News & Events

Military is responsible for disappeared victims during the war

2024-02-07

The Vavuniya High Court has ruled that the Sri Lanka Army along with several other former officers should be held accountable for Kandasamy Eelarangans disappearance during the war in Sri Lanka. The verdict was delivered by the Vavuniya High Court Judge M. Ilancheliyan on February 7 2024 during the hearing of the habeas corpus petition concerning the disappearance of the victim Kandasamy Eelarangan 18 years ago.

Exhumation in Kokkuthoduvai massgrave to resume on March 2

2023-11-27

After 20 days of excavation at the mass grave found in Kokkuthoduvai Mullaitivu district the operation has been postponed for three months officials involved in the operation confirmed. The 2nd stage of the exhumations resumed on November 27 2023 and ended on 29 2023. Hitech equipment like radars was used for three days during the second stage of excavation during the last week of November. Twodimensional images from the radar scan have shown the mass graves extend beyond the present site across the road in length and breadth.

Kokkuthoduvai mass grave exhumations to resume on November 20

2023-10-30

Kokkuthoduvai mass grave exhumation work will resume on November 20 stated V. Niranjan, attorney-at-law after appearing on behalf of the families of the disappeared at the Mullaitivu Magistrates Court

Working Towards Community Health Wellbeing in Batticaloa

2023-09-08

CHRD held a series of TOT trainings on Community Health and Wellbeing Manohari in the Batticaloa District in 2023. A scenariobased community wellbeing interventions that addresses root causes of distress and conflict at community levels using 12 modules. The modules were developed by a multidisciplinary Resource Team of experienced MHPSS Mental health and psychosocial support professionals which have been designed based on scientific literature.

Mass Graves and Failed Exhumations in Sri Lanka Report launch

2023-06-22

Report Mass Graves and Failed Exhumations in Sri Lanka was launched on 22nd June 2023 BMICH Colombo. A documentary In Plain Sight too was also screened at the same event.

High Court issues writs of Habeas Corpus against Sri Lanka Army in three more cases of surrendees

2023-02-23

The High Court of Vavuniya on 23rd February delivered order in the remaining three cases of writ of Habeas Corpus ordering the Respondents Sri Lankan Army to produce the Corpus in Court. The Corpus in the cases are the husbands of the three Petitioners. The petitioners alleged that their husbands had surrendered to the Army on the 18th of May 2009 the last phase of the war and that they are missing ever since presumed to be victims of enforced disappearance while in the custody and control of the Army.

Writ of Habeas Corpus is a remedy available to compel the body of a person who is illegally or improperly held in public or private custody and to discharge or deal with such person according to law. The Army Commander, the Commander of the 58th Brigade and the Commanding Officer of the Mullaitheevu Army Camp were cited as Respondents in the Petition.

The said applications were filed in the High Court of Vavuniya which directed the Magistrate Court of Mullaitheevu within which jurisdiction the incident happened, to hold inquiry into the matter and file report to the High Court. It took nine grueling years for the inquiry to be concluded and final verdict delivered.

21 detainees including 04 women arrested under the PTA

2023-02-21

A total of 21 detainees including 04 women who were arrested under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) in Colombo and the Northern province in 2014 on the charges of revamping and regrouping the banned LTTE were released without any charges on February 21, 2023 by the Colombo Magistrate.

Demise of passionate human rights lawyer Mudiyappu Remadious

2023-02-10

We are deeply saddened by the untimely demise of Mr. Mudiyappu Remadious who died on February 10th morning (10.02. 2023) succumbing to his injuries caused by a motor accident. A passionate human rights lawyer, Mr. Remadious joined CHRD as a legal officer in the Legal Assistance Program.

Report on state repression of Aragalaya - launched by FIDH

2023-02-01

Continuous crackdown on protestors was condemned by various local and international human rights organizations and respective organizations called upon the then government to act in accordance with international human rights treaties that Sri Lanka is signatory to. In a newly released report, the r Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) documents how the state has continued to violate General Comment 37 on Article 21 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).

PTA Detainee released after lengthy detention.

