Colombo (AsiaNews) - Extra-judiciary killings, police assaults and torture have been increased in Sri Lanka, claimed several human rights activists at the commemoration of the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, yesterday. Right to Life Human Rights Organization (RLHRO) organized the event, with the participation of several torture survivors and victim's families.
"Every day we hear about any kind of human rights violation in this country. However we cannot see that the government is taking considerable steps to stop these brutal acts, even though there are enough law. Media also do not give priority to this issue," said Philip Dissanayake, executive secretary of RLHRO.
Under the Sri Lankan Constitution, article 11 states that "No person shall be subjected to torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment". Article 15 prohibits any limitation of this right in times of public emergency. Moreover, both the Sri Lankan Penal Code and the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment Act criminalize torture.
At the end of the commemoration, Right to Life human Rights Organisation launched a new website called Aithiya (Rights), which provides news on human rights violation.