The Sri Lankan Special Envoy of the President on Human Rights, Mahinda Samarasinghe, announced on Thursday the Cabinet of Ministers has adopted the National Action Plan for the Protection and Promotion of Human Rights. The five-year plan fulfills Sri Lanka's pledge [BBC report] made in 2008 as part of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) [official website; UNHRC backgrounder].
Saturday, October 8, 2011
Attempt to create unrest in Lanka: Rajapaksa
Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa today warned of an attempt to create religious and ethnic unrest in the country.Rajapaksa warned his cabinet of the "plot" to create unrest in the country, which ended a three-decade ethnic conflict in May 2009 with the defeat of the separatist LTTE
Friday, October 7, 2011
Karu warns of social explosion due to lack of faith in police
Saman Indrajith
UNP MP Karu Jayasuriya yesterday warned, in Parliament, that there was room for a social explosion as the public trust in law and order had eroded due to the heavy politicization of the police service.
UNP MP Karu Jayasuriya yesterday warned, in Parliament, that there was room for a social explosion as the public trust in law and order had eroded due to the heavy politicization of the police service.
Resolution of the national question achievable only on the basis of the acceptance of democracy, fundamental human rights, inclusiveness, equality and justice: R. Sampanthan
Statement issued by Mr. R. Sampanthan, leader of Tamil National Alliance /Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kadchi on elections scheduled to be held on 8th October 2011 to the Municipal Council, Kalmunai
Three Possible Scenarios After Release of LLRC Report
Kalana Senaratne
Another session of the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva has come to an end.
Sri Lanka has emerged unscathed, even though considerable pressure is being exerted on the Sri Lankan Government, from different actors in different quarters of the world: one, regarding a political solution to the conflict; two, regarding the issue of accountability (investigations).
Another session of the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva has come to an end.
Sri Lanka has emerged unscathed, even though considerable pressure is being exerted on the Sri Lankan Government, from different actors in different quarters of the world: one, regarding a political solution to the conflict; two, regarding the issue of accountability (investigations).
Suspend illegal transfer, promotion of cops, UNP tells EC Loss of confidence in judicial system reason for killings inside police stations - Ranil
Zacki Jabbar
Promotions and transfers of policemen, to or from areas where tomorrow’s local government elections are to be held, since the campaign begun, are illegal and should be suspended immediately, the UNP said yesterday.
Promotions and transfers of policemen, to or from areas where tomorrow’s local government elections are to be held, since the campaign begun, are illegal and should be suspended immediately, the UNP said yesterday.
Western powers, LTTE and NGOs targeting MR – Minister
"The challenges that President Mahinda Rajapaksa faces come from the external forces and not from internal ones. A few powerful countries in the West are determined to punish the Sri Lankan President for eradicating LTTE terrorism despite the pressure applied by them to halt the fighting in the final episode of the battle," said Minister Susil Premajayantha, General Secretary of the United People’s Freedom Alliance.
SLMA sends letter to MR
The Sri Lanka Medical Association (SLMA), the apex body of doctors in Sri Lanka yesterday urged President Mahinda Rajapaksa to take necessary action to preserve the integrity of the Sri Lanka Medical Council for the maintenance of discipline and smooth functioning of its regulatory and academic activities in the face of verbal attacks by “senior politicians” over the media.
BRIEFING NOTE ON HUMAN RIGHTS IN SRI LANKA - Oct 2011
1. Situation in North and East - absolute militarization
· Governors for both North and East appointed by the President are former senior military officials
· Military restricts freedom of association, assembly and movement
· Military occupies land preventing people from resettling
The Observatory expresses its deep concern about those false allegations and threats against Mr. Sunanda Deshapriya,
URGENT APPEAL - THE OBSERVATORY
Sri Lanka/October 6, 2011
The Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders, a joint programme of the World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT) and the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH), requests your urgent intervention in the following situation.
Sri Lanka/October 6, 2011
The Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders, a joint programme of the World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT) and the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH), requests your urgent intervention in the following situation.
