In commemoration of World Mental Health Day 2025, under the theme “Mental Health is a Universal Human Right – It Heals You, Me, and Society,” a special program was held on 18th October 2025 at the Human Rights Office, Kandy. This year’s event was uniquely dedicated to the Families of the Disappeared in Kandy, acknowledging their emotional resilience and the need for mental health support within this community.

The program featured a session by Mr. Amila Madurapperuma, a psychological counsellor from the Handessa Methsevana Treatment and Rehabilitation Centre. His sharing offered both practical and insightful guidance, emphasizing the importance of maintaining good mental health among elders and discussed ways to build an environment where people can live happily by understanding each other’s emotions.

The program also included musical and creative performances aimed at promoting mental well-being. Participants shared their thoughts and experiences, making the event an interactive and engaging discussion.

 
Rev. Fr. Nandana Manatunga, Director of Human Rights Office - Kandy also addressed the gathering, stressing the importance of nurturing mental health within the elderly community, especially those affected by enforced disappearances. He further informed participants about several upcoming initiatives the Human Rights Office plans to undertake to promote mental health and well-being within this community.

Rev. Fr. Nandana Manatunga, Director of HRO Kandy, delivered the opening address, emphasizing that enforced disappearance is a crime against humanity. He urged collective responsibility in ensuring such violations never recur in Sri Lanka.
 
Following, a short video was screened as a memorialization of the enforced disappeared and as a tribute to the deceased of the Families of the Disappeared in Kandy who dedicated their lives to seeking justice and uncovering the truth.

The keynote address was delivered by Mr. Tharindu Jayawardhana, an investigative journalist and researcher actively engaged in addressing alleged cases of enforced disappearances. At the outset he explained the types of disappearances and emphasized the importance of recognizing and acknowledging the victims of enforced disappearances across both the South and North of Sri Lanka.

Citing global statistics, Mr. Jayawardhana revealed a startling fact that Sri Lanka ranks second only to Syria in terms of the rate of enforced disappearances. Alarmingly, it is estimated that nearly 1% of the country’s population has been subjected to this grave human rights violation. He highlighted that during the 1988/89 regime, enforced disappearances were systematically used by the government as a tool to suppress political dissent. The very security forces entrusted with the duty to protect citizens, funded by taxpayers were responsible for torturing individuals, particularly targeting the youth, and making them disappear. Mr. Jayawardhana described this as a gross violation of human rights. He stressed that enforced disappearance is not only a crime against the individual, but also a profound violation that affects families, communities, and the broader society. “It erodes public trust in institutions and hinders the nation’s path to reconciliation and justice”.

Referring to recent developments, Mr. Jayawardhana pointed to this year’s excavations of mass graves in Sri Lanka. These sites, containing human skeletal remains and personal belongings including those of children underscore the scale of past abuses. They also highlight the continuing lack of answers for the families of the disappeared. He specifically mentioned the mass grave at “Chemmani” as one of the many sites that serve as chilling reminders of unresolved atrocities. The discovery of the new mass grave has also revived an old question that has continued to haunt the Sri Lankan community in its quest for justice.

Three representatives from the Families of the Disappeared shared their personal accounts during the event, describing the enforced disappearances of their husbands, brothers, and children. Their emotional testimonies, along with their stories of their relentless efforts to search for their loved ones, deeply moved the audience and added a powerful human dimension to the gathering

Mr. Rukshan Fernando, a well-known human rights defender, guided a group discussion. Participants discussed both legal and social actions that could lead to a common campaign for justice. A key point raised was the urgent need to establish a robust legal framework to effectively counter enforced disappearances and deliver justice.

n the social front, the discussion highlighted the importance of government involvement in ensuring the welfare of the victims’ families. It was emphasized that families of the disappeared require tangible, practical, and holistic support including psychosocial assistance. Although some financial relief has been provided, participants stressed that the government must develop a comprehensive reparation package for all victims of enforced disappearances.

