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Human rights situation in Sri Lanka further deteriorated in 2020: UK report

Published

5 years ago

2021/07/11

ECONOMYNEXT – The overall human rights situation in Sri Lanka continued to deteriorate in 2020, the UK’s annual report on human rights and democracy said.

Titled ‘Human Rights and Democracy: 2020 Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office report‘, the document noted an alleged increase in surveillance and intimidation of civil society, limited or no progress with regard to accountability, militarisation and other issues.

“The government of Sri Lanka delivered free and peaceful parliamentary elections despite the COVID-19 pandemic, and maintained low numbers of COVID-19 cases compared to global figures. However, there was increased surveillance and intimidation of civil society, constraints placed on communities practising religious burial rites, a number of lengthy detentions without charge, and several setbacks on post-conflict accountability and reconciliation,” it said.

Noting Sri Lanka’s withdrawal from the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) resolutions 30/1, 34/1, and 40/1 on post-conflict transitional justice, accountability and reconciliation, the UK report said there was no progress shown by Sri Lanka despite the government announcing its commitment to a domestic mechanism for reconciliation and accountability.

“The UK made clear its commitment to reconciliation and accountability in statements delivered on behalf of the Core Group on Sri Lanka at the HRC in February, June and September,” the report said.

In June 2021, the core group, comprising, Canada, Germany, North Macedonia, Malawi, Montenegro and the UK, expressed concern over what it called the lack of progress with regard to human rights, the rights of religious minorities and other issues highlighted in resolution 46/1.

The UK report, dated July 8, 2021, said Sri Lanka’s commitment to accountability was further called into question in March 2020 when President Gotabaya Rajapaksa pardoned and released former Army Staff Sergeant Sunil Ratnayake, who was convicted in 2015 for the murder of eight civilians (including children) in Jaffna in 2000.

Ratnayake, who was attached to the long range reconnaissance patrol of the army, was sentenced to death by the Colombo High Court in June 2015 for his alleged involvement in the Mirusuvil massacre in 2000. The former soldier, who was the first accused in the case, was found guilty of the murder of eight civilians including three children.

He was pardoned by President Rajapaksa on March 26, days after an island-wide curfew was declared to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus.

Amnesty Intentional, too, said in May last year that in pardoning Ratnayake, the COVID-19 pandemic was exploited as an “opportunity to reverse justice”

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office report further said the President continued to appoint controversial military figures accused of war crimes to government roles, while civilian functions such as the Secretariat for Non-Governmental Organisations were brought under the control of the Ministry of Defence. In October, the government passed the 20th amendment to the constitution, which the report said extended executive power over appointments to the judiciary and independent institutions, and reversed several important institutional checks and balances.

“In March, the President dissolved parliament ahead of elections, which were then twice postponed because of the COVID-19 outbreak. Although the government went on to deliver peaceful and democratic elections in August, the delay resulted in a lack of parliamentary oversight between March and August. The government instead formed several presidential ‘taskforces’ without parliamentary scrutiny, including to oversee the COVID-19 response,” the report further said.

The report was also critical of the government’s widely condemned move in March 2020 to cremate Muslim victims of COVID-19 against the wishes of the community with little or no scientific basis to the decision. World Health Organisation guidelines had also permitted burials.

“This particularly affected Muslim and some Christian communities, for whom burial is an essential rite. In December, the Supreme Court dismissed several petitions that challenged this policy. The outbreak of COVID-19 also led to an increase in anti-Muslim sentiment, fuelled by hate speech and disinformation suggesting that Muslims were ‘carriers’ of COVID-19 and were violating prevention measures.

In June, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, expressed concern over the clampdown on freedom of expression, noting an announcement made by the police in April to arrest those critical of the Government’s COVID-19 response,” the report said.

The report also made references to allegations that judicial medical officers and police had conducted invasive intimate examinations on LGBT+ persons without their consent, following which the Justice Minister Ali Sabry gave instructions to halt and investigate the practice.

The Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) has been a running theme in international pronouncements on Sri Lanka’s human rights record. The European parliament moved a resolution on June 10 calling for its release.

The UK report on Sri Lanka’s human rights situation in 2020, too, noted that the government of Sri Lanka continued to use the PTA, despite a renewed pledge at the 43rd session of the UNHRC to review the legislation.