SRI LANKA: Eighth case of extrajudicial killing of beggars in the Kalaniya Police Division should be investigated
SRI LANKA: Eighth case of extrajudicial killing of beggars in the Kalaniya Police Division should be investigated
October 6, 2011 ASIAN HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION-URGENT APPEAL PROGRAMME
Urgent Appeal Case: AHRC-UAC-194-2011
6 October 2011
------------------------------------------------------
SRI LANKA: Eighth case of extrajudicial killing of beggars in the Kalaniya Police Division should be investigated
ISSUES: Extrajudicial killing; impunity; rule of law
------------------------------------------------------
Dear friends,
The Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) is making an exceptional Urgent Appeal after observing the increased numbers of systematic extrajudicial killings of beggars in Sri Lankan cities over the past few months. According to information that the AHRC has received, a beggar was clubbed to death by unidentified assailants with a sharp weapon during the early hours of 4 October 2011 at Kelaniya in Gampaha District. This is the eighth beggar who is reported to have been killed in the past 3 months. In the name of modernization and the beautification of the cities, around a dozen beggars were similarly killed in the city of Colombo in 2010. Investigation or prosecution of the assailants were denied in all of these cases. Therefore, justice was denied. The case is yet another in a very long list of extrajudicial killings by the Sri Lankan police.
CASE NARRATIVE:
We, the Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) are making this exceptional Urgent Appeal after observing the increased numbers of systematic extrajudicial killings of beggars in the cities of Sri Lanka over the past few months.
According to information that the AHRC has received, another beggar was clubbed to death by unidentified assailants with a sharp weapon during the early hours of 4 October 2011 in Kelaniya in Gampaha District. The beggar was found with severe head injuries on the road in front of 'Priyantha Iron Tech' of Biyagama Road, Gonawala, Kalaniya.
This is the eighth such instance in which a beggar was killed by a blow to the head in the past 3 months within the Kalaniya Police Division. Earlier, the police recovered the bodies of seven beggars from various locations in urban areas with severe head injuries. The extrajudicial killing of beggars has been reported in the Paliyagoda, Kaliniya and Kiribathgoda areas of the Kalaniya Police Division.
The police have yet to uncover the motive behind this mindless killing. The police reported that they believe these killings are being carried out by cliques who make money from these beggars, and ask them to meet specific monetary targets. When the beggars are unable to meet the targets, they are badly assaulted or killed.
The beggars who were reported dead to the Kalaniya Police Division were found at the following locations:
1. Nawaloka Circle, Paliyagoda
2. Pattiya Junction, Paliyagoda
3. Near the ‘Sanasa Bank’ of Biyagama Road in Paliyagoda
4. Near the 4th mile post, Kandy Road in Paliyagoda
5. At turning road to the Pattiya Junction from Biyagama Road in Paliyagoda
6. At Kiribathgoda Town
7. At seventh mile post in Kelaniya
In 2010, as the Sri Lankan government prepared for the 'International Indian Film Academy' Awards (IIFA) the government created propaganda about the need to beautify the city by removing beggars. Soon after, there was a mysterious series of extrajudicial killings of around a dozen beggars in the city of Colombo.
Beggars are usually disabled people in wheelchairs, and as such it is not necessary for a thief to kill a beggar. Moreover, by their very nature, beggars have very little and it is hard to imagine anyone wanting to steal what little resources they do have. As no accidental circumstances have come to light, it is clear that these killings are not accidents.
In one reported case, the beggar was a disabled lottery ticket seller. He suffered a severe head injury which proved to be fatal, likely caused by a blow with a heavy stone. The circumstances suggest a deliberate intention to kill.
Over the past two years, the AHRC has observed that those who were alleged to be criminals were killed at police stations shortly after they were arrested. Sri Lankan society seems to have gotten used to the idea of killings as the solution to wider societal problems.
It is the peremptory norm of the state to protect the citizens of its country. Moreover, the state has implemented laws which oblige it to protect the rights and safety of every individual. In order to fulfill such an obligation, the state has established law enforcement agencies to investigate violations and the breaching of implemented laws so as to bring those who has violated these laws before a court of law for appropriate sanctions.
In any democracy, the poorest of the poor must be given extra protection Affirmative action must be adopted so that social justice is a reality for every individual in Sri Lanka.. The meaning and value of human rights lies in the understanding that every member of society will be under its care, not just certain segments of society.
When the basic elements of the investigation and prosecution process are paralyzed, the practice of killing and the adoption of systematic practices that are used to eliminate many of the problems faced by society are used instead. Such a practice will ultimately destroy the basic structure of civil society in Sri Lanka.
