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SLACT: Curtailing dissent through violence creates atmosphere of fear and authoritarianism
The Sri Lankan Collective Against Torture (SLACT), a group comprising of 28 civil society organisations and 12 human rights activists, says that curtailing the right to protest through violence is a grave human rights violation that also places democracy in jeopardy and creates an atmosphere of fear and authoritarianism. The SLACT has said it condemns the brutal attack of protestors at GotaGoGama, journalists, lawyers who intervened in their professional capacity, and bystanders, on 22 July 2022.
“The use of violence was unprovoked and unjustifiable as video evidence and testimonies of victims illustrate that the armed forces approached or chased people who were walking or standing peacefully and subjected them to brutal assault. They also destroyed tents and personal property of the protesters on site.
“It is evident from video evidence that many attacks were carried out by several members of the armed forces who gathered around a person or persons and beat them mercilessly with batons. There were also men in civilian clothing working alongside the military and it is one such person who assaulted the BBC journalist. Two journalists were taken away by armed forces and their whereabouts were unknown for several hours after the arrest.
“When they were found they were severely injured and had to be hospitalized. Their testimonies and that of others who were taken along with them state they were tortured for hours, including by being ordered to walk on gravel on their knees and assaulted on their heads.
“The injuries sustained by some victims are on the back, indicating they were chased and hit while fleeing. This would constitute torture, which is an offence under the Convention Against Torture Act. “Furthermore, it is also a violation of Article 11 of the Constitution which prohibits torture, or cruel, degrading or inhuman treatment. It is alarming that despite protesters publicly stating on 21 July that they would vacate the location by 2 pm that very day (which was reported in the media), brutal force was used during the early hours of the morning to chase them, indicating an intent to send a warning to and punish protesters.
“SLCAT reiterates the importance of protecting the right to expression and assembly, especially the right of journalists to engage in their duties without fear of intimidation, harassment or violence. The attacks on journalists are a violation of the right to expression enshrined in the Constitution of Sri Lanka.
“SLCAT holds President Ranil Wickremesinghe responsible for the attacks and demands that he acknowledge responsibility, apologize, compensate those affected by the violence and give a public assurance that such conduct by the armed forces and police will not be repeated against protestors. SLCAT demands that the State of Emergency, which is unwarranted and under cover of which such violence took place, be withdrawn with immediate effect. Those responsible for the violence should be held accountable and the commanders of the forces that participated in the attacks must likewise be held accountable according to the principle of command responsibility.
“The right to protest is an integral part of a functioning democracy and one of the ways in which citizens exercise their civic duty of holding elected representatives accountable.
“Curtailing it through violence is a grave human rights violation that also places democracy in jeopardy and creates an atmosphere of fear and authoritarianism.”
The U.S. Embassy in Colombo welcomed the U.S. Sports Envoys to Sri Lanka, former National Basketball Association (NBA) and Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) players Stephen Howard and Astou Ndiaye, from June 8 through 14.
The Public Diplomacy section of the U.S. Embassy said that it would launch a weeklong basketball program intended to harness the unifying power of sports, made possible through collaboration with Foundation of Goodness and IImpact Hoop Lab.
While in Sri Lanka, Howard and Ndiaye, both retired professional basketball players, will conduct a weeklong program, Hoops for Hope: Bridging Borders through Basketball. The Sports Envoys will lead basketball clinics and exhibition matches and engage in leadership sessions in Colombo and Southern Province for youth aged 14-18 from Northern, Uva, Eastern and Western Provinces, offering skills and leadership training both on and off the court. The U.S. Envoys will also share their expertise with the Sri Lanka Basketball Federation, national coaches, and players, furthering the development of basketball in the country. Beyond the clinics, they will collaborate with Sri Lankan schoolchildren to take part in a community service project in the Colombo area.
“We are so proud to welcome Stephen and Astou as our Sports Envoys to Sri Lanka, to build on the strong people-to-people connections between the United States and Sri Lanka,” said U.S. Ambassador Julie Chung. “The lessons that will be shared by our Sports Envoys – communication, teamwork, resilience, inclusion, and conflict resolution – are essential for leadership development, community building, equality, and peace. The U.S. Sports Envoy program is a testament to our belief that sports can be a powerful tool in promoting peace and unity.”
SJB Colombo District MP Mujibur Rahuman in parliament demanded to know from the government the reasons for CEB suspending the leave of all its employees until further notice from Thursday.
MP Rahuman said that the CEB has got an acting General Manager anew and the latter yesterday morning issued a circular suspending leave of all CEB employees with immediate effect until further notice.
“We demand that Minister Kanchana Wijesekera should explain this to the House. This circular was issued while this debate on the new Electricity Amendment Bill was pending. There are many who oppose this Bill. The Minister must tell parliament the reason for the urge to cancel the leave of CEB employees,” the MP said.However, Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena prevented Minister Wijesekera responding to the query and said that the matter raised by MP Rahuman was not relevant.
The Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM) successfully concluded the 8th Annual CIPM Symposium, which took place on 31st May 2024. Themed “Nurturing the Human Element—Redefining HRM in a Rapidly Changing World,” the symposium underscored the pivotal role of human resource management (HRM) in today’s dynamic global landscape. Since its inception in 1959, CIPM has been dedicated to advancing the HR profession through education, professional development, and advocacy, solidifying its position as Sri Lanka’s leading professional body for HRM.
Ken Vijayakumar, the President of the CIPM, graced the occasion as the chief guest. The symposium commenced with the welcome address by the Chairperson, Prof. Arosha Adikaram, followed by the Web Launch of the Symposium Proceedings and Abstract Book by the CIPM President. The event featured distinguished addresses, including a speech by Chief Guest Ken Vijayakumar, President of CIPM, and an address by Guest of Honor Shakthi Ranatunga, Chief Operating Officer of MAS Holdings Pvt. Ltd., Sri Lanka.
The symposium also featured an inspiring keynote address by Prof. Mario Fernando, Professor of Management and Director of the Centre for Cross Cultural Management (CCCM) at the University of Wollongong, Australia.
Vote of Thanks of the inauguration session was delivered by Dr. Dillanjani Weeratunga, Symposium Co-chair.
The symposium served as a comprehensive platform for researchers to present their findings across a wide range of critical topics in HRM. These included Cultural Diversity and Inclusion, Talent Development and Retention, Ethical Leadership and Corporate Social Responsibility, Adapting to Technological Advancements, Mental Health and Well-being at Work, Global Workforce Challenges, Employee Empowerment, and Reskilling and Upskilling.
The plenary session was led by Prof. Wasantha Rajapakse. Certificates were awarded to the best paper presenters during the valedictory session, followed by a vote of thanks delivered by Kamani Perera, Manager of Research and Development.
The annual symposium of CIPM was a truly inclusive event, attracting a diverse audience that spanned undergraduates, graduates, working professionals, research scholars and lecturers. This widespread interest highlights the symposium’s significance in the field of HRM, offering a unique opportunity for everyone to network and learn from scholarly brains.The CIPM International Research Symposium was sponsored by Hambantota International Port, Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology (SLIIT), E B Creasy & Co. PLC, and Print Xcel Company.
US sports envoys to Lanka to champion youth development
Rahuman questions sudden cancellation of leave of CEB employees