Concerns were also raised regarding reports of surveillance, intimidation, and retaliation against victims’ families and human rights defenders, particularly during memorialisation activities. It was stressed that the right to mourn and to protest are fundamental human rights and therefore seeking truth and justice should never be criminalized. Those engaged in this struggle deserve protection, not punishment. Ensuring their safety is essential, not only to uphold human rights, but also to rebuild trust and make justice and reconciliation a reality

At the conclusion of the event, representatives from various groups shared their reflections and collective deliberations. Participants expressed their gratitude to the Human Rights Office Kandy for organizing such a meaningful programme and for raising awareness about enforced disappearances - a crime against humanity.

On June 27th, 2025, the Human Rights Office (HRO) in Kandy - Sri Lanka, marked the International Day in Support of Survivors of Torture with a deeply moving event with solidarity. This year’s commemoration placed a special focus on expressing solidarity with Dilshan, a survivor of brutal police torture in 2020, who has courageously pursued justice for five years without external aid. The event brought together a diverse group of participants, including survivors of torture, families of the disappeared, survivors of other human rights violations, lawyers, human rights defenders, support group members and civil society activists. Their presence enhances the collective commitment to uphold human dignity and solidarity among those who have suffered grave injustices.

Fr. Nandana Manatunga, Director of the Human Rights Office, initiated the event by reflecting on the global and local significance of the International Day in Support of Survivors of Torture. He emphasized the importance of remembering victims, advocating for justice and fostering resilience among survivors.

A central feature of the event was a panel discussion highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by Dilshan. Investigative journalist Mr. Tharindu Jayawardhana provided a detailed account of Dilshan’s ordeal, describing the cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment by the police officers endured in 2020. Mr. Tharindu further explained that following these abuses, Dilshan faced ongoing threats to his safety, which compelled him to seek protection from the National Authority for the Protection of Victims of Crime and Witnesses. Unfortunately, the protection provided severely curtails the freedom of Dilshan as protection is provided once again from the law enforcing agencies, practically by the police officers.

In a deeply moving and insightful address, Ms. Nilushi Devapura AAL highlighted the extensive social and economic hardships faced by Dilshan. She discussed the severe impact of torture on his ability to secure employment and maintain a stable livelihood. Ms. Devapura painted a vivid picture of the emotional and psychological burden that five years of distress and uncertainty have taken on the survivor, profoundly changing his personal life and well-being.

While moderating the discussion, human rights lawyer Mr. Suren D. Perera delivered a detailed analysis of the legal status of the case. Highlighting key issues, rights and potential outcomes. He proceeded to discuss how the responsible authorities have neglected this adversity and how we can support the victim as a society to receive his legal due.

​The conversation proceeded smoothly and the participants joined the panel discussion. They asked questions and shared their perspectives on this matter.

The event continued with a group discussion and the participants were divided into groups. They were given the chance to discuss the rights violated and assistance Dilshan should have received from authorities and the community. The participants were also asked to share the practical ways to offer solidarity and support to the survivor.

The 2025 commemoration aimed to spread awareness and build a community of solidarity in support of the victim. Everyone who were present, appreciated his strength and determination, fighting for years on his own to receive justice, yet it remains out of reach due to the negligence of the responsible authorities.

Rev. Fr. Nandana Manatunga, the Director of HRO, concluded the discussion, emphasizing the importance of supporting the victims of torture holistically to regain their inherent dignity and join our efforts to eradicate torture and create a society in which all persons enjoy the fundamental right to be free from torture.

International Women's Day 2025 was celebrated with over 120 participants, including family members of the disappeared, prisoners, survivors of gender based violence, torture and human rights violations, as well as members of a support group on the 08 March 2025 at Holy Cross Pre School Hall Padiwatte, Kandy organized by the Human Rights Office, Kandy Sri Lanka.

Adding colour to the lives of women with a transformative experience, impacting both our personal style and our overall well being was highlighted by Mrs. Shashika Senarathne, Attorney at Law as the chief guest. Individual and group exercises were also assigned to the participants and their experiences were shared with the large group.

Fr. Nandana Manatunga the Director of the HRO explained the purpose of gathering women to celebrate the Women's day with the theme “Gender Equality - Empower women and girls”. He explained that the year 2025 is very special to all of us, for Catholics it is the Jubilee year and for all Sri Lankans it is special with several important events. Elaborating further he stated that for the first time in the history of our country that there are 21 women in the parliament and their voices will be heard in the legislature. “Gender equality is not only a fundamental human right, but a necessary foundation for a peaceful society. Hence let us not only speak about Equality but practice it in our homes, in our working place and also in places of worship”.

