 The International Human Rights Day 2019 was celebrated at the Kandyan Arts Residency on the 14th December 2019, organized by the Human Rights Office Kandy, Sri Lanka with more than 250 participants. Focusing on the involvement of the community in protecting & promoting Human Rights, the theme for 2019 was "As a community, let us protect the Rights and respect the Dignity of our brothers & sisters". The members of the Support Group of the Human Rights Office which came in to existence in 2005, were appreciated and saluted for their commitment and untiring efforts in working in solidarity with the Human Rights Office, journeying with the victims to seek Justice & Redress. The chief guest of the International Human Rights Day 2019 Dr. Shirley Wijesighe, Professor at Faculty of Humanities, University of the Kelaniya commended the members of the Support Group & congratulated them and gave away the souvenirs to 47 Support Group members. In his speech Dr. Shirley highlighted the value of the participation of the civil society, such as the Support Group in protecting and promoting the Rights of each other. Further Dr. Shirley called upon the Religious leaders to come together to safe guard the Rights of the people.  The formation of the support group was a premonition of Fr. Nandana Manatunga while he was the Director of the Human Rights Media Resource Center and continued thereafter, involving the civil society members in protecting the victims and providing them with security. The Support Group discerned the specific needs and conditions of each of the victims, whether they have been tortured or sexually abused, began walking with them in their search to regain their dignity an identity. Most of the victims had to be moved from their homes and relocated elsewhere. There were the occasions when the members of the Support Group volunteered to host them and shelter them in their own houses, in addition to being sheltered in suitable Churches and Convents. We gratefully remember all the priests and religious who came forwarded to provide protection & security to the victims during the most critical times.  Another dimension of their commitment entailed the initiation of campaigns to address the major issue of Court delays. Court delays in Sri Lanka are a plague and no effective action has been taken to address this malaise. Media conferences, Street Movements, Signature campaigns and Post Card campaigns were organized to draw the urgent attention of the State so as to have the trials expedited. The counseling component was added to the “Victim centered activity”, providing the victims with trauma counseling. As most of the family members had experienced trauma, the counseling component had to be extended to them as well. Rev Sr. Mabel Rodrigo used different forms of counseling to the victims and their families, including “Testimonial Therapy”.  Apart from assisting the victims, the members of the Support Group assumed the role of evaluating and planning programmes of the Human Rights Office along with the director and the staff. Since education in Human Rights was deemed essential in the country, the Support Group focused on producing short documentaries based on the stories and the experience of victims that can serve as the basis for discussion and community action. As the membership of the Support Group grew in numbers and their desire to share their convictions increased, they volunteered to provide accommodation not only to the victims but also to the interns who came from different organizations or countries. By the end of year 2005, Fr. Nandana began to work in the Bogambara Prison, for the welfare of the prisoners with the assistance of the members of the Support Group. Apart from the official members of the Support Group, several others such as Priests and Religious, Medical Personal, Teachers and Law students too assisted the HRO whenever their services were requested. Their contribution was also appreciated during the Human Rights Day. Rt. Rev. Dr. Vinney Fernando, the Bishop of the Central Province (Kandy Diocese) was occasionally invited to support group meetings to listen to the stories of victims. The bishop not only showed an interest but also emphasized on the need for such an apostolate in the diocese. In spite of the threats and challenges, the members of the Support Group volunteered to accompany the victims to police stations and other institutions as the occasion arose. Besides, the members of the Support Group accompanied the victims for the inquiries conducted by the Human Rights Commission in addition to accompanying them to safe-houses in different parts of the country.  They also made enormous efforts in the victims integrated into the society both by finding suitable places for employment and or the alternative economic activities. Besides, the members identified safe and suitable institutions that would provide the victims with vocational training in carpentry, sewing, driving, agriculture and beauty culture. They also made enormous efforts in the victims integrated into the society both by finding suitable places for employment and or the alternative economic activities. Besides, the members identified safe and suitable institutions that would provide the victims with vocational training in carpentry, sewing, driving, agriculture and beauty culture. Recognizing the need for on-going education in the process of empowering the members of the Support Group, programs were conducted on Human Rights, psychological counseling, on emerging issues, legal frame works and national & International mechanisms. The members of the Support Group were often invited to meet with diplomatic missions and other UN rapporteurs who visited the HRO.   