2023-01-26

Thillairaj was released today after being arrested in 2011 and in remand. The alleged offence was that he along with others unknown to the prosecution conspired and by a missile attack in the year 1998 caused the crash of Lion Air aircraft with 38 passengers all of whom died in the incident.

Military previously claimed that those surrendered during the last face of war were not handed over to the army but to the government

2023-01-25

Journalist Niroshan Kumar’s appeal filed in 2019 to the Commission on Right to Information (RTI) seeking information on the LTTE carders surrendered to the Military in the last phase of war. This appeal was lodged consequent to the application for information made to the Sri Lanka Army the same year. However, the Sri Lanka Army responded stating no members of the LTTE surrendered to the Army and the Army does not have any information of the surrendees. Being aggrieved and dissatisfied with the response, an appeal was filed to the Commission of RTI. But the army continued with their stance on the surrenders although documentary evidence was submitted in proof of such surrenders and that the Sri Lanka

CHRD makes submission to the Commission of RTI on be behalf of disappeared victims

2023-01-25

Journalist Niroshan Kumar’s appeal filed in 2019 to the Commission on Right to Information (RTI) seeking information on the LTTE carders surrendered to the Military in the last phase of war. This appeal was lodged consequent to the application for information made to the Sri Lanka Army the same year. However, the Sri Lanka Army responded stating no members of the LTTE surrendered to the Army and the Army does not have any information of the surrendees. Being aggrieved and dissatisfied with the response appeal was filed to the Commission of RTI. But the army continued with their stance on the surrenders although documentary evidence was submitted in proof of such surrenders and that the Sri Lanka Army had lied and falsely denied the surrender in-order to mislead the Commission. At the hearing held on 25.01.2023 CHRD too supported the appellant by way of making additional submissions that the Sri Lanka army had admitted to the Mullaitivu Magistrate Court in 2015 and more recently (17.12.2022) to the Vavuniya High Court that LTTE carders had surrendered to the Military at last phase of war and that the names and the other details had been duly registered contemporaneously by Military Officials at the Mullaitivu Army camp where the surrender took place with family members and other thousands of peoples watching the act of surrender and registration thereof.

Disappeared victims surrendered to the SL Army- Land mark judgement by the HC Vavuniya

2022-12-16

High Court of Vavuniya delivered order today issuing a writ of habeas corpus directing the Commander, Sri Lankan Army and the Commanding officer of the Mullaitheevu Army camp to produce the corpus Selliah Visvanathan in court.

Statement by CHRD on the statement released by the Human Rights Commission regarding transport of prisoners

2022-07-15

A statement was released by CHRD on July 15, 2022 concerning the statement made by the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL)on transport of prisoners on May 9, 2022.

Vavuniya HC rules families of the disapppeared have the right to legal representation

2022-02-22

The High Court of Vavuniya on 22.02.2022 delivered land mark verdict that the Families of the Disappeared are entitled to participate and to have legal representation in the exhumation proceedings that are being held in the Magistrate Court of Mannar in respect of the Mass grave that was discovered at the Sathosa construction site in the heart of Mannar town in March 2018.

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.

Tribute to a dear friend and colleague

2021-05-25

We are indeed saddened to announce the death of Ms. Malanie Senanayake, Finance Manager, Centre for Human Rights and Development (CHRD) who passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on May 20, 2021. Her funeral took place the same morning according to the current pandemic regulations. Her demise is a great loss not only to her family but also to us at CHRD where she served faithfully for nearly two decades. Please click the link to view the tribute to Malanie by the CHRD team,

Key publications by CPA available at the CHRD library

2021-05-12

Publications received from Centre for Policy Alternative (CPA), are now available at the CHRD library and anyone could make use of it on permission being obtained

CHRD Remembers Bishop Rt. Rev. Rayappu Joseph

2021-04-08

Centre for Human Rights and Development Remembers Bishop Rt. Rev. Rayappu Joseph

The accountability mechanism has not been handed over to the Government of Sri Lanka - K.S. Ratnavale, human rights lawyer

2021-04-01

The UNHRC Resolution 46/1 "Promoting reconciliation, accountability and human rights" that was passed on March 23, 2021 despite strong rejection by the government. However, rights groups say the decision is a critical step in gaining justice for victims of war crimes and could have significant implications for the current Sri Lankan government.

