Sri Lanka

The three decade long civil war in Sri Lanka ended in 2009 and Sri Lanka continues to be an ethnically polarised country.  The political roots of the ethnic conflict which gave rise to the three decades of civil war continue to remain largely unaddressed.

The complex situation was compounded by two other armed insurgencies in the south by a Marxist movement in the late 70s and early 80s, which were violently suppressed. Thus, all ethnicities and religions and multiple generations in Sri Lanka have all been affected by the long and multi-faceted conflict and an inclusive reconciliation process, that includes the voices of all Sri Lankans, is imperative to ensure that a positive and lasting peace is sustained.

The war has taken its toll on the criminal justice system and the rule of law in general in Sri Lanka and there are many institutional and legal challenges to the effective administration of criminal justice. LAW will provide technical support to criminal justice institutions, including the Attorney-General’s Department, the Sri Lanka Judge’s Institute, the Judicial Services Commission and the Government Analysts’ Unit in areas that they self-identify as requiring support.  LAW will also provide support to legal academic institutions, including the law departments of Colombo, Peradiniya and Jaffna with legal information in relation to human rights. LAW works in partnership with a local grassroots organisation, the National Peace Council and an international partner, Harvard International Human Rights Clinic.