News and events

Demise of a human rights advocate

2021-07-22

We are deeply saddened by the demise of a passionate seeker of justice, Ms. Manouri Muttetuwegama, Chairperson of the Consultation Task Force on Reconciliation Mechanisms (2015)—one of the largest and widespread consultations to have taken place in Sri Lanka.

Ms. Manouri Muttetuwegama was a barrister, attorney-at-law, practitioner in public law, and a human rights activist. She was the Secretary to the Lanka Kantha Peramuna, a grassroots women’s organization for 20 years, and the Founding Member of the Friday Forum. She was also the President of the Sri Lanka Women’s Lawyers Association.

Ms. Muttetuwegama has also been the Chairperson of many important commissions in Sri Lanka, such as the Presidential Commission on Disappearances from 1994 - 1997, Commissioner of Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka, and Commissioner of the Presidential Commission of Inquiry to investigate serious human rights violations including the murder of 17 ACF Aid Workers and 05 students in Trincomalee.

Since its inception, CHRD has been working with Ms. Muttetuwegama on addressing various grave human rights violations including enforced and involuntary disappearances. Being the daughter of Dr. Colvin R De Silva, a colossus in the field of law and in politics spanning the 1935-1980 era, and being married to the firebrand Communist Party MP Sarath Muttetuwegama, Ms. Manouri Muttetuwegama was in her own right an outstanding lawyer, human rights advocate, activist and an uncompromising defender for equal rights to all.

Manouri Muttetuwegama dedicated her life to the cause of Reconciliation and Human Rights. All progressive forces and people of all walks of life mourn her death.