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On November 28, 2013 a pregnant mother from Malaiyalapuram North[1] (Malaiyalapuram) in Kilinochchi District died at Jaffna Teaching Hospital. She was 17 and 2/7 weeks pregnant at the time of her death.

She had been injected with Jadelle, a Progestogen-only subdermal implant (PODSI), on September 07, 2013.

The deceased – Ms. Manjula Satheeshkumar – was twenty-six-years-old.[5] She was married and had one child, a boy

At the time the implant was inserted, Ms. Satheeshkumar was two months pregnant. However, she was not aware of her pregnancy. Additionally, Ministry of Health (MoH) officials failed to administer a pregnancy test which should have been part of pre-implant screening especially for women who are not sure of if they are pregnant.

After receiving the implant, Ms. Satheeshkumar was suffering from severe abdominal pain. Her husband, Mr. R. Satheeshkumar, decided to take her to a private hospital in Kilinochchi. Hospital staff ran some tests and informed her that she was pregnant (Report attached).

Thereafter, Ms. Satheeshkumar visited the Primary Health Centre in Malaiyalapuram and informed a Public Health Midwife (PHM) that she was pregnant. At that time, the PHM advised her to visit the MOH office in Kilinochchi and remove the Jadelle implant. By the time this conversation took place, the implant had been actively releasing progesterone for three and a half weeks.

During the first week of October, she visited MOH office in Kilinochchi to have the implant removed. Her implant was surgically removed at Kilinochchi hospital by a doctor.

After the removal of the implant, she was continuously ill. She developed a rash, which was an allergic reaction on her skin and was feeling very itchy. Her neck was swollen and she regularly complained of having a lot of headaches and was consistently running a high fever.

On November 22, 2013 she was taken to Kilinochchi District Hospital by her husband due to her high fever. After having been admitted to Kilinochchi District Hospital, she was transferred to Jaffna Teaching Hospital the following day – on November 23. She was running a fever and was subsequently placed in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Jaffna Teaching Hospital.

She passed away on November 28 at approximately 4am.

On the 28th of Novemenber,Mr. R. Satheeshkumar told TSA that “this was the worst my wife had felt in six years. Before she was injected with that implant, which the midwife coerced her into doing, she was totally fine. She had only been admitted to the hospital twice before…for the births of our two children.”

The day she was transferred to Jaffna Teaching Hospital, she told her husband, “I am afraid. My neck is swollen and I can barely speak.”[10] Her pregnancy record indicates she did not have any prenatal or postnatal complications in the past.( report attached)

TSA, in its previous report stated: “Failure to adequately conduct all pre-insertion tests jeopardized the health of these women. Moreover, failure to provide the women with after-surgery instructions – including directions for severe adverse reactions – represents a violation of the Jadelle protocol and endangers women’s well-being.”

The pregnancy record (shown below) failed to mention that the implant was the last form of contraceptive used, instead it says she was using pills; we do not know if this is an intentional entry or a mistake. Accurately recording medical history is very important in patient care and diagnosis. Considering the fact that, a patient’s medical records contain false information, the appropriateness of the care given to them can be questionable. A patient’s history is not only a medical record, but in cases of death, also a legal document.

TSA notes here that there has been a clear breach in duty of care owed by the doctors and MoH due to the substandard pre-medical screening. This report is not conclusive that the cause of death was the implant itself, but it is very important to rule out the possibility that the implant could have materially increased or aggravated any pre-existing medical conditions. The obvious negligence in pre-screening and failure to obtain proper medical history from a patient prior to a minor surgical procedure is a legitimate cause for investigation.

First published on Groundviews website on 11/30/2013

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This report, TSA’s fourth, outlines the findings of the organization’s September 2013 field mission on coercive contraception clinics in Kilinochchi District. In early September of this year, activists in Kilinochchi discovered that public health workers had administered the sub-dermal contraceptive implant, Jadelle, to women from Veravil, Keranchi, and Valaipaddu during a nutrition clinic. After publishing accounts from these women, TSA traveled to Kilinochchi for an in-depth follow up investigation.

This report confirms that public health workers used coercive tactics to convince women to accept Jadelle. This egregious disregard for medical ethics and protocol constitutes serious violations of a woman’s rights to informed consent, reproductive autonomy, and health.

TSA visited the Veravil, Keranchi, Valaipaddu, Umaiyalpuram, and Malaiyalapuram villages, where Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) have begun to rebuild their post-war lives. TSA interviewed twenty-five women ranging in age from fifteen to forty-three, members of the Ministry of Health (MoH), Kilinochchi, field level health workers, and community leaders. TSA worked on a very tight deadline and was under constant military surveillance throughout the course of this research.The report includes eight conclusions:

  • 1). Women in these villages lack adequate access to primary care
  • 2). Women lack adequate access to quality contraceptive services.
  • 3). Public health workers asked women to come to a government sponsored nutrition clinicunder false pretenses.
  • 4). Government health workers coerced women into taking the implant.
  • 5). Government health workers did not provide adequate counseling and women did not give full and informed consent.
  • 6). Government health workers failed to conduct adequate medical pre-screening and to provide post-implant care instructions.
  • 7). Public health employees failed to provide information to women who accepted the implant.
  • 8). Women feel unsafe asking doctors questions. Government employees have told their subordinates to remain silent on this issue –perpetuating a culture of impunity.

Finally, this report urges the Government and civil society organizations to conduct a comprehensive investigation, to hold reproductive health and rights trainings for women and public health employees, to provide information on the implant in Tamil, to ensure adequate staffing at the field level, to develop a complaint mechanism for the public health system, to create a checklist for implant insertion, and to meet with women in these villages to explain removal, steps taken for accountability, and alternate forms of contraception.