The members of the Support Group were also involved with the staff of the Human Rights office in organizing Human Rights Exhibitions, Legal Clinics and Programs on the Right to Information to empower the civil society and mobilize them. Further they willingly joined the staff of the Human Rights Office in organizing events that coincided with special days such as the International Women’s Day, Human Rights Day, Disappearance Day, Mental Health Day and special programs for the victims on Sinhala-Tamil New Year and Christmas. The Support Group members came into forefront in 2019 for presidential election monitoring as HRO coordinated the Kandy district election monitoring for Paffrel. While being committed to assisting the victims of various Human Right Violations with love and care, the members of the Support Group have played a major role in campaigning for the reform of the Police and the Judiciary. The defense and the promotion of Human Rights work of the HRO would have been impossible without the commitment of the Support Group. The HRO expressed its gratitude to the members of the Support Group for their commitment and saluted them for their courage in the face of various challenges. HRO count on their continued support and commitment in the years to come. The 52 members of the Support Group, many of them professionals and persons who are ready to commit themselves and sacrifice their valuable time for the noble cause of protecting the Rights of all individuals, continue to meet once a month at the Human Rights Office and are involved in campaigns and activities organized by the Human Rights Office throughout the year. Human Rights day programme was made colorful with cultural items and on behalf of the HRO Dr. Shirley Wijesinghe, the chief guest was presented a souvenir by Bishop by Bishop Kumara Illangasinghe, the former Anglican Bishop of Kurunegala. 
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 World Mental Health Day (10 October) is a day declared for global mental health education, awareness and advocacy. It was first celebrated in 1992 with the initiative of the World Federation for Mental Health, a global mental health organization with members and contacts in more than 150 countries. Human Rights Office in Kandy working with different kinds of survivor groups for their legal and psychological needs, believe, that mental health is a human right. We celebrated it with the survivor families of both ethnic groups Sinhala and Tamil. Among the participants, families of the disappeared and of the prisoners and the survivors of Rape & Torture and other Human Rights violation and the members of the support group.  Importance of mental health and the significance of the day was explained by Fr. Nandana Manatunga the Director of HRO while the theme and the day's programme was explained by Sr. Mabel Rodrigo the Trauma Counselor of HRO. The trauma that was experienced by the families of the victims with the 21/4 2019 bomb attack on churches and hotels and all those who viewed the scenes via Television were highlighted and the need to be in solidarity with them with ongoing trauma counseling was pointed out.  Drama Therapist Dr. Ravindra Ranasinghe and his Team conducted several exercises along with the participants while explaining how to cope up with stress and trauma, hence it was active participation and learning. Body movements and yogic postures session kept their minds in a state quietness all through the sessions. It immensely helped the participants to search and observe objects that reflect their own personal stories as they mindfully walked around the nature and surroundings and later to share them in the group. One of the best techniques of managing stress is laughing out aloud. Group performance of laughing out aloud integrated with movements, and sharing in small groups each person’s unique ways of creating happiness for oneself and managing stress helped them to learn innovative ways of daily living. At the closure of the session participants were given an exercise on progressive relaxation, an opportunity to expose their pains and tears within a religious ritual and release them to the nature. On 2019 Metal health day, all the participants were able to take part in a living session of discovering their personal journey with their traumatic pain and ways of dealing with pain and tears.     Human Rights Market The family members of the disappeared brought along with them their produce / harvest such as fruits, vegetables, flower plants, eatables etc. Behind each of the stalls, the photos of the disappeared were posted, while the consumers bought items the family members had the opportunity to speak about their disappeared, their loved ones and explain the reason for their campaign...TO KNOW THE TRUTH.... Soon after the Sunday service at Fatima Shrine, people walked into the marked as they were already prepared during the service. The disappearances day was explained in length during the introduction and the homily. Further Fatima Shrine at Padiwatte Kundasale, Kandy was significant in remembering the disappeared as thousands of youth were killed during the JVP insurrection in 1989-91 on the bridge of Tennakumbura- Kandy and thrown into the Maheweli river, right in front of the Fatima Shrine.      “Justice Delay is Injustice” was the theme of the International day in support of the Torture Survivors held in Kandyan Arts Residency Kandy on the 29th June 2019 organized by the Human Right Office, Kandy, Sri Lanka. Torture is one of the most brutal human rights violations that routinely take place in police stations in Sri Lanka. Due to the court delay Torture victims further suffer and hence victims prefer to go silent without seeking Justice. Female Torture victims rarely speak about Torture they suffer, however H. M. Podikumarihami, in spite of threats by the OIC of Mahiyanganaya Police, continues with her struggle for Justice. Hence in 2019 once again she made he voice heard and presented the second chapter, the atrocities committed by the Mahiyanganaya Police since “2018 Torture day” during which she initially opened up, her Torture story to the public. The worst threats have come with the declaration of emergency regulations after the 4/21 attack. Podikumarihami was threatened by the OIC to the extent that she would be detained without bail with fabricated charges of possessing explosives, if she does not withdraw the Fundamental Rights case filed in the Supreme Court.  Along with Podikumarihami, a child victim Dhanushka and Anurasiri Vithanarachchi who were brutally tortured by police officers also made their story pubic  Introducing the day, Fr. Nandana Manatunga, the director of the Human Rights Office said that the police officers make use of the emergency regulations to act with their free will and Torture suspects and the civil society who are more concerned of the terrorist threats do not take the issue of Police Torture. Further he said the focus is now shifted to upcoming elections and the Rule of Law is at stake  Podikumarihami unfolded the new chapter in a form of an interview led by the Rev. Fr. Nandana Manatunga the director of Human Rights Office, Kandy and Attorney at Law, Mr. Suren D. Perera. The brutal torture of Dhanushka (13), a student of year 08 by Galaha Police was narrated by Ms. Nelum Weerasinghe, and Mr. Supun Dissanayaka. This was followed by the story of Anurasiri Vithanarachchi, 44 years old lorry driver who was inhumanly tortured by Thalathuoya Police, while the audience and the panel of jurists listened attentively.  The panel comprised of Mr. Lal Wijenayake the eminent Constitutional Lawyer, Ms. Visaka Dharmadasa the founder and chair of the Association of War Affected Women (AWAW) and Parents of Servicemen Missing in Action, Ms. Kumuduni Vithana the coordinator of Kandy Regional Office of Human Rights Commission, Ms. Sarah Arumugam a Human Right Lawyer and Mr. Vasantha Premaratne the Coordinator ICES Kandy.  The panelist admired the courage of Podikumarihami and appreciated Ms. Nelum Wirasinghe and Mr. Supun Dissanayaka for assisting and accompanying the child victim and voicing on behalf of him. Mr. Lal Wijenayake said that it is unfortunate that torture still continue in police stations and expressed his disappointment regarding the criticism made by of the president and the opposition parliamentarians on the 19th amendment which actually made several institutions independent including the Judiciary. Sarah Arumugam while speaking about police torture on the poor and the powerless called the audience to campaign against the death penalty. Further, the panelists critically pointed out the causes for police Torture: Inefficiency of the Institutions, Breakdown of the Rule of Law, Delay in the Justice system (court delay). The panelist called for immediate police reforms. Panelist also emphasized the need for Judicial reforms to activate the Justice System to deliver Justice without delay.  After listened to the tragic and unending torture story of Podikumarihami, the participants of the International day in support of the survivors of Torture decided to sign a petition requesting both Inspector General of Police and the chairman of the Police Commission to take immediate disciplinary actions against the OIC of Mahiyanganaya Police and transfer him from Mahiyanganaya. Concluding the International Day in support of the torture victims, the Human Right Office, Kandy formally released the media statement.   The Human Rights Office in Kandy organized the Human Rights Day 2018 coinciding with the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and the 10th anniversary of the Human Rights Office at the Good Shepherd Convent Kandy on the 09th December 2018 with the theme “In spite of our differences, Let us respect and ensure each other’s Rights”.  During the celebration 02 prominent Human Rights Activists and family members of the Disappeared from Kandy and the winners of schools and Religious Schools Art and Essay competitions were awarded. Hon. Saliya Pieris, President's Counsel the Chairman of the Office on Missing Persons (OMP) of Sri Lanka was the chief guest and Rt. Rev. Dr. Bishop Vianney Fernando Bishop of the Central Province was the Guest of Honour.  The occasion was graced with the participation of more than 500 people including religious leaders, victims, human rights defenders, award winners and well-wishers.  