The deaths of these beggars should be investigated promptly, efficiently and impartially. The responsible perpetrators should be brought before the court of law and should be prosecuted and those who are found guilty should be penalized.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: The Constitution of Sri Lanka has guaranteed the right freedom from torture. According to Article 11 of the Constitution 'No person shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment'. Further, Article 13(4) "No person shall be punished with death or imprisonment except by order of a competent court, made in accordance with procedure established by law. The arrest, holding in custody, detention or other deprivation of personal liberty of a person, pending investigation or trial, shall not constitute punishment." Further article 13 (5) guarantees the right of presumption of innocence until being proven guilty.
Furthermore, Sri Lanka has signed and ratified the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). Nevertheless the lack of protection offered to those who are willing to take cases against abusive police officers and the state authorities, means that the law is under-used continues to be employed as a tool by the police to harass people. This not only takes a long-term toll on the victim and his or her family, but on society as a whole, by the undermining of civilian respect for the law and encouraging impunity.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Please send a letter to the authorities listed below expressing your concern about this case and requesting an immediate investigation into the allegations extra judicial killings by the unknown perpetrators, and the prosecution of those proven to be responsible under the criminal law of the country. The officers involved must also be subjected to internal investigations for the breach of the department orders as issued by the police department.
The AHRC has also written a separate letter to the Special Rapporteur on Extra-judicial, Summary or Arbitrary Executions on this regard.
To support this appeal please click here:
SAMPLE LETTER:
Dear ________,
Name of Victim: Beggar killed at 'Priyantha Iron Tech' of Biyagama Road, Gonawala, Kalaniya on the road
Alleged perpetrators: Unknown group of persons
Date of incident: 3 October 2011
Place of incident: Kalaniya Police Station
Urgent Appeal Case: AHRC-UAC-194-2011
6 October 2011
------------------------------------------------------
SRI LANKA: Eighth case of extrajudicial killing of beggars in the Kalaniya Police Division should be investigated
ISSUES: Extrajudicial killing; impunity; rule of law
------------------------------------------------------
Dear friends,
The Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) is making an exceptional Urgent Appeal after observing the increased numbers of systematic extrajudicial killings of beggars in Sri Lankan cities over the past few months. According to information that the AHRC has received, a beggar was clubbed to death by unidentified assailants with a sharp weapon during the early hours of 4 October 2011 at Kelaniya in Gampaha District. This is the eighth beggar who is reported to have been killed in the past 3 months. In the name of modernization and the beautification of the cities, around a dozen beggars were similarly killed in the city of Colombo in 2010. Investigation or prosecution of the assailants were denied in all of these cases. Therefore, justice was denied. The case is yet another in a very long list of extrajudicial killings by the Sri Lankan police.
CASE NARRATIVE:
We, the Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) are making this exceptional Urgent Appeal after observing the increased numbers of systematic extrajudicial killings of beggars in the cities of Sri Lanka over the past few months.
According to information that the AHRC has received, another beggar was clubbed to death by unidentified assailants with a sharp weapon during the early hours of 4 October 2011 in Kelaniya in Gampaha District. The beggar was found with severe head injuries on the road in front of 'Priyantha Iron Tech' of Biyagama Road, Gonawala, Kalaniya.
This is the eighth such instance in which a beggar was killed by a blow to the head in the past 3 months within the Kalaniya Police Division. Earlier, the police recovered the bodies of seven beggars from various locations in urban areas with severe head injuries. The extrajudicial killing of beggars has been reported in the Paliyagoda, Kaliniya and Kiribathgoda areas of the Kalaniya Police Division.
The police have yet to uncover the motive behind this mindless killing. The police reported that they believe these killings are being carried out by cliques who make money from these beggars, and ask them to meet specific monetary targets. When the beggars are unable to meet the targets, they are badly assaulted or killed.
The beggars who were reported dead to the Kalaniya Police Division were found at the following locations:
1. Nawaloka Circle, Paliyagoda
2. Pattiya Junction, Paliyagoda
3. Near the ‘Sanasa Bank’ of Biyagama Road in Paliyagoda
4. Near the 4th mile post, Kandy Road in Paliyagoda
5. At turning road to the Pattiya Junction from Biyagama Road in Paliyagoda
6. At Kiribathgoda Town
7. At seventh mile post in Kelaniya
In 2010, as the Sri Lankan government prepared for the 'International Indian Film Academy' Awards (IIFA) the government created propaganda about the need to beautify the city by removing beggars. Soon after, there was a mysterious series of extrajudicial killings of around a dozen beggars in the city of Colombo.