The event featured cultural items presented by family members of the disappeared, adding a vibrant and a meaningful element to the celebration.

International Day in Support of Survivors of TORTURE was commemorated at the Human Rights Office in Kandy Sri Lanka on the 27th June 2024, organized by the Human Rights Office Kandy with the theme "Let’s build a country where the Rule of Law is established by defeating the system of getting promotions instead of punishment for officials who engaged in TORTURE.”

It was an impactful event with the testimonies of Torture Survivors and panel discussions of the Lawyers, Trauma Counsellors, Coordinator of rehabilitation of Torture victims and their families. Apart from the torture survivors, families of the disappeared, survivors of human rights violations, journalists, lawyers, human rights defenders, support group members and civil society activists joined the event. Torture survivors highlighted the routine practice of torture which is escalating in the recent past and the Human Rights activists analyzed the holistic approach of the community in supporting survivors to voice against the practice of TORTURE.

Panel discussion with Torture victims was face-lifted by Fr. Nandana Manatunga and the Torture victims were asked to share their experiences, how they overcame different challenges while taking legal measures against the perpetrators and in all 03 cases it happened to be the Police officers. Sharing his experiences, Ruwan, a Torture victim said that he had to undergo lot of pain and suffering due to the inhuman and cruel torture inflicted upon him that resulted in 11 or more fractures in his left leg. He therefore thanked all those who assisted him, specially Dr. H.J. Suraweera who was able to restore his leg and the trauma counsellor Mr. Amila Madurapperuma who helped him to heal his deep seated trauma. Ruwan also recalled how a large group consisting of lawyers, law students, journalists and civil society activist, HRO staff accompanied him during the most difficult time when he had a broken leg and had to be present for several inquiries held by the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka, the Police special inquiring officers and in court.

Anurasiri sharing his experiences, said how he faced different inquiries held by Human Rights Commission and Police investigation unit and appeared in court with the assistance of the HRO staff, law students, journalists and civil society activists. Appreciating all those who supported him to prove his innocence and establish his case of torture he thanked the HRO for holistic assistance not just for few days but for continuous accompaniment. He further said he had lots of threats from the perpetrators police officers but he said he is proud to say that by now he has filed a Fundamental Rights Application.

The female Torture victim, Podikumarihami explained her continuous struggle with the police officers for several years as they try to take revenge but with her courage and with the assistance of the staff of HRO, the lawyers, law students, journalists and civil society activists, she said that she was able to face challenges that come in different shapes and sizers. Further she thanked profusely those who stand by her and make her story public and for making perpetrators responsible for her torture and for harassment of her family members.

Tharindu Jayawardena, the investigative journalist highlighted the Judgements of the resent torture cases and their effects. Further, he explained the negative impact of the Media on torture victims as media takes on the role of investigations and already make judgements on suspects who are innocent until proven guilty. The media often force the police officers to arrest suspects in controversial crimes and hence the police officers arrest and torture innocent people and force them to make confessions and when they prove innocent the media fail to highlight and therefore the innocent suspect have to pay a high price.

The second panel included: Madawa Eriyagama, the HRO lawyer, and Amila Madurapperuma the trauma counsellor. They shared their experiences in assisting Torture victims. The discussion was concluded with the thoughts highlighted by Fr. Nandana Manatunga the Director of HRO, emphasizing the requirement of the communities and the civil society to stand against the practice of torture and to support the survivors by being in solidarity with them and by providing holistic assistance to rebuild their lives, to regain their lost dignity and seek Justice and Redress.

​"At the final judgment our creator will ask “I was hungry, naked, hospitalized, was in prison; did you visit me?  (Matthew 25:35-40) God is aware of our daily struggle and very specially the struggle of the poor. Protecting the rights of the victims is our divine duty that we are all called upon to perform”.  Rt. Rev. Dr. Valence Mendis, the Bishop of Kandy stated during his homily, at the thanksgiving Eucharistic celebration organized by the Human Rights Office Kandy in conjunction with the International Human Rights Day 2023 and the 15th anniversary of the Human Rights Office.

