The Colombo High Court has today (19 May) ordered the release of three defendants, including former Minister Johnston Fernando, who were accused of engaging employees of the Sathosa Institute in political activities while serving as Trade Minister. The case was filed by theCommission to Investigate Bribery or Corruption.The defendants, including Johnston Fernando, had raised
This submission provides an overview of Human Rights Watch’s main concerns with respect to the human rights situation in Sri Lanka, submitted to the United Nations Human Rights Committee in advance of its 6th periodic review of Sri Lanka at the Committee’s 137th session (February 27 – March 24). We hope it will inform the Human Rights Committee’s preparation for its upcoming review of Sri Lanka’s compliance with its obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (hereinafter “the Covenant”).