The families of the Disappeared from Kandy were awarded for their long journey with the Human Rights Office in seeking Truth & Justice and for their commitment to be in solidarity with all families of the disappeared in the country and campaign against disappearances - a crime against Humanity -. Rev. Sr. Mabel Rodrigo was awarded for upholding Christian values, for her commitment and dedicated services as a Trauma Counselor for the victims of Torture, Rape and all victims of Human Rights violations, in restoring their Dignity and for her creative approach of healing memories of the Families of the Disappeared. Mr. Sampath Samarakoon was awarded for his commitment in upholding democracy and for his untiring work with the voiceless people in Sri Lanka in defending and campaigning for their rights as a Journalist and a Human Rights Activist. The winners of Art & Essay competitions who will be the future in creating a culture of Human Rights in our country were award too.  Introducing the day and welcoming the guests, Fr. Nandana Manatunga, the director of the Human Rights Office said that it was an honor to have Hon. Saliya Pieris as the chief guest who always maintained his credibility as a committed human rights lawyer. Fr. Nandana thanked all those who supported various initiatives of the Human Rights Office during the past ten years and appreciated the encouragement given by the Bishop. He also thanked the lawyers, the survivors, the members of the support group and the Partners. Fr. Nandana said that the “Ten year journey” was challenging with threats, in establishing the Rule of Law with the campaign to reform the police and the judiciary, however he said the effort was rewarding as the HRO made a headway in creating a culture of human rights.  Hon. Saliya Pieris, the chief guest addressing the gathering said that he was honored by the invitation to participate at the Human Rights Award Ceremony organized by the Human Rights Office in Kandy and congratulated the Award Winners of 2018 award ceremony. He recalled the dark days when thousands of youth were indiscriminately killed and made to disappear during the JVP insurrection and congratulated the parents and family members of the disappeared for their consistent campaign in seeking Justice & Truth and thanked the Human Rights Office for journeying with them. He further said that as a country we have to acknowledge the disappearance that happened both ion the north & south and help the families of the disappeared to know the truth and assure that it may not happen again. Finally he praised the judiciary for upholding the independence of the judiciary amidst of crisis.  Addressing the gathering, Bishop Vianney Fernando the Bishop of the Central Province & the chairman of the National Commission for Justice Peace, thanked the Director of the Human Rights Office, Fr. Nandana and his staff for their untiring efforts and commitment in journeying with the victims of human rights violations in seeking Justice during the past ten years. Bishop further said that all of us are called as not only as followers of Christ but also as citizens of this country to work for Justice & Peace and uphold democracy in the country at this crucial moment when democracy is at stake. The award winners of the 2018 Human Rights Award ceremony also made their comments appreciating the Human Rights Office for its initiatives in acknowledging and appreciating the commitment of the human rights defenders and thanked all those who supported them. The award ceremony was made colourful with dances and cultural items. The birth of Christ, the Prince of Peace was reminded with a dance staged by the students of the Nuwara Eliya Good Shepherd Convent closing down the curtain of the 2018 Human Rights Award ceremony.        The International day of the Disappeared scheduled for the 30th August was commemorated on the 15th September 2018 The programme was organized by the Human Rights office Kandy and held at the OMI Scholasticate in Ampitiya Kandy Sri Lanka. Staff and members of the support group joined 59 Participants from the families of the disappeared from Mannara, Jaffna and from Kandy for the event. An introduction to the day's programme was given by the Director of the Human Rights office Rev. Fr. Nandana Manatunga which was followed by stories of abduction and enforced disappearances. Two women from the North and two from the south narrated their stories. Even though the abductions and enforced disappearances took place several years ago, for the wives and mothers who narrated the dreadful incidents that made their sons and husbands disappear, they were fresh in their hearts and minds.  Mrs. S. Sebamani from Parrapakandal Mannar narrated the story of the abduction of her two sons by the Armed forces during the civil war and made them to disappear, she said that she is still waiting for their return as she never saw their bodies and believe that they are still alive. Further she said the government offered her some money but asked her to return the money, in case if her sons return. Ms. J. Sagayaseeli from Kalikattukadi Jaffna elaborated the story of the abduction of her only brother.  