Women Human Rights Defenders (WHRDs) in the Northern and Eastern Provinces of Sri Lanka face unique difficulties to which the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) wishes to draw attention. The armed conflict, which ended in 2009, created lasting challenges, including enforced disappearances, land disputes, the status of ex-combatants, the struggles of women-headed households, and livelihood development. WHRDs in the North and East work to address these concerns through social work, community engagement, and protests.

However, the HRCSL notes that these activists face significant obstacles that hinder their efforts and negatively affect the delivery of services and support to vulnerable groups. These obstacles range from gender-based violence, cultural and social stigma, and resource constraints to mistreatment by law enforcement officials. This statement reiterates the HRCSL’s General Guidelines and Recommendations No. 1 of 2024 on the Protection of Human Rights Defenders, specifically highlighting the challenges concerning mistreatment by law enforcement officials.

The HRCSL has actively engaged WHRDs on the ground, carefully documenting and entertaining formal complaints. It has noted a concerning increase in interventions by officers of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and the Counter-Terrorism & Investigation Division (CTID) in 2025. Reports based on formal complaints, field visits, and stakeholder meetings highlight fundamental rights violations involving the freedoms of thought, conscience, religion, expression, peaceful assembly, and lawful occupation.

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HRCSL letter to Secretary of Ministry of Public Security on 26th April 2026

HRCSL letter to IGP on 26th April 2026