Beggars are usually disabled people in wheelchairs, and as such it is not necessary for a thief to kill a beggar. Moreover, by their very nature, beggars have very little and it is hard to imagine anyone wanting to steal what little resources they do have. As no accidental circumstances have come to light, it is clear that these killings are not accidents.
In one reported case, the beggar was a disabled lottery ticket seller. He suffered a severe head injury which proved to be fatal, likely caused by a blow with a heavy stone. The circumstances suggest a deliberate intention to kill.
Over the past two years, the AHRC has observed that those who were alleged to be criminals were killed at police stations shortly after they were arrested. Sri Lankan society seems to have gotten used to the idea of killings as the solution to wider societal problems.
It is the peremptory norm of the state to protect the citizens of its country. Moreover, the state has implemented laws which oblige it to protect the rights and safety of every individual. In order to fulfill such an obligation, the state has established law enforcement agencies to investigate violations and the breaching of implemented laws so as to bring those who has violated these laws before a court of law for appropriate sanctions.
In any democracy, the poorest of the poor must be given extra protection Affirmative action must be adopted so that social justice is a reality for every individual in Sri Lanka.. The meaning and value of human rights lies in the understanding that every member of society will be under its care, not just certain segments of society.
When the basic elements of the investigation and prosecution process are paralyzed, the practice of killing and the adoption of systematic practices that are used to eliminate many of the problems faced by society are used instead. Such a practice will ultimately destroy the basic structure of civil society in Sri Lanka.
The deaths of these beggars should be investigated promptly, efficiently and impartially. The responsible perpetrators should be brought before the court of law and should be prosecuted and those who are found guilty should be penalized.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: The Constitution of Sri Lanka has guaranteed the right freedom from torture. According to Article 11 of the Constitution 'No person shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment'. Further, Article 13(4) "No person shall be punished with death or imprisonment except by order of a competent court, made in accordance with procedure established by law. The arrest, holding in custody, detention or other deprivation of personal liberty of a person, pending investigation or trial, shall not constitute punishment." Further article 13 (5) guarantees the right of presumption of innocence until being proven guilty.
Furthermore, Sri Lanka has signed and ratified the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). Nevertheless the lack of protection offered to those who are willing to take cases against abusive police officers and the state authorities, means that the law is under-used continues to be employed as a tool by the police to harass people. This not only takes a long-term toll on the victim and his or her family, but on society as a whole, by the undermining of civilian respect for the law and encouraging impunity.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Please send a letter to the authorities listed below expressing your concern about this case and requesting an immediate investigation into the allegations extra judicial killings by the unknown perpetrators, and the prosecution of those proven to be responsible under the criminal law of the country. The officers involved must also be subjected to internal investigations for the breach of the department orders as issued by the police department.
The AHRC has also written a separate letter to the Special Rapporteur on Extra-judicial, Summary or Arbitrary Executions on this regard.
To support this appeal please click here:
SAMPLE LETTER:
Dear ________,
Name of Victim: Beggar killed at 'Priyantha Iron Tech' of Biyagama Road, Gonawala, Kalaniya on the road
Alleged perpetrators: Unknown group of persons
Date of incident: 3 October 2011
Place of incident: Kalaniya Police Station
SL sends report to unhrc chief Friday,
Dianne Silva
Sri Lanka, which came under immense pressure over its human rights record at the recently concluded United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) sessions, will send its newly formulated National Action Plan for the Protection and Promotion of Human Rights to the UN Human Rights Chief Navi Pillay.
Sri Lanka, which came under immense pressure over its human rights record at the recently concluded United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) sessions, will send its newly formulated National Action Plan for the Protection and Promotion of Human Rights to the UN Human Rights Chief Navi Pillay.
Thursday, October 6, 2011
US Wikileaks Reveals “Very Effective Diplomatic Approach” By Sri Lanka in May 2009
Dr. Dayan Jayatilleka
The threat of a resolution against Sri Lanka in March in Geneva, the speech by Canada’s Foreign Minister at the UNGA, the lobbying within the Commonwealth, the statement by the UK Labour Party’s Shadow Foreign Secretary, the remarks of the Swiss Federal Attorney General on Gen. Dias, the legal moves in the US and Europe against Lankan soldier-diplomats, and in the EU arena to legalise the LTTE, are the spearheads of a multipronged strategic offensive.
