Since the August 5th parliamentary elections in Sri Lanka, minorities (Sri Lankan Tamils, Muslims and Christians) are in a state of fear. The administration under the Rajapaksa brothers -a President and a Prime minister, has intensified the crackdown on dissent across the country: facilitated by the country's militarized response to COVID-19.
The government has rapidly expanded the military and appointed military officers in previously civilian leadership roles. Unlike other countries, Sri Lanka's defence ministry has been put in charge of COVID response, resulting in 66,000 people being arrested for curfew violations in just 2 months. Presence of security forces has been severe in Tamil dominated areas.
Journalists, activists and non-government organisations are subjected to political harassment. Several activists and journalists have been put on the government "watch-list". Many have been booked under the country's draconian Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) and have limited interaction with family and lawyers. Some non-government organisations which receive financial support from abroad face frequent raids, inquiries and threats over the phone, and even freezing of bank activities.
The government has said that it no longer wishes to support the 2015 UN Human Rights Council resolution committing Sri Lanka to justice and protection of civil society victim groups. Senior members of the present administration have been accused of severe war crimes between 2005-2015. This includes the current president, prime minister, defence security and army chief. International involvement in investigations is strongly opposed by Sinhalese nationalists - the base for Rajapaksha's parliamentary success.
The current government has a history of silencing dissent and oppressing minorities. There is an urgent need for international organisations to investigate and protect persecuted groups.
Written by Anushree Appandairajan
Artwork by Zara Masood
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