The World Health Organization (WHO) and International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) define reproductive rights as: “the recognition of the basic right of all couples and individuals to decide freely and responsibly the number, spacing and timing of their children and to have the information and means to do so, and the right to attain the highest standard of sexual and reproductive health. They also include the right of all to make decisions concerning reproduction free of discrimination, coercion and violence.”

In light of these fundamental rights TSA reiterates: Women have a right to understand the benefits and potential side effects of all available contraceptive options that they may require at different stages of their lives. They have the right to accept or deny any form of contraception at any time. Removing the implant requires a medical intervention (unlike pills), therefore reducing a woman’s control over her reproductive self-determination. Contraceptive counseling with an emphasis on free choice is especially important in conflict zones where women already have fewer options, inadequate information, and limited access to primary health services including contraception. Misleading women into hospital visits, presenting false medical information, and the failure to ensure a woman’s right to make an informed, meaningful choice amounts to coercion and force – clear violations of women’s autonomy, well-being, dignity and bodily integrity.

Coerced medical procedures constitute cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment under international law.Recommendations

To ensure accountability, basic health facilities, and the reproductive rights of women in Umaiyalpuram, Malaiyalapuram, Keranchi, Veravil, and Valaipaddu, TSA recommends:To the Government of Sri Lanka

  • Conduct an in depth MOH and civil society investigation on Jadelle implant insertions in the North.
  • Conduct a comprehensive health and reproductive health survey for Kilinochchi District with results made public.
  • Provide information on the implant in Tamil and English. Information should also be available for women who cannot read. Adequate information should be provided at all health centers. Women should be able to take the information home.
  • Appoint adequate midwives, nurses, and doctors in Kilinochchi immediately, as per government schemes and policies
  • For the MOH to develop an easily accessible complaint mechanism for women with questions, comments or concerns regarding their experiences with the public health system.
  • For the MOH to create a mandatory check-list for counseling, pre-insertion counseling, and post-care instructions for each implant insertion.
  • For the MOH to conduct a reproductive rights training for doctors, nurses, and midwives.
  • For the MOH to conduct a reproductive rights training for doctors, nurses, and midwives.
  • Reduce the presence of military personnel in the Northern Province.
  • Provide accurate statistics about militarization to the public.

To Civil Society

  • Conduct trainings on reproductive health in villages in Kilinochchi District.
  • Conduct a reproductive rights training for doctors, nurses, and midwives.
  • Provide these women with information on removal in a language they understand and hold several village-wide meetings to explain the implant, steps for accountability, the clinic, and alternate forms of contraception.

To Bayer, the manufacturer

  • Ensure that all doctors and nurses are familiar with the training manual for family planning for counseling, screening, insertion, and post-insertion care.
  • Conduct trainings for doctors and nurses per the Jadelle training manual for family planning.

To the International Community

  • Conduct a rights-based review of family planning, contraceptive services, and reproductive health projects in Sri Lanka.
  • To review whether funding for Jadelle, an expensive contraceptive represents a rational public health expenditure.
  • To consult with local community groups and CSOs to ensure that projects and programs are tailored to individual community needs.
  • To urge the GoSL to publicize health indicators from the North and East.
  • To pressure the GoSL to fulfill its international obligations under CEDAW, CRC, and ICESCR.
  • For UNFPA, as funder for this project, to undertake a thorough study on what went wrong in these Kilinochchi villages.

First published on Groundviews website on 10/11/2013

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Photo courtesy The Social Architects [Editors note: Please read Above the Law: Violations of Women’s Reproductive Rights in Northern Sri Lanka by The Social Architects, which expands on this initial report and…

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Image courtesy Thuppahi blog In November 2011, Sri Lanka’s Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, said that discovering how many civilians “died or went missing during the last few months of the conflict” would…

