Today is Intl Day of the victims of Rnforced Disappeared. At an event by Human Rights Office Kandy, families shared grief even aft 35 yrs & yearnings for truth (incl abt mass graves), reparations (esp for elderly), criminal accountability an prevent such disappearences in future
Concluded a well rounded exchange with civil society from Kandy covering reconciliation efforts, poverty reduction, rule of law, tackling hate speech and discrimination targeting minorities; grateful for their insights
Front Line Defenders condemns attempts by #SriLanka police and state intelligence to threaten and intimidate HRD journalist Tharindu Jayawardhana as reprisal for his legitimate journalism and peaceful human rights work.
Read more here: https://t.co/ryl0xbv1ji
In response to a RTI request by @tharinduij the Police have refused to provide data relating to their purchase of teargas in the last 5 yrs citing “national security”. This can only mean they haven’t purchased in the last 5 yrs & are therefore using expired teargas on protestors.
We are disturbed by the disproportionate use of force and arrest of student leaders and HRDs by Sri Lankan authorities last evening, 18 August. Particular concern re. the arrest of HRD Chinthaka Rajapaksa & the safety of student leader Wasantha Mudalige #SriLanka#StopReprisals
May2022 - as i stood amidst ruins of Ayurveda hospital @ #GotaGoGama#lka, destroyed after mob attack, i recalled hospital in #Mullivaikkal shelled in May2009. 68 killed, 87 injured, including medical staff (@hrw May 2009). 2009 pic - @TamilGuardian,2022 pics - me & friend