News
UPR sessions in Geneva: Justice Marasinghe faces daunting task
Against the backdrop of Sri Lanka being under review by the delegates of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR), Chairperson of the Human Rights Commission Justice Rohini Marasinghe has been invited to address a range of issues, including social and economic rights and the establishment of national prevention mechanisms at the UPR Info Pre-sessions on Nov 28.
In addition to addressing the concerns raised by the UPR delegates, Justice Marasinghe would also address the impugned decision of the Sub Committee on Accreditation (SCA) of the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) to downgrade the HRCSL from ‘A’ grade to ‘B’ grade status, which was a decision taken in 2021. The HRCSL has already challenged this decision on multiple grounds and recommended its vacation to the SCA, and the delegates of the UPR will be made aware of these particulars, official sources said.
Furthermore, in reference to protecting the freedom of expression and peaceful assembly of the citizens of Sri Lanka enshrined in Article 14(1) (a) and (b) of the Constitution of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, will inform the delegates of the UPR that the HRCSL will be launching a set of ‘Guidelines for Law Enforcement Officials on Dealing with Civilian Protests and Obligations of the State’ on the coming Human Rights Day, on the 10th December 2022.
Therefore, it is on the ground of national interest, and in order to render more favourable the global perception of the protection of human rights in Sri Lanka, the chairman would be asserting the numerous efforts taken by the HRCSL to safeguard human rights at the UPR Info Pre-sessions 2022, held in Geneva, from the 28th November – 2nd December 2022, sources said.
Sources said that the Geneva sessions would give HRCSL an excellent opportunity to enumerate the work done by the outfit in a robust manner in the past months and to place the independence of the commission and its mandate within the knowledge of the delegates present in Geneva and change the unfavourable perception they have of human rights in Sri Lanka.
Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya yesterday sad that the Executive Presidency would be abolished, in line with the NPP’s election manifesto.
Speaking in Parliament, in response to a question raised under Standing Order 27/2 by Opposition and SJB Leader Sajith Premadasa, the Prime Minister said the abolition would take place through a proposed new Constitution.
She added that preliminary work on drafting the new Constitution had already begun, with previous committee reports and other proposals being studied to guide the process.
“A concept paper on the draft will be presented to the Cabinet,” Amarasuriya said, noting that a formal study has been initiated on abolishing the Executive Presidency.
She said that the move cannot be implemented without introducing a new Constitution.
Leader Sajith Premadasa told Parliament yesterday that the suspension of duties imposed on Dr. Rukshan Bellana, Deputy Director of the National Hospital, amounted to a violation of his fundamental rights.
Raising the issue during parliamentary proceedings, Premadasa, who is also the SJB Leader, questioned the decision to suspend the senior medical officer for issuing a statement to the media, particularly on matters relating to children’s medicines.
He said health was a fundamental right and noted that two children had reportedly died, stressing that the focus should be on accountability over the incident rather than penalising a medical professional for speaking out.
Premadasa criticised the authorities for suspending Dr. Bellana solely for communicating with the media, asking whether such action constituted justice for families who had lost their children.The Opposition Leader said silencing officials, who raise concerns, undermines fundamental rights and does not address the underlying issues related to patient safety and public health.
Acting Deputy Director of the Colombo National Hospital Dr. Rukshan Bellana has been suspended.
A letter, issued by the Ministry of Health, says preliminary investigations by the Ministry of Health has revealed that Dr. Bellana, as a government medical officer holding a responsible position, made statements to the media, without approval, in a manner that created a controversial situation in the country and unrest among the public.
The letter further stated that formal disciplinary action will be taken in due course regarding this matter.
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