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  • Inclusivity in Decision-making: Empowering Women in Puthukkudiyiruppu, Mullaitivu District: • [ Read More ]
  • Uprooting Invisibility: The RTI Journey for Plantation Community Rights in Stockholm Estate • [ Read More ]
  • Voices Unleashed: Social Justice Koodams Sparking Change at the Grassroots in Post-War Sri Lanka • [ Read More ]
March 2023
  • History in the making: Children Prioritizing Democracy • [ Read More ]
February 2023
  • PRESS RELEASE: The Social Architects’ Children’s Shadow Pradeshiya Sabhas (CSPS) Election – 2023 • [ Read More ]
March 2022
  • Celebrating five years of RTI in Sri Lanka. • [ Read More ]
  • Congratulations To TSA Ampara. • [ Read More ]
March 2021
  • Training Programme on the Right to Information for School Students • [ Read More ]
January 2021 September 2020
  • New Branch Opening in Anuradhapura • [ Read More ]
  • Filmmaking & Storytelling Workshop • [ Read More ]
July 2020
  • Short Film: சைக்கிளில் போய் மீன் பிடித்து வீடு வந்து வீணை மீட்டலாமா?! • [ Read More ]
  • Short Film Teaser : சைக்கிளில் போய் மீன் பிடித்து வீடு வந்து வீணை மீட்டலாமா ?! • [ Read More ]
April 2020
  • Covid-19 Rapid Response Programme. • [ Read More ]
  • Popularizing the Use of RTI Law through Street Theatre. • [ Read More ]
February 2020
  • “Ahankanali – Silenced Peace” • [ Read More ]
January 2020
  • Farewell Azam, You Will Never be Forgotten… • [ Read More ]
December 2019
  • Assisting Flood Affected Communities in Killinochchi. • [ Read More ]
November 2019
  • Programme team meets with Matara branch youth group • [ Read More ]
October 2019
  • TSA Team Receiving “Citizenship Appreciation Felicitation Award” • [ Read More ]
  • The Draped Mirror… • [ Read More ]
  • Muttrupulliyaa…? Teaser (Tamil) • [ Read More ]
  • Muttrupulliyaa…? • [ Read More ]
  • Preview, Muttrupulliyaa…? • [ Read More ]
  • ‘Aayudha Pooja’ at TSA Office • [ Read More ]
  • Illusive Justice… • [ Read More ]
  • RIGHT TO INFORMATION IN SRI LANKA – THE DAWN OF A FISH BOWL REGIME? • [ Read More ]
September 2019
  • Shramadana in Vattapalai and Nanthikadal • [ Read More ]
  • Orientation Program – Neeravipity and Ponnagar • [ Read More ]
  • Shramadana in Velanai, Northern Province • [ Read More ]
August 2019
  • ”Muttupulliyaa…?” soundtracks launched at the Annual Poovarasi Award Event • [ Read More ]
  • RTI workshop for Public Officials in Jaffna • [ Read More ]
  • Soundtracks of ”Muttrupulliya..?” released today • [ Read More ]
  • • [ Read More ]
  • Bringing the Debate Back Home • [ Read More ]
  • A Call for Accountability: Death of a Young Woman in Kilinochchi • [ Read More ]
  • Above the Law: Violations of Women’s Reproductive Rights in Northern Sri Lanka • [ Read More ]
  • Coercive Population Control in Kilinochchi • [ Read More ]
  • Spot Fixing Sri Lanka Style: Revisiting the Enumeration of Vital Events • [ Read More ]
  • The Numbers Never Lie: A Comprehensive Assessment of Sri Lanka’s LLRC Progress • [ Read More ]
  • The Numbers Never Lie: A Quick Look at Sri Lanka’s LLRC Progress • [ Read More ]
  • Giving reconciliation in Sri Lanka a better chance: A Shadow Action Plan for the LLRC • [ Read More ]
  • Troubled Waters: Corruption and Human Trafficking in Post-war Sri Lanka • [ Read More ]
  • Post-war Sri Lanka’s Thought Police: The Rehabilitation of Ex-Combatants and the Denigration of Tamil Identity: Part Two • [ Read More ]
  • Post-war Sri Lanka’s Thought Police: The Rehabilitation of Ex-Combatants and the Denigration of Tamil Identity • [ Read More ]
  • Interview with Sri Lanka’s The Social Architects • [ Read More ]
  • Reevaluating Sri Lanka’s LLRC Progress: Part One • [ Read More ]
  • Salt on Old Wounds: Post-War Sri Lanka • [ Read More ]
  • Broken Dreams: The Truth about Sri Lanka • [ Read More ]
  • Sri Lanka’s Next Steps: A LLRC Shadow Action Plan • [ Read More ]
  • The audio launch of TSA production “Scars of Tomorrow” on August 18, in India • [ Read More ]
  • Regional RTI Experts Meeting in Dhaka — in Bangladesh • [ Read More ]
  • “Testimonies of Silent Pain” – Second Edition • [ Read More ]
  • The Social Architects releases “RTI IN SRI LANKA – THE SACRED PAIN OF AUTHORITY? “ • [ Read More ]
  • SLIC withdraws court case; complies with RTI Commission ruling • [ Read More ]
  • Youth for a Shared Future with TSA at Uganthei • [ Read More ]
January 2019 May 2018
  • “RTI in Sri Lanka -The Sacred Pain of Authority?” Publication launch at BMICH on 31st May 2018. • [ Read More ]
April 2018
  • ” RTI in Sri Lanka – The Dawn of a Fish Bowl Regime?” Documentary launch in Hatton on 26th April 2018. • [ Read More ]

Download the report in full here, or view in inline here. ### Introduction Nearly four years since the end of the country’s civil war, Sri Lanka remains a divided, post-war society, as…

