The Problem of the People
Sri Lanka, unravelled and unravelling, is mesmerised by a new wonder: the Lotus Tower. When that monumental symbol of Rajapaksa folly was opened to the public last week, people thronged to pay…
Human Rights
Anbudan, the Memory Remains Forever
”Sometimes tears flow uncontrollably and I cannot work anymore. I know I want to be strong, I want to call my historical strength as a woman. I want to remember and…
Who Goes to Geneva and Why
The 51st session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) is currently reviewing a new draft resolution on Sri Lanka. The core group invited the Sri Lankan government, other governments and…
Sri Lankan Government Found Guilty of Lasantha’s Murder
Since 1992 at least 1,400 journalists have been killed for bringing reliable information to the public. These murders, and the subsequent impunity, are the ultimate consequence of a hostile environment for press…
Geneva Resolutions on Sri Lanka – Past and Future
“How many more years should we come to Geneva?” Sandya Ekneligoda, wife of disappeared journalist, at “informal” consultation on UNHRC resolution on Sri Lanka, in Geneva, 16th Sept. 2022 Among the many international…
UN Human Rights Council Urged to Take Firm Action on Sri Lanka
During the first week of the latest United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) gathering in Geneva, the grave economic and political situation in Sri Lanka was discussed and strong action urged. This…
Sri Lanka Faces a Gathering Storm at Geneva Sessions
As the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) prepares to meet, the regime’s multiple failures to protect and respect Sri Lankans are under local and international scrutiny. A hard-hitting report from the…
The Luggage of Pain
“Son, this bag belonged to my daughter. I use her bag to try and find her. This bag contains all the documents. It’s now very old and has started to tear in…
Urgent Legal Reforms Needed to Deal with Unidentified Bodies
Hiru News Over the last two months, six unidentified bodies have washed up on the shores of the Western Province creating fear and suspicion of a new trend of targeted violence. The…
Decriminalising Consensual Same-sex Sexual Relations: Amendments Versus Repeal
In a major development in the human rights arena, SLPP parliamentarian and lawyer Premanath C. Dolawatte handed over a private member’s bill to President Ranil Wickremesinghe seeking to amend laws that marginalise…
Rule of Law in Sri Lanka: A Farce or a Reality?
The rule of law is a complex and critical principle of governance. The late Thomas Bingham, a Supreme Court Judge in the United Kingdom, wrote a prominent book on the rule of…
Paying Attention to the Voices That Will Not Be Silenced
As the world marks another International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances, in Sri Lanka, which has the second highest number of forcibly disappeared in the world after Iraq, families of…
Free the People
We will not be distracted. The emotion rushes through us like a river enraged, if a river, or a fault line, the heating jet stream, if these can be given human volition,…
Widespread Condemnation for Detention of Protesters Under PTA
After a number of protestors were arrested in Colombo, three student activists have been detained under the notorious Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) despite expressions of concern from the international community. Amid…
Tourism Guidance
Wait a minute Sanath. First congrats on your appointment as Tourism Ambassador. Now you say Sri Lanka is back and tourists can come. But will the Prevention of Terrorism Act apply…