The two women from the South, Mrs. Sujatha Manike & Mrs. Kumari Beligala narrated their stories, how their husbands were abducted by the police during the JVP insurrection and later learnt that their bodies were dumped by the roadside. A very timely presentation was done on OMP by Mr. Sampath Samarakoon that led to several questions and clarifications. Sampath made it clear that the testimonies given to the OMP would be kept confidential and therefore the fear of further abduction will not happen. He further reiterated that the OMP will address the cases of missing and disappeared persons irrespective of ethnicity, religion and region, as the office has been established to serve all affected victims. Despite the passage of time and multiple commissions established by successive governments, many of these families, not knowing the fate of their loved ones continue to suffer and remain engaged in a search for truth.  Sampath assured that the missing and disappeared cases that the OMP would examine cover both civilians and combatants, including several thousand members of the Armed Forces, Police and Civil Defense Force who have been identified as missing in action, in addition to members of various armed groups who were party to Sri Lanka's conflict.   Following the meaningful "Disappearances day programme" the 06 women's groups from North and South followed the psych-social workshop until the 17th September evening which was designed and conducted by Monica Alfred. The groups had several activities for interaction and enjoyed the calm atmosphere and the natural beauty of the surroundings of the Ampitiya seminary walking through the "Emillion".  A cultural night on the 17th September was organized by the women to which the support group members of the Human Rights office joined. The disappeared families expressed their fraternity “Fighting for a common cause” and as each group expressed emotions through cultural items, drama, songs and dance.   "They caught me by my hair and dashed my head against the wall, when I knelt and pleaded, I was kicked by the OIC with his boots, they warned if I complained, that I will be shot" Podikumarihami ... “Everybody is harmed when one person is Tortured…." “Let the survivor speak…. The International day in support of the survivors of Torture was held in Kandyan Arts Residency on the 29th June 2018 organized by the Human Rights Office Kandy, Sri Lanka. The focus of 2018 Torture day was on "Torture of women" as women victims are usually reluctant to speak of their ordeal of Torture. The Human Rights Office therefore broke the silent suffering of women victims of Torture by opening the stage to a courageous Torture victim, Podikumarihami, who was brutally tortured by the Mahiyanganaya male police officers  Podik Podikumarihami's Torture story was unfolded in a form of an interview led by Attorney at Law, Mr. Suren D. Perera before a panel of jurists on the International Day in Support of Torture survivors in Kandy. The panel comprised of Dr. Deepika Udugama - The chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission, Ven. Dr. Atipola Mangala Thero, Senior criminal lawyer Mr. Titus Manatunga and Mrs. Namalika Dissanayake, the Principal of the Blue Rose Special School. The compare was Rev. Fr. Nandana Manatunga - the director of Human Rights Office in Kandy.  The background that led to the brutal Torture of Podikumarihami, an innocent woman from Mahiyanganaya, in the Badulla District of Sri Lanka a mother of five children the youngest aged 19 and 13 years clearly described in her words "It all started with a two-acre land near the Mahaweli River in Mahiyangana which is ideal for sand mining”. One day a police constables attached to the Mahiyangana police station approached the 50 year old Podikumarihami living on the land and wanted the property sold to him. Podikumarihami then sighed and said "I had no other place to go and I loved that plot of land". She was selling betel and coconut close to the Buddhist temple in the Mahiyanganaya town for her living. Since 2006 from the time she refused to sell the land, Podikumarihami alleged that she had been facing serious threats and constant harassment by the police and the Officer-in-charge of the Mahiyanganaya Police officers  Harassment of Podikumarihami by the police went to the extent when she was arrested for not wearing a white saree when she appeared in the Magistrate court and the female Magistrate remanded her for 14 days. The criminal case continues against her and she had been warned by the said Magistrate not to retain a lawyer from Mahiyangana to defend her. Police officers then further extended harassing her 17 year old son and he was arrested several times. On November 5, 2017, she alleged that her son was arrested by Mahiyanga Police and severely tortured and was hospitalized at which point the Magistrate came to the hospital and remanded him at Badulla remand prison. She had also said that the Magistrate was married to a senior police officer.  Eventually Mihiyangana Police officers invented another charge, to introduce drugs, to harass Podikumarihami and her family. On August 15, 2017, Podikumarihami was arrested again and no female Police officer was present during the time of her interrogation. She said she was allowed on police bail and her son-in-law was then remanded for 14 days. On the same day, police officers from Mahiyangana Police arrived at her house and attempted to arrest her daughter but when Podikumarihami objected to the arrest, she was physically harassed by the OIC and two other constables named Senadeera and Wimalasena. They caught her by her hair and dashed her head against the wall. When she knelt and pleaded, she was kicked by the OIC with his boots. They warned if she had complained, she could be shot. By August 20, 2017, Podikumarihami was summoned to the Police Station and was warned not to pursue any complaint against the Police and if she did so, she would have to face dire consequences.  