Original Article : Click Here

July 2024
  • Bridging Generations: Conversations Between Today’s Leaders and Tomorrow’s Visionaries • [ Read More ]
April 2024
  • Advancing Sustainable Development Goals through the Samooha Murthikaruwo(சமூகමූර්තිකරුවෝ) Cooperative Societies of The Social Architects • [ Read More ]
March 2024
  • Powering Change through Sri Lanka’s RTI Act at the Grassroots: Empowering Voices for Transparency and Accountability: • [ Read More ]
November 2023
  • RTI in Action: Hitthettiya West Village’s Battle Against Environmental Neglect and Abuse of Power • [ Read More ]
  • A Mother’s Resolve: Triumphing Over Disability and Bureaucracy in Sri Lanka • [ Read More ]
  • Inclusivity in Decision-making: Empowering Women in Puthukkudiyiruppu, Mullaitivu District: • [ Read More ]
  • Uprooting Invisibility: The RTI Journey for Plantation Community Rights in Stockholm Estate • [ Read More ]
  • Voices Unleashed: Social Justice Koodams Sparking Change at the Grassroots in Post-War Sri Lanka • [ Read More ]
March 2023
  • History in the making: Children Prioritizing Democracy • [ Read More ]
February 2023
  • PRESS RELEASE: The Social Architects’ Children’s Shadow Pradeshiya Sabhas (CSPS) Election – 2023 • [ Read More ]
March 2022
  • Celebrating five years of RTI in Sri Lanka. • [ Read More ]
  • Congratulations To TSA Ampara. • [ Read More ]
March 2021
  • Training Programme on the Right to Information for School Students • [ Read More ]
January 2021 September 2020
  • New Branch Opening in Anuradhapura • [ Read More ]
  • Filmmaking & Storytelling Workshop • [ Read More ]
July 2020
  • Short Film: சைக்கிளில் போய் மீன் பிடித்து வீடு வந்து வீணை மீட்டலாமா?! • [ Read More ]
  • Short Film Teaser : சைக்கிளில் போய் மீன் பிடித்து வீடு வந்து வீணை மீட்டலாமா ?! • [ Read More ]
April 2020
  • Covid-19 Rapid Response Programme. • [ Read More ]
  • Popularizing the Use of RTI Law through Street Theatre. • [ Read More ]
February 2020
  • “Ahankanali – Silenced Peace” • [ Read More ]
January 2020
  • Farewell Azam, You Will Never be Forgotten… • [ Read More ]
December 2019
  • Assisting Flood Affected Communities in Killinochchi. • [ Read More ]
November 2019
  • Programme team meets with Matara branch youth group • [ Read More ]
October 2019
  • TSA Team Receiving “Citizenship Appreciation Felicitation Award” • [ Read More ]
  • The Draped Mirror… • [ Read More ]
  • Muttrupulliyaa…? Teaser (Tamil) • [ Read More ]
  • Muttrupulliyaa…? • [ Read More ]
  • Preview, Muttrupulliyaa…? • [ Read More ]
  • ‘Aayudha Pooja’ at TSA Office • [ Read More ]
  • Illusive Justice… • [ Read More ]
  • RIGHT TO INFORMATION IN SRI LANKA – THE DAWN OF A FISH BOWL REGIME? • [ Read More ]
September 2019
  • Shramadana in Vattapalai and Nanthikadal • [ Read More ]
  • Orientation Program – Neeravipity and Ponnagar • [ Read More ]
  • Shramadana in Velanai, Northern Province • [ Read More ]
August 2019
  • ”Muttupulliyaa…?” soundtracks launched at the Annual Poovarasi Award Event • [ Read More ]
  • RTI workshop for Public Officials in Jaffna • [ Read More ]
  • Soundtracks of ”Muttrupulliya..?” released today • [ Read More ]
  • • [ Read More ]
  • Bringing the Debate Back Home • [ Read More ]
  • A Call for Accountability: Death of a Young Woman in Kilinochchi • [ Read More ]
  • Above the Law: Violations of Women’s Reproductive Rights in Northern Sri Lanka • [ Read More ]
  • Coercive Population Control in Kilinochchi • [ Read More ]
  • Spot Fixing Sri Lanka Style: Revisiting the Enumeration of Vital Events • [ Read More ]
  • The Numbers Never Lie: A Comprehensive Assessment of Sri Lanka’s LLRC Progress • [ Read More ]
  • The Numbers Never Lie: A Quick Look at Sri Lanka’s LLRC Progress • [ Read More ]
  • Giving reconciliation in Sri Lanka a better chance: A Shadow Action Plan for the LLRC • [ Read More ]
  • Troubled Waters: Corruption and Human Trafficking in Post-war Sri Lanka • [ Read More ]
  • Post-war Sri Lanka’s Thought Police: The Rehabilitation of Ex-Combatants and the Denigration of Tamil Identity: Part Two • [ Read More ]
  • Post-war Sri Lanka’s Thought Police: The Rehabilitation of Ex-Combatants and the Denigration of Tamil Identity • [ Read More ]
  • Interview with Sri Lanka’s The Social Architects • [ Read More ]
  • Reevaluating Sri Lanka’s LLRC Progress: Part One • [ Read More ]
  • Salt on Old Wounds: Post-War Sri Lanka • [ Read More ]
  • Broken Dreams: The Truth about Sri Lanka • [ Read More ]
  • Sri Lanka’s Next Steps: A LLRC Shadow Action Plan • [ Read More ]
  • The audio launch of TSA production “Scars of Tomorrow” on August 18, in India • [ Read More ]
  • Regional RTI Experts Meeting in Dhaka — in Bangladesh • [ Read More ]
  • “Testimonies of Silent Pain” – Second Edition • [ Read More ]
  • The Social Architects releases “RTI IN SRI LANKA – THE SACRED PAIN OF AUTHORITY? “ • [ Read More ]
  • SLIC withdraws court case; complies with RTI Commission ruling • [ Read More ]
  • Youth for a Shared Future with TSA at Uganthei • [ Read More ]
January 2019 May 2018
  • “RTI in Sri Lanka -The Sacred Pain of Authority?” Publication launch at BMICH on 31st May 2018. • [ Read More ]
April 2018
  • ” RTI in Sri Lanka – The Dawn of a Fish Bowl Regime?” Documentary launch in Hatton on 26th April 2018. • [ Read More ]

The administration of President Mahinda Rajapaksa won the ethnic war, but Sri Lanka’s protracted conflict is more alive than ever. There is a lot of talk about how the situation in the…