​Further, the Bishop commended the work done by the staff of the Human Rights Office under the leadership of Fr. Nandana Manatunga, the director, for the past 15 years. “The Human Rights Office has journeyed with the victims in their struggle to seek justice when they were vulnerable & voiceless”.
 
A large number lay faithful including victims, lawyers, support group members, civil society activists, Rev. Fathers and Rev. sisters joined the thanksgiving Eucharistic celebration in praising and thanking God. 

Following the Eucharistic celebration there was a special programme with the theme “The path to the future”. Hon. Saliya Pieris, the President's counsel was the chief guest and Mr. Basil Fernando, the Director of the Asian Legal Resource Center in Hong Kong was the guest of Honor.
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At the very outset Hon Saliya Pieris said, that the cornerstone of human rights is “Human Dignity”. Asserting the work done by the Human Rights Office, the President's Counsel Hon. Saliya Peiris said "Thank you very much for protecting the human dignity for fifteen years".

​In his keynote address, the President's Counsel Hon. Saliya Peiris pointed out the importance of voicing against torture done by the officials of the government institutions, including police officers. He further questioned the unethical appointment of Acting Inspector General of Police and said it is for the first time in history, that an Inspector General of Police (IGP) who was convicted for violating fundamental rights and who was ordered by the Supreme Court to pay compensation with his private money was appointed an IGP.

​Further Hon. Saliya Peiris said that the Minister of Public Security in one of his speeches directly criticized the appearance of lawyers on behalf of the aggrieved parties in the proceedings in cases of unlawful arrest made by the police. “Police officers who follow illegal orders of the superiors face the consequences related to such offenses and become the victims and will suffer alone as they will not be helped by the senior officers”.

​Hon. Saliya Peiris emphasized that the "Economic crisis was caused by the leaders who created a failed state system. “The failed state system was the result of the defective Justice system."

All the activists who were in solidarity with the Kandy Human Rights Office for the past 15 years along with the victims, creating a common voice for the people calling for the establishment of the Rule of Law in the country were remembered during the ceremony.
 
"The Kandy Human Rights Office has performed a pioneering mission to achieve Justice for the victims of Torture" Mr. Basil Fernando, the Director of the Asian Legal Resource Center in Hong Kong, commented during his address.  "The lessons learned in the course of the 15-year journey should be shared with everyone in the country to create a movement".

​The gathering was also addressed by Rt. Rev. Dr. Kumara Ilangasinghe, the Bishop Emeritus of the Anglican Church in Diocese of Kurunegala, Human Rights activist Mr. Ruki Fernando and some of the survivors. During their sharing’s, they appreciated the commitment and the consistency of the director and the staff of the Human Rights Office in assisting and journeying with the victims of Torture, Rape and gender based violence, families of the disappeared, the prisoners and their families and victims of all human rights violations. The work carried out by the Human Right Office for the past 15 years was appreciated by the participants as well.

​The Human Rights Salutation 2022 of the Human Rights Office Kandy was held at the Good Shepherd Convent Kandy on the 11th December 2022 with the theme “Protect freedom of expressions to uphold democracy". Rt. Rev. Dr. Valence Mendis the Bishop of the Central Province was the chief guest and Hon. Ruby Woodside, the political officer of the US embassy to Sri Lanka was the guest of honor. 

​Three prominent Human Rights Activists were awarded this year for their commitment in protecting and promoting Human Rights midst of nemours challenges. The winners of the inter school - Kandy district art and essay competition were also awarded during the Human Rights Day celebration.

​Fr. Nandana Manatunga, the Director of the Human Rights Office, welcoming the chief guest and the guest of honor, congratulated the award winners and the school Art and Essay competition winners. Explaining the purpose of the International Human Rights day event, he recalled the efforts of the people expressing their desire for a democratic country free of corruption and political stability. However, he said now people have lost the democratic space to freely express and therefore the Human Rights Office selected the theme "Protect freedom of expressions to uphold democracy". 

