Normalising extrajudicial killings

Chief Government whip, and convicted criminal, Prasanna Ranatunga last week praised the extrajudicial killing of criminals, stating in Parliament last week, “I’m saying they (alleged criminals) should be killed. I’m saying this publicly. If not people can’t live peacefully in this country. We should all join together and support those who are doing this. Let’s support the Police.” Minister of Public Security and indicted terrorism financier, Tiran Alles told a gathering of policemen recently that ”eliminating criminals from the country is not a sin. Don’t be afraid to use the weapon in your hand for the right thing, and we stand by you”. 

Extrajudicial killings, often carried out under the guise of combating crime or terrorism, represent a flagrant violation of fundamental human rights and the principles of justice. President Ranil Wickremesinghe has now joined his goonish Cabinet ministers in undermining the rule of law in the hope of short-term electoral populism. Instead of unequivocally condemning such acts and statements by his ministers and upholding the independence of the judiciary, President Wickremesinghe has taken a concerning stance by criticising lawyers for representing individuals arrested for drug offences and those who call for respect of due process rights of the accused.

The role of lawyers in any democratic society is pivotal—they ensure due process, protect the rights of the accused, and safeguard against abuses of power by the State. By disparaging lawyers who fulfil this critical function, President Wickremesinghe is not only undermining the legal profession but also sending a chilling message that the rights of certain individuals can be disregarded at will.

Moreover, the normalisation of extrajudicial actions, including killings, has been facilitated by a broader erosion of institutional integrity and accountability. Politicians, instead of acting as guardians of justice and human rights, have often openly condoned extrajudicial measures as a quick-fix solution to complex social problems. This sets a dangerous precedent where the rule of law becomes increasingly fragile and subject to political whims.

The legacy of a prolonged civil war and ongoing security concerns have undoubtedly contributed to a climate where extrajudicial actions may appear justified in the name of national security or public safety. However, history has shown that sacrificing legal and moral principles in the face of perceived threats only leads to further instability and injustice.

Sri Lanka has one of the most abysmal human rights records of any country. It is a rare democracy that has not confronted its bloody past. In the 1971 southern insurgency, at least 12,000 mostly Sinhala youth were subjected to enforced disappearance or extrajudicial killings. This number is as high as 100,000 for the 87-89 period. The number of people killed during the ethnic conflict from 1983 to 2009 is more than 100,000 with many of them subjected to enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and civilian deaths in violations of humanitarian law.

As a nation striving to rebuild and reconcile, Sri Lanka cannot afford to ignore the corrosive impact of extrajudicial killings on its social fabric and international standing. Upholding the rule of law, respecting human rights, and ensuring accountability for all, especially those in positions of power, are essential steps towards fostering a just and stable society.

It is imperative for political leaders, including President Wickremesinghe, to demonstrate unwavering commitment to the principles of justice and human rights. This includes condemning extrajudicial killings unequivocally, supporting an independent judiciary, and respecting the role of legal professionals without prejudice.