7th September 2009, Colombo, Sri Lanka: The Centre for Policy Alternatives’ (CPA) latest report ‘Trincomalee High Security Zone and Special Economic Zone, September 2009’ brings to the fore critical issues of national security, development and the fundamental rights of the citizens. The report highlights the significant dividends obtained from the reduction of the High Security Zone (HSZ) including civilians return to their homes and land. Though some returns have taken place, the report highlights that there still remain over 6000 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) who are unable to return to their land as a result of the HSZ. The issues raised in this report are timely given the ongoing discussions on resettlement, relocation, reconstruction and development for the North of Sri Lanka. 

Article written by Sanjana Hattotuwa, Senior Researcher, CPA published in
The Sunday Leader, 6 September 2009.

Statement condeming death threat against Dr. P. Saravanamuttu, dated 27 August 2009 with a 133 signatories. Download the attachment for full statement and list of signatories.

Response by Rohan Edrisinha and Asanga Welikala to the Political Watch column of The Sunday Island of 8th August, published in The Sunday Island on 16th August. The article seeks to clarify and restate the position of the CPA in relation to the renewal of the EU’s GSP Plus, in the light of allegations of improper motives imputed by Mr. C.A. Chandraprema, writer of the Political Watch column.

Press releases issued in response to the death threat against the Executive Director of CPA, Dr. Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu by:

• Journalists for Democracy in Sri Lanka
• Freedom House
• Platform for Freedom
• Article 19
• International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute

News coverage included:

• The BBC
• Daily Mirror
• The Guardian
• The New York Times

Please download attached PDFs for respective articles.