​Bishop Valence, in his keynote address explained the Fundamental Rights enshrined in the constitution that are essential for the Human Person to live a fuller human Life. Further, he said that Human Rights should not be in conflict with religious values. In his address, Bishop Valence mentioned that Justice was still to be delivered to the victims of the Easter Sunday attack and our country was experiencing the worst Economic crisis due to the mismanagement of funds and political decisions. The Bishop reiterated that the people have only two options that is to seek God's intervention and work together with harmony. 

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​Hon. Ruby Woodside, the political officer of the US embassy to Sri Lanka addressing the gathering pointed out the urgency to uphold democratic values, especially the freedom of expression and she explained U.S. - Sri Lanka relations based on shared democratic values and a rules-based regional and international order. Current U.S policy in Sri Lanka aims to support Sri Lanka’s democratic institutions, encourage its economic development and promote a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region the US assistance. 

Rt. Revd. Kumara Illangasinghe was awarded for his commitment as a Religious Leader in protecting & promoting Human Rights, especially for defending the Rights of the Poor and the Marginalized.

Mrs. Visaka Dharmadasa was awarded for her commitment in defending the Rights of the War Affected Women and becoming a voice for the voiceless.

Mr. Tharindu Jayawardhana was awarded for his commitment in safeguarding the freedom of expression and information, and for the untiring work defending the rights of the defenseless as a Journalist and a Human Rights Activist

​There were 538 Sinhala Essays and 436 Tamil Essays for the essay competition while there were 1233 Arts from all age groups. In total 2207 participated in Art & essay competitions from 138 schools from Kandy district. 

​The arts competitors were further encouraged by displaying the selected Arts of all age categories and the selected essays were compiled into a book and were given to the essay competitors and the special invitees. Further, the 2022 International Human Rights day event was made meaningful with video presentations on the efforts made by HRO, the cultural items and the preforming art on freedom of expression. The birth of Christ, the Prince of Peace was reminded with a fusion of carols by the choir of the Good Shepherd Convent Kandy. 

​A public protest was organized by the Kandy Human Rights office on the 26th June 2022 in Kandy city in collaboration with families and the victims of Torture, families of the disappeared, the families of the prisoners and the members of the support group along with religious leaders of all faiths to commemorate the International day in support of the Torture victims and campaign against Torture.

​There were more than 250 people gathered in front of the Kandy Gotagogama premises at George De Silva park at the heart of Kandy city with posters calling the law enforcing agencies to respect the Rights of the innocent people “To be free of Torture”. HRO prepared a statement on the present police Torture especially against the innocent people who wait in queues for fuel, gas and other essential items. The statement against the police brutality & torture, printed in a format of a leaflet was distributed to the people who attended the protest and also those who passed by. Having made a silent protest for two hours from 10.00 a.m. till 12.00 noon, the purpose of the protest was explained to the mass gathering by Fr. Nandana Manatunga and Suren D. Perera AAL with the use of public address system.  The event was covered by journalists and electronic media and it was highlighted by them in their main news as an event challenging the Law enforcing agencies against Torture, in human, degrading treatment and punishment. 

​BASL, the Bar Association of Sri Lanka filed a Fundamental Rights petition on behalf of citizens suffering shortages of essentials including fuel, gas and medicine claiming that among the other rights the citizens’ right to protection from Torture is also being violated. The background to this Fundamental Rights petition was also explained to the people at the protest. 

The Bar Association of Sri Lanka which is the apex body and organization for all lawyers too warned against police assaults and Torture on suffering consumers waiting for days in fuel queues as the country suffers the worst currency crisis in the history of the islands. There has been unrest at several filling stations especially as police officer’s personal vehicles were given priority for fuel. In a statement made by the Bar association they reiterated that “Law enforcement officers must in all instances act with fairness and impartiality. Any acts seen as being biased and unfair will add to the distrust which already exits”.

​With COVID 19 health restrictions and guidelines, the workshop of the Religious and Priests for Human Rights (RPHR) was held at Fatima Retreat House, Lewella Kandy from the 14th - 17th February 2022 with 28 participants from different parts of the country.
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The participants had an exposure to the Katugastota - Thekkawatte garbage dumpsite and dolomite mining site at Digana on 15th February. Following the exposure there were discussions in small groups and several recommendations were made by the participants in protecting the environment especially with regard to the disposal of garbage.