It is at this time that Podikumarihami complained to the Human Rights Commission. Her case No HRC/BD/147/17 was scheduled for hearing on November 27. Podikumarihami and Dilshan her son in law alleged that their arrest by the Mahiyanganaya Police was an act of reprisal.  Podikumarihami stated that she had written to the Police Commission, to the Attorney General, The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka and the DIG Badulla range. The Special Investigations unit has already concluded their investigations. With tears in her eyes Pdikumarihami said that her safely, her dignity, her son’s education and her ability to engage in her livelihood is at stake. The members of the panel were stunt when they listened to the brutality of the police officers who are supposed to be the law enforcing agency. The panelist appreciated the courage of Podikumarihami and sighted some brave acts of women who even challenged the corrupt judges and the system. A discussion followed the comments from the jurists and Podikumarihami who cannot read and write, answered the questions with exact names dates and times. The journalist and the civil Society who were present passed and eight-point resolution in a form of a statement calling upon the state to ensure effective protection and redress for Podikumarihami. They also called on the Judicial Service Commission to conduct an inquiry into the Mahiyangana former Magistrate pertaining to these incidents and urged the National Police commission to inquire into the alleged conduct of the Mahiyanganaya Police  Concluding the International Day in support of the Torture victims, the HRO formally released the statement along with signatures collected since 2015, calling the attorney General to indict the Torture perpetrators and reactivate the Torture Act no 22 of 1994
 International Women's day 2018 was organized by the Human Rights Office Kandy Sri Lanka with the participation of the families of the disappeared, the families of the prisoners, the support group and the staff. Although the event was to be celebrated on the 08th March, it has to be postponed to the 28th March due to the curfew imposed in Kandy District on the 08th March as some extreme groups created clashes between the Sinhalese & the Muslim communities in Kandy.  With the theme “I’m your Mother, Sister, and Daughter. I have the Right to travel without being sexually harassed” stickers were posted by women in 500 buses in Kandy. Ninety per cent of women travelling in public transport are sexually harassed and this appears to be a deterrent for women accepting jobs that involves long distance travel, according to a World Bank Report on “Getting to Work: Unlocking Women’s Potential in Sri Lanka’s Labour Force” (Sunday Times November 26, 2017)  The initiative of women was well received by the transport authorities and owners of buses and the general public made lots of positive comments as women are subjected to harassment during travel in all public transportation services. The women complain to say that men take advantage of crowdedness in public transportation to sexually abuse women and often women suffer silently as complaints are unheard. Hence the Human Rights Office empowered women with stickers posted in buses, reminding the abusers that the women have a Right to travel freely without being harassed or abused. Further the sticker reminds that the “Sexual abuse” is a punishable offence and that the women should not suffer in silence.   Celebrating the International Human Rights Day 2017, the Human Rights Office in Kandy organized the Human Rights Salutation held at the Good Shepherd Convent Kandy on the 10th December 2017 with the theme “Let’s stand up for Equality, Justice and Human Dignity” with the participation of more than 500 people including religious leaders, victims, human rights defenders, award winners and well-wishers. 03 prominent Human Rights Activists and the winners of school and Religious Schools Art and Essay competitions were awarded during the programme. Rt. Rev. Dr. Winston Fernando SSS the President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Sri Lanka and Bishop of Badulla was the chief guest while Ven. Dr. Atipola Mangala Thero delivered the key note address. In the absence of Hon. Eran Wickramaratne, the state minister of Finance, his secretary Asiri Thushara Uralagamage was present to deliver the message of the minister.  