“In April, prominent human rights lawyer Hejaaz Hizbullah was arrested by Sri Lanka’s Criminal Investigation Department under the PTA. Hejaaz was detained without charge or presentation before a court. International rights groups noted an increase in intimidation, surveillance and online abuse, including threats to lawyers, journalists, families of disappeared persons and individuals working on human rights and anti-corruption.”

Riots in Sri Lanka’s prisons in late 2020 were also highlighted in the report.

“In November, unrest at Mahara prison over COVID-19 concerns resulted in the death of eleven inmates and injury of over 150. A committee appointed to investigate the unrest concluded that the inmates’ demands had been reasonable, and autopsies revealed that all inmates had died of gunshot wounds. In November, the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka wrote to the Inspector General of Police to highlight an increase in deaths in custody, and released a prison study which noted that the treatment of prisoners fell below international standards,” it said.

The UK will continue to press for progress on human rights, gender equality and protections for minorities and vulnerable groups in 2021, the report further said.

“We shall continue to invest in ambitious programs which support conflict-affected communities, promote the role of civil society, facilitate social cohesion, and underline the critical importance of post-conflict reconciliation and accountability,” it added.

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UN Humanitarian Priorities Plan (HPP) for Cyclone Ditwah successfully concluded

Published

56 mins ago

2026/06/11

Priyan

The conclusion of the Humanitarian Priorities Plan (HPP) implemented by the United Nations for those affected by Cyclone Ditwah was marked at a ceremony held in Colombo this morning (11), under the patronage of Commissioner General of Essential Services and Chief of Staff to the President, Prabath Chandrakeerthi, and United Nations Resident Coordinator in Sri Lanka, Marc-André Franche.

Speaking at the event, UN Resident Coordinator Marc-André Franche noted that the humanitarian relief programme launched for those affected by Cyclone Ditwah had been successfully implemented owing to the strong political leadership and the swift response demonstrated in managing the disaster situation.

Commissioner General of Essential Services and Chief of Staff to the President Prabath Chandrakeerthi emphasized that Sri Lanka had demonstrated how strong national leadership and effective partnerships could ensure the delivery of relief to affected communities in a fair and efficient manner during times of crisis. He further stated that the timely and accurate data and assessments provided by the United Nations had played a crucial role in facilitating rapid relief efforts. He also noted that the Government is continuing its efforts to strengthen multi-hazard early warning systems to enhance resilience against future natural disasters of a similar nature and to further expand institutional coordination at national, provincial and local levels.

Expressing appreciation and gratitude for the generous and prompt assistance extended by various countries and partners, the Commissioner General also commended the contribution of all state institutions that helped ensure the uninterrupted provision of essential services and facilitated the swift delivery of relief assistance.

Under the United Nations’ Humanitarian Priorities Plan for Cyclone Ditwah, a fundraising initiative was launched to mobilise US$35.4 million for those affected by the disaster. Of this amount, 75 per cent has already been disbursed as assistance to affected communities across the country. Through the programme, each affected family received an allowance of Rs. 27,000 through Divisional Secretariats, while a range of additional relief measures, including the construction of temporary housing, were also implemented.

The Humanitarian Priorities Plan covered 25 districts and delivered assistance through nine key sectors. Official reports indicate that 87 per cent of the targeted population of more than 650,000 people, equivalent to approximately 575,000 individuals, directly benefited from the programme. This achievement clearly reflects the confidence and support extended by foreign governments and organisations towards the Cyclone Ditwah response programme being implemented by the present Government.

Among those who attended the event were Additional Secretary (Disaster Management) to the Ministry of Defence K. G. Dharmatilake, ambassadors and high commissioners from several countries, representatives of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), representatives of the World Health Organization (WHO), representatives of international humanitarian organisations, and a number of local and international dignitaries.

(PMD)

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President chairs discussion on potential El Niño impacts and institutional preparedness

Published

3 hours ago

2026/06/11

Priyan

A discussion to review the potential impacts of the anticipated El Niño phenomenon and the preparedness plans of relevant institutions to address its effects was held this morning (11) at the Presidential Secretariat under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

The meeting was attended by representatives of the Department of Meteorology, the Department of Irrigation, the Central Environmental Authority, Mahaweli Authority of Sri Lanka, the Disaster Management Centre, Vidulijanana Lanka (Pvt) Ltd and the National System Operator (Pvt) Ltd, among other relevant institutions.

