaj, 45, Tamil, male, watcher, Sarala Graphics; 9. Ramaiah Rameshwary, wife of Dorairaj, 33, Tamil, female, office assistant, Sarala Graphics; All of the 12 persons arrested were charged under the sweeping powers of the Prevention of Terrorism Act of 1982. This is similar to other states use of such anti-terrorism laws that give vague definitions of "acts of terrorism", in order to stifle legitimate dissent of persons who criticise state policies and to restrict the work of human rights defenders. Mr. Jayampathy Bulathsinhala's arrest is a violation of his rights as such protected by the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders. By arresting and detaining the printing workers, police have also denied their right to work by continuing to detain them and preventing them to perform their jobs and earning their wages. Authorities have in effect punished them for doing their work which was only incidental to the political issue. However, the more insidious threat arising from these arrests is the violation of the right to freedom of expression. By arresting workers in the printing trade, Sri Lankan authorities are sending a message of indirect intimidation of the political opposition and the public. It must be stressed that these are persons arrested whose work was an essentially neutral desk. However, the work of printers is vital to the practice of the right to freedom of expression, since mass distribution of opinion and expression materials require the contribution of printing workers. By arresting persons related to printing, authorities are sending the message that printers ought to follow the wishes of state authorities on what to print or not. In reality, the responsibility of the contents of printed materials rests on those who contract the services of printers, in this case the United National Party (UNP). This responsibility over contents is fully protected within the right of freedom of expression and opinion, as long as it is within the bounds of democratic principles. UNP is a legitimate opposition party, and their act of criticism of the 18th amendment is a part of their duty as an opposition party in a democratic political arena. Indeed, there is a bigger cause for concern in this event since, the issue of the 18th amendment being criticised through the poster has been perceived as a threat to the check and balance system of the Sri Lankan government.
- Impact of Event
- 9
- Violation
- (Arbitrary) Arrest and Detention
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Not active
- Date added
- Sep 20, 2019
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Feb 11, 2010
- Event Description
On 11 February 2010, Mr. Pattani Razeek, Managing Trustee of the Community Trust Fund (CTF) and represented CTF in the executive committee of FORUM-ASIA was abducted . Mr. Razeek was last seen in Polonnaruwa, a town in the North-Central Province of Sri Lanka. In the afternoon of 11 February 2010, Mr. Razeek, was in Polonnaruwa in a van together with other staff of his organization, the Community Trust Fund (CTF), on their way home from a mission when their van was intercepted by another vehicle, a white van. In Sri Lanka, "white vans' have been known to be the preferred vehicles of groups responsible for abductions and disappearances. Mr. Razeek alighted from their vehicle, approached the men in the white van and exchanged greetings in Arabic with them, indicating that the men are Muslim. After talking to them for some minutes, Mr. Razeek went back to his colleagues and told them that he will be joining the group in the white van that according to him was heading to the Eastern provincial town of Valaichchenai. He assured his colleagues that he will be meeting up with them later. After much delay in the police investigation, his body was only found and exhumed on 29 July 2011 by the police in Kavathamunai, Oddamavadi, Valaichenai. P. Razeek was the.Razeek's body was sent to Batticaloa Hospital on 28 July 2011 for post-mortem. The post-mortem was completed on 2 August 2011 with the body released to the family on the same day. Samples of Mr. Razeek teeth, skin, hair, etc were taken by the Colombo Crimes Division and sent to the Gene Tech lab for DNA testing on 4 August 201. Mr. Razeek's son, Riskhan supplied blood to the Gene Tech Lab on 8 August 2011. Stomach samples from Mr. Razeek's body were sent to the Government Analyst on 5 August 2011.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Violation
- Abduction/Kidnapping, Death
- Source
[Prachatai] (https://prachatai.com/english/node/2685)
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Date added
- Sep 20, 2019
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