Situation in SL becoming worse, Cardinal tells UNHRC

Colombo Archbishop Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith told the United Nations Human Rights Council’s 55th Session last week that situation in Sri Lanka was turning for the worse with the government making dictatorial and undemocratic moves to introduces laws curtailing media freedom, with subjective definitions of terrorism in a way that could lead to arbitrary arrest, extended jail terms for those clamouring justice in the country.

Full text of the presentation delivered by the Cardinal:

“We commend the oral update of the High Commissioner on the human rights situation in Sri Lanka, in particular with regard to reconciliation and accountability. We remain concerned about the failure of a transparent, independent accountability process for victims, including the victims of Easter Sunday Attacks and the atrocities in the North and East of Sri Lanka.

“This 21st of April marks five years since the 2019 Easter Sunday Attacks carried out in three churches and three hotels killing 272 people and injuring more than 500. The governments that ruled the country since then conducted several investigations which fell far short of going into all the details of the case. New evidence has been brushed aside. Requests and pleas made by us for a transparent, independent and fair investigation continue to be denied by the government of Sri Lanka.

“This situation has become worse with the government making dictatorial and undemocratic moves to introduce laws curtailing media freedom, with subjective definitions of terrorism in a way that can lead to arbitrary arrest, extended jail terms for those clamouring for justice in the country or those calling for transparent investigations into all kinds of murders, disappearances and excesses in the past. Hence, we appeal to every right thinking nation represented in the UNHRC to insist on a transparent investigation into all these matters.”

The UNHRC’s 55th session commenced on Feb 5 is now on and is scheduled to continue till April 5 under the theme ‘Harnessing multilateral efforts to embed, amplify and realize the rights of persons with disabilities, with a focus on full and effective participation and inclusion of society.