Fr. Nandana Manatunga the director of the Human Rights Office introducing the event and said that this year’s, Human Rights Day will commence a year-long campaign to mark the upcoming 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, a milestone document that proclaimed the inalienable rights which everyone is inherently entitled to as a human being regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, language, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status. Further he said it's important to recognize and appreciate the courage of survivors as well as Human Rights defenders and activists to create a culture of human rights and hence the HRO encourage school children, victims and activists to defend protect and promote the rights of all the citizens. Ms. Ermiza Tegal, was awarded for her dedicated and untiring work as a Human Rights Lawyer seeking Justice and Redress for the victims of Torture, victims of the defective Justice System and for her commitment in campaigning for the Rights of the minorities and protecting the Rights of the children. Rev. Sr. Nichola Emmanuel was awarded for upholding Christian values, for her commitment and dedicated services for the families of the disappeared and the families of the prisoners defending, protecting the Rights of the poor and the marginalized in the society. The Torture survivor Chamila Bandara was awarded for their courage in voicing against Torture and other cruel, inhuman, degrading treatment and punishment, and seeking justice to punish the perpetrator police officers and the TID, during the most repressive regime, risking their lives and their families, breaking the silence of the suffering survivors of Torture.  The winners of Art & Essay competitions who will be the future in creating a culture of Human Rights in our country were award. 2183 Applications were sent to Schools & Religious Schools in Sinhala & Tamil Medium covering the entire Central Province. 1390 students from 187 schools in Central Province participated in Art & Essay competitions, while 976 children from 177 multi Religious Schools (Sunday Schools) participated in the 2017 Art & Essay competitions. The Art & Essay competitions initiated a discussion on the most crucial human rights issues among the students, teachers, and parents, religious and within a larger section of the civil society. The winners of Art & Essay competitions who will be the future in creating a culture of Human Rights in our country were award. 2183 Applications were sent to Schools & Religious Schools in Sinhala & Tamil Medium covering the entire Central Province. 1390 students from 187 schools in Central Province participated in Art & Essay competitions, while 976 children from 177 multi Religious Schools (Sunday Schools) participated in the 2017 Art & Essay competitions. The Art & Essay competitions initiated a discussion on the most crucial human rights issues among the students, teachers, and parents, religious and within a larger section of the civil society. The chief guest, Bishop Winston addressing gathering said that it is unfortunate to learn that Sri Lanka is listed fourth most corrupted countries in the world, and this is an absolute disheartening news. He further said that Human Rights have found its way in to each country's governing system and the UDHR has as a place in their respective constitutions and that has to be admired. “As we are preparing to celebrate the birth of Christ, let me remind you that Christ was born for everyone and he stood for equality & Justice”. The State Minister Eran Wickramaratne in his message, conveyed how honored he was by the invitation extended for the Human Rights Salutation. He sent his deepest regrets for being unable to attend as he was unexpectedly requested by the His Excellency the President to head the Sri Lankan delegation to the “One Planet Summit” in Paris. “On the 05th of December 2017, Sri Lanka acceded to the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment and it will enter into force in Sri Lanka on the 04th January 2018. Signing of the Optional Protocol under the Convention demonstrates our determination to combat Torture and our commitment to co-operate with international mechanisms. The Protocol will allow for the regular inspection of the places of detention and to take necessary action to improve the welfare of the people detained on Judicial Orders. There is much more work to be done and we cannot afford to falter, but I am hopeful about the future” the message of Minister Eran Wickramaratne stated.  The parents of the disappeared, families of the prisoners, Torture and rape survivors, who participated in various workshops during the year 2017 were also presented with souvenir’s to encourage and appreciate their commitment and consistency in their efforts to reactivate the dysfunctional Justice system that constantly failed them in the past.  The programme also included a report of the activities of HRO of 2017 and cultural items while a special attention was drawn to the slain Human Rights activists and the deceased victims and activist and they were remembered with gratitude.   The International day of the disappeared scheduled for the 30th August was commemorated on the 07th September 2017 by the Human Rights Office Kandy at Wattegama Town Hall in Kandy Sri Lanka, with the families of the disappeared from the North & South of Sri Lanka in remembering their loved ones and calling the government to reveal the truth about the disappeared persons by activating the Office of the Missing Persons established by a bill on the 23rd August 2016 to which a fresh amendment was passed unanimously in Parliament in June 2017.  The government ratified the International Convention against Enforced Disappearances on the 24th June 2016, but without accepting article 31 that will allow families of disappeared and other Sri Lankans to complain to the UN Committee that monitor the implementation of the convention. The government has also promised to criminalize enforced disappearances, but that too has not happened for nearly two years. A draft bill was expected to be debated in parliament, but was postponed indefinitely.  