Despite the best efforts of health workers on the frontlines in combatting the virus thus far, recent increases in the number of cases demonstrate that the public health crisis presented by COVID-19 is far from averted. This report will illustrate the importance of high levels of testing in formulating an effective response, as we attempt […]
22nd April 2020, Colombo, Sri Lanka: The Centre for Policy Alternatives (CPA) notes the Election Commission’s announcement that parliamentary elections will be held on 20 June 2020. This announcement comes during a period in which the number of persons who have tested positive for Covid -19 continue to increase and the “curfew” and quarantine measures imposed […]
The Centre for Policy Alternatives v Attorney General Fundamental Rights Applications challenging the decision to pardon Sunil Ratnayake Centre for Policy Alternatives (CPA) and its Executive Director, Dr. Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu filed Fundamental Rights applications challenging the decision of H.E the President to pardon Sunil Ratnayake, who was convicted for his role in the Mirusuvil […]
Curfews, which are generally understood to be a government regulation requiring people to remain indoors during specified hours, are a means of restricting the fundamental freedom of free movement, in view of a greater public aim such as ensuring public health, national security, public safety and such purposes. Whilst such restrictions are permissible, they must […]
All active election observation missions in Sri Lanka, including CMEV, have issued a joint statement urging all relevant authorities to resolve their issues regarding a new election date with the mutual understanding of not creating a constitutional crisis against the backdrop of COVID19. The joint statement points out that: It is undesirable to head into […]
7 April 2020 C.D. Wickremaratne Acting Inspector General of Police Police Headquarters Colombo 1. CC: Kamal Gunaratne, Secretary, Ministry of Defence Chairperson, National Police Commission Chairperson, Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka Re: Notice Issued by the Police Media Division On 1 April 2020 the Media Division of the Sri Lanka Police, upon the instructions […]
8 April 2020, Colombo, Sri Lanka: In response to the COVID-19 health emergency, Sri Lanka has witnessed the activation of existing structures and the establishment of new ones. One such new entity is the Presidential Task Force established to direct, coordinate and monitor the delivery of continuous services and for the sustenance of overall community […]