Original Article : Click Here

July 2024
  • Bridging Generations: Conversations Between Today’s Leaders and Tomorrow’s Visionaries • [ Read More ]
April 2024
  • Advancing Sustainable Development Goals through the Samooha Murthikaruwo(சமூகමූර්තිකරුවෝ) Cooperative Societies of The Social Architects • [ Read More ]
March 2024
  • Powering Change through Sri Lanka’s RTI Act at the Grassroots: Empowering Voices for Transparency and Accountability: • [ Read More ]
November 2023
  • RTI in Action: Hitthettiya West Village’s Battle Against Environmental Neglect and Abuse of Power • [ Read More ]
  • A Mother’s Resolve: Triumphing Over Disability and Bureaucracy in Sri Lanka • [ Read More ]
  • Inclusivity in Decision-making: Empowering Women in Puthukkudiyiruppu, Mullaitivu District: • [ Read More ]
  • Uprooting Invisibility: The RTI Journey for Plantation Community Rights in Stockholm Estate • [ Read More ]
  • Voices Unleashed: Social Justice Koodams Sparking Change at the Grassroots in Post-War Sri Lanka • [ Read More ]
March 2023
  • History in the making: Children Prioritizing Democracy • [ Read More ]
February 2023
  • PRESS RELEASE: The Social Architects’ Children’s Shadow Pradeshiya Sabhas (CSPS) Election – 2023 • [ Read More ]
March 2022
  • Celebrating five years of RTI in Sri Lanka. • [ Read More ]
  • Congratulations To TSA Ampara. • [ Read More ]
March 2021
  • Training Programme on the Right to Information for School Students • [ Read More ]
January 2021 September 2020
  • New Branch Opening in Anuradhapura • [ Read More ]
  • Filmmaking & Storytelling Workshop • [ Read More ]
July 2020
  • Short Film: சைக்கிளில் போய் மீன் பிடித்து வீடு வந்து வீணை மீட்டலாமா?! • [ Read More ]
  • Short Film Teaser : சைக்கிளில் போய் மீன் பிடித்து வீடு வந்து வீணை மீட்டலாமா ?! • [ Read More ]
April 2020
  • Covid-19 Rapid Response Programme. • [ Read More ]
  • Popularizing the Use of RTI Law through Street Theatre. • [ Read More ]
February 2020
  • “Ahankanali – Silenced Peace” • [ Read More ]
January 2020
  • Farewell Azam, You Will Never be Forgotten… • [ Read More ]
December 2019
  • Assisting Flood Affected Communities in Killinochchi. • [ Read More ]
November 2019
  • Programme team meets with Matara branch youth group • [ Read More ]
October 2019
  • TSA Team Receiving “Citizenship Appreciation Felicitation Award” • [ Read More ]
  • The Draped Mirror… • [ Read More ]
  • Muttrupulliyaa…? Teaser (Tamil) • [ Read More ]
  • Muttrupulliyaa…? • [ Read More ]
  • Preview, Muttrupulliyaa…? • [ Read More ]
  • ‘Aayudha Pooja’ at TSA Office • [ Read More ]
  • Illusive Justice… • [ Read More ]
  • RIGHT TO INFORMATION IN SRI LANKA – THE DAWN OF A FISH BOWL REGIME? • [ Read More ]
September 2019
  • Shramadana in Vattapalai and Nanthikadal • [ Read More ]
  • Orientation Program – Neeravipity and Ponnagar • [ Read More ]
  • Shramadana in Velanai, Northern Province • [ Read More ]
August 2019
  • ”Muttupulliyaa…?” soundtracks launched at the Annual Poovarasi Award Event • [ Read More ]
  • RTI workshop for Public Officials in Jaffna • [ Read More ]
  • Soundtracks of ”Muttrupulliya..?” released today • [ Read More ]
  • • [ Read More ]
  • Bringing the Debate Back Home • [ Read More ]
  • A Call for Accountability: Death of a Young Woman in Kilinochchi • [ Read More ]
  • Above the Law: Violations of Women’s Reproductive Rights in Northern Sri Lanka • [ Read More ]
  • Coercive Population Control in Kilinochchi • [ Read More ]
  • Spot Fixing Sri Lanka Style: Revisiting the Enumeration of Vital Events • [ Read More ]
  • The Numbers Never Lie: A Comprehensive Assessment of Sri Lanka’s LLRC Progress • [ Read More ]
  • The Numbers Never Lie: A Quick Look at Sri Lanka’s LLRC Progress • [ Read More ]
  • Giving reconciliation in Sri Lanka a better chance: A Shadow Action Plan for the LLRC • [ Read More ]
  • Troubled Waters: Corruption and Human Trafficking in Post-war Sri Lanka • [ Read More ]
  • Post-war Sri Lanka’s Thought Police: The Rehabilitation of Ex-Combatants and the Denigration of Tamil Identity: Part Two • [ Read More ]
  • Post-war Sri Lanka’s Thought Police: The Rehabilitation of Ex-Combatants and the Denigration of Tamil Identity • [ Read More ]
  • Interview with Sri Lanka’s The Social Architects • [ Read More ]
  • Reevaluating Sri Lanka’s LLRC Progress: Part One • [ Read More ]
  • Salt on Old Wounds: Post-War Sri Lanka • [ Read More ]
  • Broken Dreams: The Truth about Sri Lanka • [ Read More ]
  • Sri Lanka’s Next Steps: A LLRC Shadow Action Plan • [ Read More ]
  • The audio launch of TSA production “Scars of Tomorrow” on August 18, in India • [ Read More ]
  • Regional RTI Experts Meeting in Dhaka — in Bangladesh • [ Read More ]
  • “Testimonies of Silent Pain” – Second Edition • [ Read More ]
  • The Social Architects releases “RTI IN SRI LANKA – THE SACRED PAIN OF AUTHORITY? “ • [ Read More ]
  • SLIC withdraws court case; complies with RTI Commission ruling • [ Read More ]
  • Youth for a Shared Future with TSA at Uganthei • [ Read More ]
January 2019 May 2018
  • “RTI in Sri Lanka -The Sacred Pain of Authority?” Publication launch at BMICH on 31st May 2018. • [ Read More ]
April 2018
  • ” RTI in Sri Lanka – The Dawn of a Fish Bowl Regime?” Documentary launch in Hatton on 26th April 2018. • [ Read More ]

The Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) Final Report contains many positive recommendations which merit immediate attention. Unfortunately, the present administration has given virtually no indication that it has any intention of seriously engaging with these recommendations.