In a recent interview with srilankachrd.org, human rights lawyer and Director of the Centre for Human Rights and Development (CHRD) K.S. Ratnavale, shared his insights to the recently passed resolution and what it means to Sri Lanka especially to the victims to of the ethnic conflict.

CHRD facilitates affected communities to receive personal documents in the Vaharai Division

2021-03-22

In the year 2020 - 2021, legal clinics and field visits carried out resulted in providing personal documents such as marriage certificates and birth certificates etc. amounting over hundred (100) individuals from affected communities receiving the above documents in Koralaipattru North DS Division, Vaharai in the Batticaloa District.

People of the Uruthirapuram area raise concern about the disturbing activities taking place in the Sivan Kovil premises in Kilinochchi

2021-03-19

The Centre for Human Rights and Development (CHRD) was informed by the Board Trustees of the Urithirapuram Sivan Kovil in the Killinochchi district that on 16.01.2021, 30.01.2021 and 31.01.2021 a group of army officers and police officers together with a Buddhist Monk came and inspected the temple premises. There were some government officers too accompanying the Buddhist Monk.

Ranitha Gnanarajah receives 2021 International Women of Courage Award

2021-03-09

On March 8, Ms. Ranitha Gnanarajah was bestowed with the 2021 International Women of Courage (IWOC) Award by the United States Secretary of State for demonstrating her demonstrated long-term commitment and outstanding leadership on advancing and advocating peace, justice, human rights, gender equality, and women’s empowerment – often at great personal risk and sacrifice.

People of Iranaitheevu protest

2021-03-03

The Government has chosen Iranaitheevu as the location for burial of those who died of Corona virus. Iranaitheevu is an island inhabited by 100% Tamil Fisherfolk and of Catholic faith. Having been compelled to flee the island due to the war, the people were resettled in the island only in the year 2018 and are in the process of picking up the missing threads in their life.

AG undertakes to maintain status-quo in the Mylathamadu Mathavanai pastoral land case

2021-01-22

At the conclusion of the proceedings the State council representing the AG gave and undertaking that the court maintain the status quo and prevent any disturbance to the farmers attending to their pastoral land.

Vavuniya High Court grants interim stay order to stop proceedings in the Mass grave case

2020-08-26

On August 25, 2020, the Vavuniya High Court Judge ordered to further extend the stay order till September 25, 2020 and that the order must be immediately notified to the Registrar of the Mannar Magistrate Court. Judge R. Kannan further ordered the Mannar Magistrate that the same security provided during the excavation and investigation process of the Sathosa Mass Grave site should be made available with immediate effect and at the same time, the garbage and trash seen in the grave site must be c

Books handed over to Kaddumurivu Government school

2020-08-14

CHRD provides reading materials to the small library newly arranged in the government school in Kaddumurivu village in Vakarai DS division.

CHRD continues working in Kaddumurivu village

2020-08-13

The Centre for Human Rights and Development (CHRD) began its work with the people of Kaddumurivu village in the Vakarai DS Division in the Batticaloa district early this year through awareness raising programs and follow up programs as well as holding legal clinics to document their grievances.

Statement condemning the Presidential pardon and release of convicted war criminal

2020-03-24

The Centre for Human Rights and Development together with 22 civil society organizations released a Statement condemning the Presidential pardon and release of former Army Staff Sergeant R. M. Sunil Rathnayake who was convicted for the brutal murder of 08 civilians including a five-year-old child in Mirusuvil, Jaffna on December 24, 2000

DTP wins 2019 Asia Democracy and Human Rights Award

2019-12-10

The Diplomacy Training Program (DTP) has been recognised for 30 years of service to human rights across Asia, through training more than 3000 human rights defenders in over 60 countries in practical courses that build knowledge, skills and networks.