​With the exposure, the participants had a firsthand experience and therefore were able to reflect on the massive destruction of the environmental due to the negligence of the people and short-term political ambitions of politicians. Rev. Fr. Sagara Jayamanne SSS made a scriptural in put on the theme “Prophetic call” while the present situation of the North and the East was highlighted by Rev. Fr. Jeyabalan Croos. The unexpected critical economic crisis in the country and the causes in relation to women were discussed with the facilitation of Mrs. Vishaka Dharmadasa. Bishop Kumara Illagasinghe explained the challenges faced by the plantation people followed by a lively discussion. In spite of various challenges and obstacles, possible initiatives within a limited democratic space were pointed out by Mr. Rukshan Fernando and some legal initiatives on the amendment to the PTA (Prevention of Terrorism ACT) were introduced by Mr. Suren D. Perera AAL for which the participants consented to become petitioners. Therefore, the petition to be filed in the Supreme Court was explained. 

​The Director of CSR Rev. Fr. Rohan Silva OMI facilitated a discussion about the aftermath of the Easter Sunday Attack and requested the participants to study the recommendations made by the commission and invited the participants to work in solidarity to bring about Justice to the victims of Easter Sunday Attack. The 03-day workshop was concluded with a thanksgiving mass on the 17th February.

​Focusing on the theme "When Women lead, others follow” the Human Rights Office Kandy organized the International Women's day on the 12th March 2022 at the Parish hall of Fatima Shrine Padiwatte Kandy Sri Lanka.
 
More than 100 participants from the families of the disappeared, families of the prisoners, the survivors of torture, rape, sexual and gender based violence and their families, the members of the support group and the staff of the Human Rights Office participated in the day’s programme. 

​The guest speaker Ms. Geeva Nilmalgoda, Attorney at Law highlighted the theme and provided examples how women lead not only the families, but in many other spheres taking up responsibilities with determination. "Women as leaders have the capacity to lead others while they suffer silently but still have the courage to endure challenges”. 

​The women who participated lit lamps in honour of all the suffering women, mothers who give new life to this earth, widows, daughters, child victims of sexual abuses, unborn babies, women labourers, women displaced by the war.
 
Fr. Nandana Manatunga the Director of the HRO explained the purpose of gathering women to celebrate the Women’s day with the theme "When Women lead, others follow". He said it is because the women sustain initiatives until completion that there are so many women’s organizations and therefore he invited the participants who were present to face the challenges that are before them due to the economic downfall of the country. The participants were then divided in to groups and were asked to discuss their own experiences and the initiatives that they have taken to meet the unexpected challenges with the economic crisis, which resulted a severe inflation experienced during the last few weeks and which may continue in the coming months.

The Human Rights Office prepared a meaningful way of the cross for the season of lent in 2022 as in previous years with visuals, based on the suffering and death of Christ comparing to the sufferings of the people in Sri Lanka and also in many other countries specially of the suffering people of Ukraine. The visual way of the cross, helped the faithful to reflect on our own lives, the crosses that we carry and the society in which we live and into enter in to the paschal mystery of Christ. The programmes were held in 30 different venues: in parishes, seminaries, houses of formation and in schools.
 
Along with the way of the cross, based on Human Dignity Legal clinics were also held in some parishes with awareness programmes on Torture, Domestic violence, gender-based violence, Right to Information Act and Child Rights.

​The Human Rights Office joined the suffering people to protest against the present regime. Silent peaceful protests were held in Kandy on the 30th March and in Matale on the 02nd of April 2022. Several priests, nuns, professionals and civil society activists came together to express their dissatisfaction towards the political leaders who have shown a deaf ear to the cries of the people who are suffering without the most basics, such as power, fuel, gas, milk foods and even other essentials items. Although people wanted to make their voices and cries heard, they were afraid of the ruthless militarized regime. However, with our initiative to make our voices heard in public, the ordinary citizens, religious, professionals, university students have started protesting in public and so much so that the President declared a state of emergency and imposed curfew on the 03rd April 2022 fearing the public outrage against him and his cabinet of ministers. 