The 2017 disappearances day programme was combined with a Human Rights exhibition that included the Act on Right to Information. 27 women leaders from women headed families from 05 groups in Jaffna & Mannar participated in the event and remembered their loved ones and expressed their grievances as victims of the North were not allowed to have any religious or secular function for memorialization, hence it was an opportunity to for them to join the families of the disappeared in the south in memorializing their disappeared family members.  The days’ event began with the lighting of the oil lamp which was proceeded with the religious observances and the welcome speech made by Fr. Nandana Manatunga, the director of the Human Rights Office explained the objectives of the event which was followed by a welcome dance.  The event was graced by many government officials and religious dignitaries. The coordinator of the Kandy Regional Human Rights Commission, Ms. Kumudini Vithana, addressing the audience recalled her first experience with a wife of a disappeared 25 years back while she was working in the North Central Province and said that disappearances is a crime against Humanity. She said that the commemoration, which Fr. Nandana and his staff has organized, is actually an event that should have being organized by the Human Rights Commission and therefore she highly appreciates the effort. Recalling the inception of the Human Rights Commission, she said it was to handle the complaints of the disappeared, and investigate them. Ven. Dr. Atipola Sumangala thero made a very powerful speech and said that we are living in an era where there is no Rule of Law in practice and therefore we look forward with desperation. "Sri Lankan Political setting, longing for solutions for the problems of the families of the disappeared seems rather remorse, quoting Lord Buddha,“Nahiverenawerani” Hatred can never be dealt with hatred in return. However hard it is, we must learn to forgive and be void of hatred.( Value of Maithri). Speaking to the families of the disappeared, Ven. Dr. Atipola Sumangala thero admitted that this not a period of hope for the families of the disappeared, hence the Right to Information Act is important as it provides us the Right to demand information. However the activation status of this Act depends on the civil society that has to activate it by using it. If we seek to find solution for our problems as a civilized society, it is important for the victims of all communities to be in solidarity and demand for Justice.  He further reiterated that it is only by uniting as a society, being honest that we could recover from the disintegrated political system and ensure that violence and bloodshed may not repeat in future. As religious leaders, responsible officers, and victims who have already suffered, it is important for us to jointly work towards a functional Justice system. Ms. Jayanthi Dandeniya, the chief organizer of the disappeared families since 1990 and instrumental in erecting the monument of the disappeared at Seeduwa, speaking on behalf of the southern families of the disappeared said that most of the disappearances took place during JVP insurrection was on personal grudges. Further she said that she was an eye witnesses to incidents of abduction and murder in broad day light. “People were abducted and killed and buried in mass graves without leaving a trace”. She said that her husband and brother were shot, poured kerosene oil and firewood and burnt at the Seeduwa junction and she said they were forced to disappear. Valentina Daniel, speaking on behalf of the Northern families of the disappeared said that she was born in Jaffna and in 1995, they fled the area due to the civil war and her mother had an injury in the leg which made walking difficult for her and requested her to move, however Valentina has found a piece of mat and dragged her along the road until she found an army camp, where she handed her mother over to the soldiers at the camp. Ever since then Valentina has never found her mother. She said that this is just only one story, but there are so many children searching for their parents, wives searching for their husbands believed to have being disappeared. She further said that, over the years, so many organizations have come and gathered information on a number of occasions and that they provided information with the hope that truth will come at the end, however all who collected information remained silent. “We should come together and make sure that this does not happen in the future, we should come together to make sure that our children will not suffer the same fate that we did”. The women attended the disappearances programme while they were participating in a workshop on healing organized by the Human Rights Office for 03 days and facilitated by Ms. Monica Alfred at Fatima retreat house in Lewella in Kandy. The disappearances days programme continued with the Human Rights exhibition until afternoon and religious, civil society members, school children, teachers and parents visited the exhibition, while the staff and the members of the HRO support group went into the streets, distributed the leaflets and explained in detail.     |