The Neeraaviyadi Pilliyar Temple issue

2019-09-24

The island witnessed the defiance of Buddhist monks towards the rule of law when they rejected the order made by the Mullaitivu Magistrate against the burial of a Bhuddist monk Kolompae Methalangathara Thero at the Neeraaviyadi Pilliyar Temple at Chemmalai in the Mullaitivu district. Many were made to feel that all protections of law, order and justice has been taken away from them.

PTA detainee charged on the suspicion of regrouping LTTE released

2019-06-26

Sriskantharaja Raja was released on 26.6.2019 from his case HCT/643/2015 taking place at the Trincomalee High Court. Senior Counsel Mr. KS Ratnavel is appearing on behalf of Sriskantharaja Raja. Its important to note that Sriskantharaja Raja was arrested on 3.12.2014 by the TID at his residence in Sambaltheevu Trincomalee on suspicion of revamping/ regrouping a banned organisation (LTTE).

Falsely accused ex-carder released from the Vavunatheivu double murder case

2019-05-14

On November 30, 2018 Mr.kadirgamathambi Rasakumar alias Ajanthan was arrested on suspicion for the murder of two police constables in vavunatheivu and was detained under the prevention of terrorism act. Rasakumar was an ex-carder and was released after rehabilitation.

Padaviya Magistrate Court acquits Balendran Jeyakumari

2019-04-03

Balendran Jeyakumari and two other suspects were released from their case No. 81237/2015 by the Magistrate Court Padaviya today (03.04.2019). Attorneys-at-law V.S. Niranchan and Ajith Dissanayake have been appearing on behalf of Ms. Jeyakumari and the other suspects since September 2015.

Press Release by the Lawyers representing the Families of Disappeared Persons on the Report on the Mannar Mass Grave

2019-03-08

The Report of Radiocarbon dating Analysis from the Beta Analytic Testing Laboratory in respect of six skeletal samples has been received officially by the Magistrate Court of Mannar and made public

The Chief of Defense staff (CDS) Ravindra Wijegunaratne remanded

2018-11-28

The Chief of Defense staff (CDS) Ravindra Wijegunaratne was remanded by Fort Magistrate Ranga Dissanayake on November 28, 2018 for allegedly threatening a witness when he appeared in the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court, over his alleged involvement in the case of harboring former Navy officer Prasad Hettiarachchi alias Navy Sampath

German Ambassador and his team in the Embassy visit the Mannar mass grave

2018-11-27

Ambassador of Germany His Excellency Jorn Rohde and his team in the Embassy visited the excavation site on November 27, 2018 to view the site as well as discussed with Judicial Medical Officer A.S. Rajapaksha about the ongoing excavation process

IP Nishantha’s transfer cancelled

2018-11-19

CID Nishantha Silva who handled highly sensitive cases; was the chief investigator on 11 youth abduction case by the Navy in which Sri Lanka’s top Navy officer Ravi Wijeguneratne is involved, he handled cases involving the murders of Lasantha, cartoonist Pradeep Eknaligoda, abductions of Keith Noyahr and many others

'Counter Terrorism bill not consistent with Constitution' Supreme Court tells parliament

2018-11-15

The Counter Terrorism Bill (CTB) law could only be passed if two-third majority Parliament (MPs) vote in favor of the above-mentioned bill as well as the majority of people approves the (CTB) at a referendum

“Long-held demand of the Tamil community to release all Tamil prisoners may be fulfilled soon” – Namal Rajapaksha

2018-11-12

While there are 107 political prisoners under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) languishing in prisons island-wide, releasing just 25 political prisoners would be deemed as meaningless and in-genuine in the part of the government, if the political prisoners’ longstanding demands are not met

The International Truth and Justice Project (ITJP) releases the list of 372 disappeared persons

2018-11-12

The International Truth and Justice Project (ITJP) releases the list of names of people whom they believe disappeared after surrender on or around 18 May 2009

