UNHRC: SL Govt. urged to discharge PTA and ICCPR cases 

Human Rights Activist Tharindu Jayawardena addressing the Universal Periodic Review of the United Nation’s 59th  Session on Monday urged the Sri Lankan Government to drop charges against civil activists who were charged under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) and to dismiss court cases against protest activists who were charged under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) Act.

Jayawardena urged the Government of Sri Lanka to withdraw charges against activist and lawyer Hejaaz Hizbullah, who was charged under the PTA. Additionally, he also called for the discharge of Nathasha Edirisuriya, an activist and comedian facing multiple court cases, including charges under the ICCPR. 

Furthermore, he also appealed for the discharge of protesters who were facing court cases associated with their participation in various anti-government protests. 

The activist called for the police and the military to also be held accountable for violations committed during protests. He called for impartial investigations and prosecutions to be carried out against members of law enforcement and the military. 

The Human Rights Council adopted the Universal Periodic Review outcomes of Sri Lanka on the day. Out of the 294 recommendations, 173 had received Sri Lanka’s support, while 121 were duly acknowledged. 

During the report presentation, it was highlighted that a significant number of recommendations focused on the Prevention of Terrorism Act, and the Government had pledged to repeal the act voluntarily. The report further emphasised Sri Lanka’s steadfast dedication to pursuing concrete advancements in national reconciliation through internal mechanisms, aided by international partners.