Sri Lanka’s new government must urgently address a legacy of pressing human rights issues left by the previous administration, Amnesty International said.
Outgoing President Mahinda Rajapaksa today conceded defeat to the joint opposition candidate Maithripala Sirisena, who won the presidential poll with 51.3 per cent of the vote according to the official results.
“Although the campaign was marked by intimidation and attacks primarily against opposition campaigners, it was heartening to see the election day passed largely without violence. This is to the credit of the thousands of courageous election observers who ensured that all Sri Lankans were able to enjoy their right to political participation without fear,” said David Griffiths, Amnesty International’s Deputy Asia Pacific Director.
“The new government now has an opportunity to usher in a new era of genuine respect for human rights – it is one that must not be missed.”
In a human rights agenda aimed at the presidential candidates, Amnesty International highlighted seven key issues the new administration must make a priority.
These include the repeal of the 18th constitutional amendment, which undermines judicial independence and other human rights safeguards by placing key state institutions into the hands of the President, and the repressive Prevention of Terrorism Act, which grants security forces sweeping powers to violate human rights.
The human rights agenda also calls on the government to safeguard freedom of expression and end the repressive environment for journalists and human rights defenders; and put a halt to attacks on religious minorities.
“Repealing the 18th constitutional amendment must be top of the new government’s to-do list, and it is encouraging that Maithripala Sirisena has committed to this as part of his campaign. The amendment essentially placed the judiciary and other key bodies in the hands of the president and removed key human rights safeguards,” said David Griffiths.
A UN-led inquiry into alleged war crimes committed by both sides during Sri Lanka’s armed conflict is due to present its findings at the UN Human Rights Council in March 2015.
“The lack of accountability for past human rights violations has been the tragic norm in Sri Lanka over the past decade. Tens of thousands of victims and family members are still waiting for the justice they deserve and the new administration must work to deliver it,” said David Griffiths.
“Sri Lanka has for years resisted all international efforts to investigate the conflict years, and instead relied on domestic investigation bodies that toed the government line. This has to end – the new government should cooperate fully with the UN investigation.”