CHRD conducted an awareness training program in the Mannar district

2018-11-12

Some of the solutions the participants expect for their problems are that; Tamil Political parties must work together for the betterment of Tamils, Land grabbing must be stopped and military camps in civilian land must be removed, Life loss of Tamil civilians must not occur as what took place in 2009 and importantly justice for Tamils have to be obtained

Mannar mass grave cases continue

2018-11-02

Almost 216 human skeletal remains have been identified to date, out of which 209 remains have been removed from the excavation site, packed and handed over to the Mannar Magistrate Court. There were many remains of women and children among the identified human skeletal remains

Academics request PM to monitor foreign funding transactions of NGOs

2018-11-01

A group of university professors have put forward 5 proposals to the newly appointed Prime Minister on November 1, 2018

Vetrilaikerni – A sad state of affairs

2018-10-29

People of Vetrilaikerni village being intimidated by the presence of the naval officers and the camp itself, feel their freedom of movement and expression is restricted. Many feel this has been one of the main causes for poverty and hardship of the people of Vetrilaikerni

Special Task Force to take over prisons in Colombo

2018-10-24

The STF will involve in guarding the prison boundaries as well as perform security checks on people who visit the above mentioned prisons. This decision was made by the Ministry of Justice and Prison Reforms

CHRD conducts an awareness training program in Vavuniya

2018-10-22

An awareness training program was held at Rural development hall, Vavuniya on October 22, 2018

Suspect arrested under the ICCPR Act is released on bail

2018-10-17

Vijeykumar Vidhusan 18, was released on bail (from his case no. B/86990/2018) by the Colombo High Court on 17th October, 2018 after 10 months detention in the Colombo Remand Prison (CRP)

Human skeletal remains found in Atchuvely

2018-10-12

total of 135 ailing elderly persons from Valikamam area in Jaffna were directed by the army to St. Joseph’s Church in Atchuvely, along with 10 youth to care for them. The army had at that time provided food and other basic necessities to the 135 elders

Mannar mass grave- no end to the excavation process

2018-10-12

There have been 175 human skeletal remains have been identified till date, out of which 169 remains have been removed from the excavation site, packed and handed over to Mannar Magistrate court. Within the identified human skeletal remains there were many skeletal remains of children and many skeletal remains of women too

Protest fast by political prisoners calling for their release or rehabilitation

2018-10-03

last Wednesday, 26th September, 2018 a team of activists and lawyers from the Centre for Human Rights and Development (CHRD) and National Movement for the Release of Political Prisoners visited the Anuradhapura prison and met with the detainees participating in the hunger strike and studied their condition

CHRD conducts an awareness program in Batticaloa

2018-09-17

CHRD conducts an awareness training program was held at American mission, Batticaloa on September 17, 2018

CHRD’s Panel lawyers of the Mannar district held a training program to create awareness on drug effects and its abuse

2018-09-15

CHRD’s Panel lawyers of the Mannar district held a training program on 15, September 2018 In Manthai west Illupukadavai village

Mannar Mass grave- Skeletal remains are found continuously and no end

2018-09-12

There has been 126 skeletal remains found till date out of which there are many unidentified human skeletal remains in the mass grave

OMP interim report to focus on delivering justice to the families of the disappeared

2018-08-30

The Office of the missing persons (OMP) has promised to release the interim report on August 30, 2018. This report will be handed over to the President and Prime minister on the International Day of the disappeared which is on the above-mentioned date

A meeting was held by the OMP to mark the international day of the disappeared

2018-08-30

A meeting was held by the Office of the Missing Persons (OMP) at J.R. Jayawardena center on August 30, 2018 to mark the international day for the disappeared

Mannar mass grave- excavation process takes place without an end

2018-08-27

There have been 91 human skeletal remains have been identified till date, out of which 86 remains have been removed from the excavation site, packed and handed over to Mannar Magistrate court. Within the identified human skeletal remains there were 5 skeletal remains of children and many skeletal remains of women too

OMP interim report to focus on delivering justice to the families of the disappeared

2018-08-24

The Office of the missing persons (OMP) has promised to release the interim report on August 30, 2018. This report will be handed over to the President and Prime minister on the International Day of the disappeared which is on the above-mentioned date