With the impeachment of the Chief Justice, the unwarranted arrest of University of Jaffna students and the recent murder of dozens of Welikada inmates, it’s obvious that human rights trends in Sri Lanka are still moving in the wrong direction. Furthermore, Government – TNA talks have gone nowhere; this is a political negotiation on life support that looks more like absurd theatre than a genuine discussion.

All of this is extremely unfortunate, but underscores the fact that the present administration fears the political consequences of truly endorsing national reconciliation and promoting a lasting peace. Now, the present administration is seeking to strike a balance. It wants to avoid further criticism of its human rights record by pretending that it is earnestly complying with the HRC resolution. At the same time, the government is trying to maintain domestic political support, especially in the South.

TSA believes that time is of the essence.

Originally published in International Policy Digest, TSA’s second major report is designed to capture the essence of many of the positive LLRC recommendations so that they can be implemented without delay. Doing so would open the door to true reconciliation, sustainable peace, institutional reform and improved governance.

Unfortunately, the government’s plan of action is rife with misleading, excessively general information; it is not a plan of action that seeks to promote human rights, reconciliation or a lasting peace. It is merely another exercise in prevarication and dissimulation. People have seen this movie before, as the present administration continues to temporize, making excuses and hoping that urgent problems will just go away. Such a strategy is irresponsible and inimical to the long-term interests of Sri Lankan citizens.

TSA’s Shadow Action Plan has been written after consultation with a variety of stakeholders: including dozens of civil society leaders, thousands of community members in Sri Lanka’s North, East and Hill County and some members of the diaspora. It is the result of numerous interviews, seventy-one lengthy meetings, and several months of reflection, discussion and hard work. Importantly, it has embraced community participation at every stage.

From a careful analysis of the LLRC’s Final Report, the commission’s recommendations are focused upon flaws related to governance, weak institutions and a consistent lack of political will. With this in mind, the components and key actions in the Shadow Action Plan have been structured and prioritized. In addition, the methods of implementation and the respective responsibilities of stakeholders have been denoted in detail. The report includes a narrative, a listing of top LLRC recommendations, an organizational chart to facilitate the implementation of these recommendations and a LogFrame that shows how the recommendations could be implemented and monitored. Significantly, the LogFrame provides many clear benchmarks which would be used to measure whether recommendations have been genuinely implemented or not.

TSA’s Shadow Action Plan takes the perspective of a broad range of stakeholders into account: the commission itself, the GoSL, community members from the country’s conflict-affected areas and the international community, including the UN and the HRC.

This plan is forward-thinking, consensus-oriented, pro-devolution and adheres to international standards. Thirty-five critical LLRC recommendations (related to demilitarization, land, language rights and disappearances, among other issues) are highlighted in this report. Implementation will be two-tiered, pertaining to the North-East and also countrywide. Significantly, most of TSA’s plan relies upon existing governmental agencies.

TSA implores the present administration to carefully consider the contents of this plan. Though at times critical of certain state actors, it has been crafted with a sense of balance and an eye towards a better future for all Sri Lankans.

The present administration created the LLRC in response to international pressure; that is irrefutable. Since the country’s human rights record is still under the microscope of the international community, it should come as no surprise that the present administration’s plan of action was designed primarily for international consumption.

The LLRC, yet another Presidentially-appointed commission, has finished its work. Thankfully, the LLRC’s Final Report has been made public in its entirety. Irrespective of what might happen in Geneva this March (or other international forums) in the coming years, the positive recommendations of the LLRC can and should be implemented without further delay.

Since the end of the war, the present administration has shown an appalling lack of leadership. Now is the time to look beyond partisan politics and trivial bickering. TSA hopes to see a united Sri Lanka that actually embraces diversity. Sri Lankans deserve to live in a country where poor governance and highly politicized institutions are seen as anomalous, instead of ordinary.

Mahinda Rajapaksa cares deeply about his legacy and undoubtedly has dynastic ambitions. But if he continues to ignore the root causes of the conflict, history will not judge him kindly. He will be seen as just another petty autocrat who failed to lead a nation that has so clearly lost its way.

