The All-Party Parliamentary Human Rights Group (PHRG) organised this event to examine concerns over the uneven progress made on human rights in Sri Lanka and to discuss how Parliamentarians can support necessary reform in the country.
We would like to thank PHRG Treasurer, Mark Durkan MP, for chairing this event.
The speakers were:
- Alan Keenan, Sri Lanka Senior Analyst, International Crisis Group. (“AK”)
- Sonya Sceats, Director of Policy and Advocacy, Freedom from Torture. (“SS”)
- Arun Gananathan, Barrister, Birnberg Pierce. (“AG”)
- Fred Carver, Campaign Director, Sri Lanka Campaign for Peace and Justice. (“FC”)
The main points raised:
- Since the defeat of President Mahinda Rajapaksa, there have been significant improvements in rule of law, including in connection with movement on serious human rights cases and the passage of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution, diluting the Executive Presidency’s powers. (AK)
- There have, however, been a worrying lack of prosecutions and several scandals under the current Government (e.g., in connection with the Central Bank), showing the fragility of Sri Lanka’s progress. (AK)
- Sri Lanka remains divided into two largely distinct political worlds: the northeast and the south. Greater efforts to promote unity are essential for peace. (AK)
- The “machine of surveillance and repression” is still intact and there has been no real attempt to downscale military power. (AK)
- Despite some progress on freedom of speech, the Prevention of Terrorism Act continues to be applied against civilians. (AG)
- The majority of torture and serious crime victims are Tamil and since 2009, 40,000 Tamils have fled and sought asylum outside Sri Lanka. This has to be factored into any inquiry. (AG)
- Freedom from Torture’s report highlighted that use of torture in Sri Lanka is still widespread. (SS)
- The UK Government should lead calls for an accountability process in Sri Lanka, ensuring the protection of survivors of torture. (SS)
- The Home Office should also update its asylum policy to reflect the high risk of torture in Sri Lanka. (SS)
- All mechanisms promised by the SL Government need international involvement and support, as trust has broken down in communities. (SS & FC)
- Continued impunity will undermine peace-building efforts. (FC)
- To rebuild trust, particularly following the publication of the UN Investigation on Sri Lanka report, the SL Government could offer an apology for crimes committed, as could others who are complicit (i.e., LTTE supporters). (FC)
The UN Investigation on Sri Lanka report was released on 16th September, identifying patterns of grave violations in Sri Lanka between 2002 and 2011. The report recommends the establishment of a hybrid special court, with international involvement, as essential for a successful accountability process.
The PHRG will continue to monitor developments regarding international pressure on Sri Lanka to follow the UN’s recommendations.