The OMP is willing to call foreign expertise in the field of forensics for the Matale Mass grave

2018-08-24

The Matale mass Grave excavation wasn’t carried out by professionals therefore the OMP’s Chairman Mr. Saliya pieris PC suggested that forensic experts to be called for technical assistance

Incidents of ‘dwarf men’ engaged in violence in Jaffna

2018-08-13

People of Araly, a village in Jaffna fear the unidentified persons who look like dwarfs having their faces painted black, wear high heel boots and possess an axe. The day to day activities of the Araly villagers have been affected despite the existence of Police and relevant groups

5 suspects arrested and served indictment in High court of Colombo

2018-07-30

5 suspects who have been arrested in connection with the attempt to assassinate Member of Parliament M.A. Sumanthiran were served indictment in High court of Colombo on July 30, 2018.

Mannar mass grave- No end to the excavation process

2018-07-30

There have been 57 human skeletal remains have been identified till date, out of which 37 remains have been removed from the excavation site. Within the identified human skeletal remains there were remains of children too

32 skeletal remains are found in the Mannar mass grave and more is expected to be found

2018-07-24

More and more human skeletal remains are excavated in the ‘Lanka Sathosa’ compound as well as in the already excavated earth which is closer to the entrance to Mannar town

Lawyers workshop organized by CHRD

2018-07-21

The Centre for Human Rights and Development (CHRD) held its annual lawyers’ training after three years lapse on July 21st and 22nd 2018 at the Paradise Beach Hotel, Negombo

Another disabled civilian called for inquiry

2018-06-06

On May 24, 2018 a disabled man who lost his right hand and the left leg received a letter from Terrorist Investigations Department (TID) calling him for inquiry on May 28, 2018 at the 4th floor in Colombo

More skeletal remains excavated

2018-06-06

More and more skeletal remains especially 16 human skulls are being excavated in the ‘Lanka Sathosa’ compound as well as in the already excavated earth which is close to the entrance to Mannar town on June 6, 2018

Chairman of OMP promises to release the list of surrendees

2018-06-04

Despite heavy protests by the families of the disappeared the Office of Missing Persons (OMP) held a series of informal sessions in the North and East

OMP visits mass grave in Mannar

2018-06-04

Two members of the office of Missing persons (OMP) namely Mirak Rahim, Commissioner and Varuna Tisseram, Attorney for the OMP visited the two sites where the excavation processes are taking place in Mannar on June 4, 2018

Civilians called for inquiries due to loss of limbs in the war

2018-05-28

A disabled man from Kilinochchi has been called by the Terrorist Investigations Department (TID) for enquiry on May 28, 2018

Another mass grave discovered in Mannar

2018-05-28

Numerous human skeletal remains have been found in the ‘Lanka Sathosa’ compound as well as in the already excavated earth which is closer to the entrance to Mannar town. The excavation process commenced on May 28, 2018 and is expected to continue for over a week.

Office of Reparations to be established soon

2018-05-21

As the victim communities moans the Mullaivaikal genocide for the 9th year which fell on May 18, 2018, still the government seem to lack the political will nor the commitment to fulfill its promises given to the international community especially in terms of addressing issues related to criminal accountability and justice for the victims

Following the commencement of the informal discussions by OMP, CHRD begins to aware families of the disappeared

2018-05-21

An awareness raising program for the families of the disappeared in the Trincomalee district, was held on May 21, 2018 at Caritas. The program is held following the commencement of informal discussions held by the newly established and functioning OMP. Ms. Ranitha Gnanarajah, Legal Coordinator, CHRD; Fr. Elil Rajan, Human Rights Activist; and K.S. Ratnavale Director, CHRD and Senior Human Rights lawyer were the resource persons

Two mothers protesting in Vavuniya called for inquiries by the TID

2018-05-16

Two mothers who have been part of the ongoing protests held by the families of the disappeared in Vavuniya have been called by the Terrorist Investigations Department (TID) for inquiry on May 15th and 16th2018 respectively

ITJP launches website listing 280 names of enforced disappearance comprising 29 children that took place on the same day in Sri Lanka

2018-05-15

In order to commemorate the 9th year for the lost lives of people at Mullivaikal there was a press conference organized by Anandhi Sasitharan who is a northern provincial council member in collaboration with International Truth and Justice Project (ITJP).