The threat of a resolution against Sri Lanka in March in Geneva, the speech by Canada’s Foreign Minister at the UNGA, the lobbying within the Commonwealth, the statement by the UK Labour Party’s Shadow Foreign Secretary, the remarks of the Swiss Federal Attorney General on Gen. Dias, the legal moves in the US and Europe against Lankan soldier-diplomats, and in the EU arena to legalise the LTTE, are the spearheads of a multipronged strategic offensive.
SL military collects details on ex-LTTE members in Jaffna, Vanni
Occupying Sri Lanka Army soldiers in Jaffna and Vanni have again started collecting details of former LTTE members. The SLA, using new forms from Colombo, is registering details of ex-Tiger members who had left the movement several years ago and of those who were detained and released by the SLA after the genocidal onslaught on Vanni in 2009.
Sinhala encroachment of grazing lands continues unabated in Batticaloa
Under the direction of SL authorities in Colombo, the Ampaa'rai District Agrarians Services Department has begun issuing permits to Sinhala encroachers on grazing lands in the Batticaloa district giving permanent status.
Ravaya journalist challenges Gotabaya's politics
.Ravaya journalist and media activist Lasantha Ruhunage has complained to the elections commissioner on campaigning activities of Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa.
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Sri Lanka denies visa to European Parliament group
Paul Murphy
I was meant to travel to Sri Lanka this week as part of an official delegation from the GUE/NGL (Left group in European Parliament). The idea to travel to Sri Lanka came from the meeting I hosted in the Parliament a few months ago about the massacre of Tamils in Sri Lanka.
I was meant to travel to Sri Lanka this week as part of an official delegation from the GUE/NGL (Left group in European Parliament). The idea to travel to Sri Lanka came from the meeting I hosted in the Parliament a few months ago about the massacre of Tamils in Sri Lanka.
IFJ writes to President Nasheed on False allegations and attacks on Sri Lankan Journalist Sunanda Deshapriya
'' I am writing to you today on behalf of the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), which represents more than 600,000 journalists and media workers in 131 countries, to express our concerns about comments attributed to you in a number of media reports in Sri Lanka’s media. ''
Sri Lanka and UNHRC - Accountability issues, UNSG's panel of experts report and LLRC report
18th session of UN HRC- General Debate Item 4
On Sri Lanka - Accountability issues, UNSG's panel of experts report and LLRC report
Comments made by countries and INGOs requesting an interactive dialogue at UN HRC and independent investigation re accountability issues.
MOD website implicates 53rd division of SLA for executions, but no investigation - HRW
''The complete absence of any credible criminal investigations and prosecutions, even in cases with abundant evidence, demonstrates that the Sri Lankan government has failed to meet its obligations under international law. The video of apparent summary executions broadcast by Channel 4 is just one such example. Information posted on the website of the Ministry of Defence implicates the 53rd Division of the Sri Lankan army in the executions.''
"Sri Lanka's Killing Fields" to be screened at EU Parliament
Three international Human Rights watchdogs, Amnesty International, International Crisis Group (ICG), and Human Rights Watch (HRW) are jointly organizing the screening of Channel-4 documentary "Sri Lanka's Killing Fields," at the European Union Parliament Wednesday (12th), invitation sent to decision makers said.
SLA encroaches 100 acres of farmland in Ki'linochchi
The occupying Sri Lanka Army in Vanni has forcibly taken over about one hundred acres of farmland situated between the villages Shanthapuram and Kanakaampikaik-ku'lam 5 km southeast of Ki'linochchi town. Earlier, the farmland was the livelihood of hundreds of people under a poverty alleviation scheme under the civil administration of the LTTE.
Abuse of state resources: Polls Chief helpless ( after 18th amendment)
Ayesha Zuhair
The Elections Commissioner is not constitutionally empowered to take action against any abuse of state resources, Deputy Elections Commissioner M.M. Mohamed said yesterday.
The Elections Commissioner is not constitutionally empowered to take action against any abuse of state resources, Deputy Elections Commissioner M.M. Mohamed said yesterday.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Death threat to Vickramabahu
DPF mayoral candidate for Dehiwala-Mt. Lavinia Dr. Vickramabahu Karunaratne has been threatened with death.
Sri Lanka to monitor foreigners including tourists electronically
Sri Lanka is developing a system to track and monitor foreign nationals as they enter and travel around the country, after a new online travel approval system is fully operational, an official said.
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