​The Human Rights Office in Kandy held the International Human Rights Day 2021 at the Good Shepherd Convent Kandy on the 08th January 2022 with the theme “Ensure the Prisoners their Dignity and Rights to Human Conditions".  The 2021 Human Rights day event scheduled for the 11th December 2021 was postponed as the Kandy Police ban the event with a court order citing the Section 106 (1) of the Code of Criminal Procedure Act. While the event was held at the Kandy Convent hall, a few protestors were seen outside the convent premises claiming that the event was “sympathizing with terrorists".

​During the celebration prominent Human Rights Activists late Sr. Alexander Molligoda and the Committee for Protecting the Rights of Prisoners (CPRP), led by Attorney-At-Law (AAL) Senaka Perera were awarded for their committed service to the prisoners. On behalf of Sr. Alexander, the provincial of the CSJM Rev. Sr. Ajitha Fernando and Mr. Cecil Molligoda the brother of Sr. Alexander received the award from the chief guest Ms. Dinushika Dissanayake.

​ Late Sr. Alexander Molligoda was a frequent visitor to the Galle Prison as well as Boossa high security detention center and she went out of her way to assist the prisoners, specially by finding funds to pay the fines of prisoners and bail for the poor prisoner families who were unable to secure the money. She also made it a point to give gifts to all the prisoners for Christmas irrespective of their religion. She made no Judgement on prisoners when assisting prisoners and there is a huge vacuum with her untimely demise that is deeply felt even today.

​Mr. Senaka Perera AAL and his team of the “Committee for Protecting Rights of the Prisoners” c  ame into the lime light in 2012 with the Welikada Prison massacre and continued their commitment to uphold the Fundamental Rights of the prisoners. Along with the families of the prisoners they campaigned for the Basic - minimum standard in prisons and voiced on behalf of the prisoners during the Covid 19 pandemic for their safety & health. The team also use legal mechanisms to ensure the Rights of the prisoners and have taken up certain important issues to the UN forums.

​ Ms. Dinushika Dissanayake, AAL the Deputy South Asia Director, Research at Amnesty International the chief guest addressing the gathering said “In the entire world, prisoners are downtrodden and silenced. Amnesty International has named a number of ‘Prisoners of Conscience’ – including Hejaaz Hizbullah, who was arrested under the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act No. 28 of 1979 in 2020. However, there are also many prisoners who only often have their family and lawyers speaking up for them. An extremely minimum number of people speak up for prisoners. In Sri Lanka, prisons endure a capacity of 190%, of which 60% are remand prisoners,” Amnesty International South Asia Deputy Director Dinushika Dissanayake said at the event.

troducing the day and welcoming the guests, Fr. Nandana Manatunga, the director of the Human Rights Office said that it was an honor to have Dinushika Dissanayake  as  the chief guest who always had a special interest in ensuring the Rights of the Prisoners  as a committed human rights lawyer. Fr. Nandana thanked all those who supported to have this event in spite of several challenges due to misinterpretations given by certain extreme groups. 

​ Fr. Nandana explained the work that HRO does for the families of the prisoners and also paused the question that if a daughter of a prisoner excels in education or sports and if she is to be awarded will the Police ban the event ? As long as the families of the prisoners are not proven guilty of any offence, they should have all the Rights and privileges as any other person in the society. Further, he said in the prison group of families who work for Justice and Fare trial, there are Sinhala members as well as Tamil members and they were to be appreciate for the commitment in seeking Justice for nearly 20 years. Most of these prisoners who were accused of crimes were either were with fabricated charges or detained due to the miscarriage of Justice as many were released without charges after being in remand prison for 08-10 years

​ The event was attended by Bishop Kumara Illangasinghe, the former Anglican Bishop of Kurunegala, Ven. Nawala Wimalasara Thero, the National Director of Commission for Prisons, Mrs. Visaka Dharmadasa the founder and chair of Association of War Affected Women and Parents of Servicemen Missing in Action, the Principal & the Superior of Good Shepherd Convent Kandy, former Human Rights Award Winners, Priests, Religious, Human Rights activists, survivors who still fight for Justice, families of the disappeared and the prisoners and the members of the support group.

o​The 2021 Human rights day event was made meaningful with video presentations on the efforts made by HRO to ensure the inherent dignity of prisoners and their value as Human Beings also a story of a victim of miscarriage of Justice. With cultural items, Human Rights day’s event was made colourful