Lands to be allotted to 190 families in the Iranaitheevu Island

2018-05-15

Lands will be allotted to 190 families in the Iranaitheevu island and will be resettled soon stated the Navy commander Rear Admiral Srimevan Ranasinghe during a meeting with the people in the Iranaitheevu Island on May 15, 2018.

The OMP begins its first informal session in Mannar

2018-05-12

The Office of the Missing Persons (OMP) held its first informal session in the Mannar district on May 12, 2018

CHRD and FAFG work together to build local capacities

2018-04-27

CHRD and FAFG seek to build local capacities for truth justice and reconciliation

Three habeas corpus writ applications dismissed

2018-04-25

Three habeas corpus writ applications dismissed

The people reclaim the Iranaitheevi Island

2018-04-23

The people reclaim the Iranaitheevi Island after 26 years

Appointment of new CEO of the Center for Human Rights and Development

2018-04-01

The Centre for Human Rights and Development (CHRD) is pleased to inform the appointment of Mr. Prem Mills as Chief Executive Officer effective April 1, 2018. Mr. Mills succeeds Ms. Mangaleswary Shanker, CEO/Program Manager

Sri Lankan ethnic question must be raised at the UN General Assembly

2018-03-06

Sri Lankan ethnic question must be raised at the UN General Assembly

CHRD together with National Christian Evangelical Association (NCEASL) and Minority Rights Group International (MRG) submitted an Alternative Report to the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) at its 90th Session of CERD, Geneva from 2 to 26 August 2016. Please click the link to read the full report and the Concluding Observations on Sri Lanka by CERD following reviews.

Statement of the United Nations special rapporteur on minority issues, Rita Izsak Ndiaye, on the conclusion of her official visit to Sri Lanka, 10 to 20th October 2017.

Association of the Relatives of the Enforced Disappeared meets with the Sectary General of SCRM on OMP

August 16, 2017

In the wake of the president of Sri Lanka signing the much awaited Office of the Missing Person act on July 20th 2017. CHRD organized a meeting on August 3rd 2017 where civil society activist from the north and head of the association of the relatives of the enforced disappeared mainly...

Call for protection of labor migrants rights in Qatar.

August 15, 2017

A press conference 15th August 2017 at the organization of professional associations of Sri Lanka to highlight the hardships faced by the Sri Lankan migrant workers in Qatar.

Statement by center for human rights and development on the Muthur magisrate court proceeding.

June 12, 2017

It is with deep sense of disappointment, regret and anguish that the Board of Governors of the Center for Human Rights and Development (CHRD) is constrained to issue this statement in respect of the proceedings in the Magistrates Court of Muthur concerning the cases of three underage school girls who were sexually abused by construction workers at a building site in Muthur.

Justice undone - Kumarapuram massacre

July 27, 2016

Six former army corporals charged with killing 24 civilians in the Kumarapuram massacre were found not guilty of their charges when the verdict was delivered by the jury....

CHRD makes submission to the Consultation Task Force on enforced disappearances

Book Launch

2016

Access to justice for Sri Lankan migrant workers and their families – training manual & handbook for paralegals.

One of CHRD’s successful output was the manual for training paralegal and a handbook for paralegals under same title Access to Justice for Sri Lankan Migrant workers and their Families. The books were printed in all three languages—Tamil, Sinhala, & English. 100 copies were printed under each language. The manual will pave the way to support paralegals to carry out their work with enhanced efficiency, which would ultimately contribute towards achieving the project’s objective— which is improving the protection and wellbeing of labour migrants and their families.

Round tables on addressing future process on the issue of disappearance

Book Launch

Enforced Disappearance in Sri Lanka : Lessons from CHRD’s Advocacy

CHRD receives asia democracy and human rights award 2014