Extensive discussions were held on the possible impact of the anticipated El Niño conditions on the country’s food security, drinking water supply and energy sector, as well as the immediate measures required to effectively manage these sectors.

Particular attention was given to current reservoir water levels and the measures required managing potential pressure on agriculture, drinking water supply and energy generation. Officials also briefed the President on the preparedness plans already in place to mitigate any adverse effects.

Officials noted that the expected El Niño conditions are likely to resemble those experienced during 2016–2017. They further stated that water management plans have been formulated accordingly and that steps have already been taken to commence the 2026 Yala season approximately one and a half months earlier than usual.

Special attention was also focused on ensuring an uninterrupted electricity supply over the upcoming months, maintaining agricultural activities and safeguarding food security. The President instructed relevant officials to prepare and submit detailed plans to ensure adequate electricity generation, the provision of water required for the forthcoming cultivation season and the protection of drinking water resources.

President Dissanayake observed that, just as Sri Lanka had successfully managed challenges arising from Cyclone Ditwah and the conflict situation in the Middle East, the country possesses the capacity to effectively address this global challenge as well. The President expressed confidence that with proper planning and timely implementation, Sri Lanka would be well positioned to respond to any eventuality.

Among those present were Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Senior Additional Secretary to the President Kapila Janaka Bandara, Director General of the Department of Meteorology A. L. K. Wijemannage, Director General of the Department of Irrigation Kithsiri Weligopolage, Director General of the Mahaweli Authority of Sri Lanka H. M. K. K. Herath, Chairman of the Central Environmental Authority Professor Tilak Hewawasam, Acting Director General of the Disaster Management Centre Brigadier D. D. G. A. Jayawardena and several senior officials representing the relevant institutions.

(PMD)

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New Sasakawa Memorial Sri Lanka–Japan Cultural Centre reflects enduring friendship between Sri Lanka and Japan – PM

Published

3 hours ago

2026/06/11

Priyan

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya participated at the ceremonial opening of the new Sasakawa Memorial Sri Lanka–Japan Cultural Centre today [11th of June 2026].

The cultural centre, commissioned by the Sasakawa Memorial Sri Lanka–Japan Cultural Centre Trust and situated at No. 85, Ward Place, Colombo 07, is a landmark development designed to promote cultural exchange, education, professional training and bilateral cooperation between Sri Lanka and Japan.

The New Sasakawa Centre was ceremonially opened by the Ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka Akio ISOMATA, Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources, Ramalingam Chandrasekar, Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, Yohei SASAKAWA, Chairman of The Nippon Foundation, Japan, Premalal Fernando, Chairman, Sasakawa Centre Trust. The Prime Minister unveiled the inaugural plaque.

Following the occasion Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Ministry of Defence and Sasakawa Peace Foundation in the presence of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya and Yohei SASAKAWA, Honorary Chairman.

Addressing the occasion, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated, that the friendship between Sri Lanka and Japan is enriched by a long history of cultural and spiritual connections and that the societies are connected through a deep appreciation of nature, culture, learning, and community.

Highlighting the longstanding contribution of the Sasakawa Centre, the Prime Minister stated that it has played an invaluable role in promoting Japanese language education and strengthening mutual understanding between the people of Sri Lanka and Japan. She expressed confidence that the new Centre would emerge as a dynamic platform for cultural exchange, educational cooperation, and meaningful people-to-people engagement.

The Prime Minister stated that, at a time of increasing global uncertainty, partnerships based on mutual respect, shared values, and a commitment to peace are more important than ever. She reaffirmed that Sri Lanka and Japan remain committed to dialogue, international cooperation, and s rules-based international order that promotes peace, prosperity, and human dignity.

The occasion was attended by the Ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka Akio ISOMATA, Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources, Ramalingam Chandrasekar, Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, Yohei SASAKAWA, Chairman, The Nippon Foundation, Japan, Premalal Fernando, Chairman, Sasakawa Centre Trust and Diplomatic core, distinguished guests.