First published on Groundviews website on 12/23/2012

July 2024
  • Bridging Generations: Conversations Between Today’s Leaders and Tomorrow’s Visionaries • [ Read More ]
April 2024
  • Advancing Sustainable Development Goals through the Samooha Murthikaruwo(சமூகමූර්තිකරුවෝ) Cooperative Societies of The Social Architects • [ Read More ]
March 2024
  • Powering Change through Sri Lanka’s RTI Act at the Grassroots: Empowering Voices for Transparency and Accountability: • [ Read More ]
November 2023
  • RTI in Action: Hitthettiya West Village’s Battle Against Environmental Neglect and Abuse of Power • [ Read More ]
  • A Mother’s Resolve: Triumphing Over Disability and Bureaucracy in Sri Lanka • [ Read More ]
  • Inclusivity in Decision-making: Empowering Women in Puthukkudiyiruppu, Mullaitivu District: • [ Read More ]
  • Uprooting Invisibility: The RTI Journey for Plantation Community Rights in Stockholm Estate • [ Read More ]
  • Voices Unleashed: Social Justice Koodams Sparking Change at the Grassroots in Post-War Sri Lanka • [ Read More ]
March 2023
  • History in the making: Children Prioritizing Democracy • [ Read More ]
February 2023
  • PRESS RELEASE: The Social Architects’ Children’s Shadow Pradeshiya Sabhas (CSPS) Election – 2023 • [ Read More ]
March 2022
  • Celebrating five years of RTI in Sri Lanka. • [ Read More ]
  • Congratulations To TSA Ampara. • [ Read More ]
March 2021
  • Training Programme on the Right to Information for School Students • [ Read More ]
January 2021 September 2020
  • New Branch Opening in Anuradhapura • [ Read More ]
  • Filmmaking & Storytelling Workshop • [ Read More ]
July 2020
  • Short Film: சைக்கிளில் போய் மீன் பிடித்து வீடு வந்து வீணை மீட்டலாமா?! • [ Read More ]
  • Short Film Teaser : சைக்கிளில் போய் மீன் பிடித்து வீடு வந்து வீணை மீட்டலாமா ?! • [ Read More ]
April 2020
  • Covid-19 Rapid Response Programme. • [ Read More ]
  • Popularizing the Use of RTI Law through Street Theatre. • [ Read More ]
February 2020
  • “Ahankanali – Silenced Peace” • [ Read More ]
January 2020
  • Farewell Azam, You Will Never be Forgotten… • [ Read More ]
December 2019
  • Assisting Flood Affected Communities in Killinochchi. • [ Read More ]
November 2019
  • Programme team meets with Matara branch youth group • [ Read More ]
October 2019
  • TSA Team Receiving “Citizenship Appreciation Felicitation Award” • [ Read More ]
  • The Draped Mirror… • [ Read More ]
  • Muttrupulliyaa…? Teaser (Tamil) • [ Read More ]
  • Muttrupulliyaa…? • [ Read More ]
  • Preview, Muttrupulliyaa…? • [ Read More ]
  • ‘Aayudha Pooja’ at TSA Office • [ Read More ]
  • Illusive Justice… • [ Read More ]
  • RIGHT TO INFORMATION IN SRI LANKA – THE DAWN OF A FISH BOWL REGIME? • [ Read More ]
September 2019
  • Shramadana in Vattapalai and Nanthikadal • [ Read More ]
  • Orientation Program – Neeravipity and Ponnagar • [ Read More ]
  • Shramadana in Velanai, Northern Province • [ Read More ]
August 2019
  • ”Muttupulliyaa…?” soundtracks launched at the Annual Poovarasi Award Event • [ Read More ]
  • RTI workshop for Public Officials in Jaffna • [ Read More ]
  • Soundtracks of ”Muttrupulliya..?” released today • [ Read More ]
  • • [ Read More ]
  • Bringing the Debate Back Home • [ Read More ]
  • A Call for Accountability: Death of a Young Woman in Kilinochchi • [ Read More ]
  • Above the Law: Violations of Women’s Reproductive Rights in Northern Sri Lanka • [ Read More ]
  • Coercive Population Control in Kilinochchi • [ Read More ]
  • Spot Fixing Sri Lanka Style: Revisiting the Enumeration of Vital Events • [ Read More ]
  • The Numbers Never Lie: A Comprehensive Assessment of Sri Lanka’s LLRC Progress • [ Read More ]
  • The Numbers Never Lie: A Quick Look at Sri Lanka’s LLRC Progress • [ Read More ]
  • Giving reconciliation in Sri Lanka a better chance: A Shadow Action Plan for the LLRC • [ Read More ]
  • Troubled Waters: Corruption and Human Trafficking in Post-war Sri Lanka • [ Read More ]
  • Post-war Sri Lanka’s Thought Police: The Rehabilitation of Ex-Combatants and the Denigration of Tamil Identity: Part Two • [ Read More ]
  • Post-war Sri Lanka’s Thought Police: The Rehabilitation of Ex-Combatants and the Denigration of Tamil Identity • [ Read More ]
  • Interview with Sri Lanka’s The Social Architects • [ Read More ]
  • Reevaluating Sri Lanka’s LLRC Progress: Part One • [ Read More ]
  • Salt on Old Wounds: Post-War Sri Lanka • [ Read More ]
  • Broken Dreams: The Truth about Sri Lanka • [ Read More ]
  • Sri Lanka’s Next Steps: A LLRC Shadow Action Plan • [ Read More ]
  • The audio launch of TSA production “Scars of Tomorrow” on August 18, in India • [ Read More ]
  • Regional RTI Experts Meeting in Dhaka — in Bangladesh • [ Read More ]
  • “Testimonies of Silent Pain” – Second Edition • [ Read More ]
  • The Social Architects releases “RTI IN SRI LANKA – THE SACRED PAIN OF AUTHORITY? “ • [ Read More ]
  • SLIC withdraws court case; complies with RTI Commission ruling • [ Read More ]
  • Youth for a Shared Future with TSA at Uganthei • [ Read More ]
January 2019 May 2018
  • “RTI in Sri Lanka -The Sacred Pain of Authority?” Publication launch at BMICH on 31st May 2018. • [ Read More ]
April 2018
  • ” RTI in Sri Lanka – The Dawn of a Fish Bowl Regime?” Documentary launch in Hatton on 26th April 2018. • [ Read More ]

Photo courtesy Herald Sun Introduction Australia has recently been dealing with an upsurge of asylum seekers who have traveled by boat from elsewhere in Asia. The Jakarta Globe notes that, “While most…

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April 2018
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[Editors note: Read Part 1 of this series Post-war Sri Lanka’s Thought Police: The Rehabilitation of Ex-Combatants and the Denigration of Tamil Identity here] Introduction As mentioned by TSA,[1]the government has prepared a…

