The International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI) is alarmed at reports of intimidation and the possibility of criminal charges being brought against prominent human rights lawyer and Executive Director of Transparency International, Sri Lanka (TISL), Mr J C Weliamuna, and Dr Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu, Executive Director of the Centre for Policy Alternatives (CPA).

According to reports from Sri Lanka, both Mr J C Weliamuna and Dr Saravanamuttu are understood to have been placed at the top of a list ranking 35 human rights activists, lawyers and journalists, according to their ‘levels of dissent’. The list is said to have been created by the Sri Lankan State Intelligence Services. While the purpose of this list remains unclear, the IBAHRI is deeply concerned for the physical safety and liberty of the named individuals, in particular for Mr J C Weliamuna and Dr Saravanamuttu who have previously been subject to serious coercion, including physical attacks and death threats

‘We consider this current campaign against those who are perceived as being critical of the Government or its policies to be extremely serious’ said Alex Wilks, IBAHRI Programme Lawyer. ‘Not only does it compromise the physical safety of those named on the list, it exacerbates the climate of fear within which civil society is currently operating. Credit must be given to those who are still working in such difficult circumstances.’

Juan Mendez, IBAHRI Co-Chair, said, ‘It is deeply disappointing that in this critical period in Sri Lanka’s history that those who advocate on rule of law and human rights issues continue to face such insidious threats. The IBAHRI strongly urges the Sri Lankan Government to demonstrate its commitment to democratic principles by ensuring that freedom of expression and accountability are made a reality for all its citizens.’

The IBAHRI understands that in recent weeks, a media campaign led by several pro-government media outlets has accused TISL and other non-governmental organisations (NGOs) of misusing funds to ‘destabilize’ the country. One such report directly accused Mr J C Weliamuna of being ‘a thief who is engaged in one of the most sinister money-laundering operations, collecting millions of dollars from foreign intelligence agencies, through their ‘aid’ agencies and INGO arms, under the guise of corruption fighting’. The IBAHRI understands that no evidence has been provided in support of this claim.

Mr Weliamuna was the target of a grenade attack on his private home in September 2008. A recent government report suggested that the attack may have been self-inflicted in order to gain notoriety. The IBAHRI wrote to the Sri Lankan Government in August 2009 to urge a prompt investigation into the death threats against Dr Saravanamuttu. In none of these cases have prosecutions been forthcoming.

The report of the IBAHRI fact-finding mission to Sri Lanka, Justice In Retreat, concluded that there was a pattern of intimidation routinely expressed against lawyers, academics and NGO workers. Further, the brazen nature of some of the attacks and threats, the lack of prompt or effective investigation or prosecution, and the consequential sense of impunity surrounding these incidents, have created a climate of fear amongst members of civil society.

ENDS

For further information please contact:

Romana St. Matthew - Daniel
International Bar Association
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Note to the Editor
The full report, Justice in retreat: A report on the independence of the legal profession and the rule of law in Sri Lanka, can be downloaded from the International Bar Association website or click here.