Original Post : Click Here

July 2024
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April 2024
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March 2021
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January 2021 September 2020
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July 2020
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December 2019
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August 2019
  • ”Muttupulliyaa…?” soundtracks launched at the Annual Poovarasi Award Event • [ Read More ]
  • RTI workshop for Public Officials in Jaffna • [ Read More ]
  • Soundtracks of ”Muttrupulliya..?” released today • [ Read More ]
  • • [ Read More ]
  • Bringing the Debate Back Home • [ Read More ]
  • A Call for Accountability: Death of a Young Woman in Kilinochchi • [ Read More ]
  • Above the Law: Violations of Women’s Reproductive Rights in Northern Sri Lanka • [ Read More ]
  • Coercive Population Control in Kilinochchi • [ Read More ]
  • Spot Fixing Sri Lanka Style: Revisiting the Enumeration of Vital Events • [ Read More ]
  • The Numbers Never Lie: A Comprehensive Assessment of Sri Lanka’s LLRC Progress • [ Read More ]
  • The Numbers Never Lie: A Quick Look at Sri Lanka’s LLRC Progress • [ Read More ]
  • Giving reconciliation in Sri Lanka a better chance: A Shadow Action Plan for the LLRC • [ Read More ]
  • Troubled Waters: Corruption and Human Trafficking in Post-war Sri Lanka • [ Read More ]
  • Post-war Sri Lanka’s Thought Police: The Rehabilitation of Ex-Combatants and the Denigration of Tamil Identity: Part Two • [ Read More ]
  • Post-war Sri Lanka’s Thought Police: The Rehabilitation of Ex-Combatants and the Denigration of Tamil Identity • [ Read More ]
  • Interview with Sri Lanka’s The Social Architects • [ Read More ]
  • Reevaluating Sri Lanka’s LLRC Progress: Part One • [ Read More ]
  • Salt on Old Wounds: Post-War Sri Lanka • [ Read More ]
  • Broken Dreams: The Truth about Sri Lanka • [ Read More ]
  • Sri Lanka’s Next Steps: A LLRC Shadow Action Plan • [ Read More ]
  • The audio launch of TSA production “Scars of Tomorrow” on August 18, in India • [ Read More ]
  • Regional RTI Experts Meeting in Dhaka — in Bangladesh • [ Read More ]
  • “Testimonies of Silent Pain” – Second Edition • [ Read More ]
  • The Social Architects releases “RTI IN SRI LANKA – THE SACRED PAIN OF AUTHORITY? “ • [ Read More ]
  • SLIC withdraws court case; complies with RTI Commission ruling • [ Read More ]
  • Youth for a Shared Future with TSA at Uganthei • [ Read More ]
January 2019 May 2018
  • “RTI in Sri Lanka -The Sacred Pain of Authority?” Publication launch at BMICH on 31st May 2018. • [ Read More ]
April 2018
  • ” RTI in Sri Lanka – The Dawn of a Fish Bowl Regime?” Documentary launch in Hatton on 26th April 2018. • [ Read More ]
Image courtesy The Hindu [Editors note]

The defeat of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in May of 2009 brought a new dimension to the ethnic conflict that has engulfed Sri Lanka since its independence in 1948. During the final phase of the war, thousands of LTTE combatants surrendered to the military and were held in high security holding places. They were investigated by various units of the security establishment of Sri Lanka. Subsequently, the Military Intelligence Unit, Criminal Investigation Unit and the Terrorist Investigation Unit moved them to various Protective Accommodation Rehabilitation Centres (PARCs) situated in Jaffna, Polonnaruwa and Vavuniya to be “rehabilitated.” Apparently, all ex-combatants are required to answer a number of questions, either orally or in writing, before being released. The Social Architects (TSA) has obtained a copy of this questionnaire. Its content is telling.Methodology

The government’s use of the questionnaire was inconsistent. In some places, military personnel interviewed ex-combatants, either individually or in groups. However, in Vavuniya ex-combatants were required to sit and write their answers individually. In Polonnaruwa, ex-combatants have reported that they were questioned individually. The most consistent aspect of this process was the fact that the same lengthy document (containing the same invasive, insensitive, poorly worded, grammatically incorrect and confusing questions) was used at each official PARC.The Process

Based on TSA interviews conducted in Batticaloa and the Vanni this month, all ex-combatants had to answer this questionnaire in some fashion. This was one of the last exercises that ex-combatants took part in before being released. Afterwards, they were released by the Ministry of Prison Reform and Rehabilitation. During that time, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) gave an identity card to each of the ex-combatants, denoting that those individuals had been rehabilitated.

Many ex-combatants thought that, by refusing to answer the questionnaire (or by providing answers which government officials deemed unsatisfactory), they might be held in PARCs indefinitely. Left in a precarious position, many ex-combatants decided to fill out the questionnaire; some figured it was their only way out. In addition, some ex-combatants feared that if they even provided a couple answers which government officials did not like, they would be subject to intensive monitoring, further arrests, intimidation, or worse upon their release.

Ex-combatants have been forced to answer questions which were not only difficult to understand, these were probing queries that would invariably upset men and women who were already in a very fragile state of mind.Content of the Questionnaire

The questionnaire starts with individual information about ex-combatants. To identify the detainees, the specific serial number which was assigned to each of them at their respective PARCs was used. (The ex-combatants are not asked to state their names). Ex-combatants are also asked for their age, the length of time that they have been detained, their marital status, the number of children they have, their most recent job before coming to the PARC, their educational background and their place of birth. In this section, there are eleven questions. Interestingly, the word “Protective Accommodation Rehabilitation Centre” is not used in the questionnaire. Rather, State actors have chosen to use the word “Institution” instead.

A total of 155 questions have been divided into various parts (from A to K) in this extensive document. The questions asked would be mentally excruciating for any Tamil to answer in post-war Sri Lanka, especially an ex-combatant. The document is loaded with indirect references to the government of Sri Lanka and the Sri Lankan State. Most questions are largely unrelated to mental health and/or rehabilitation. The fact that ex-combatants are being forced to respond to such queries under duress is immoral and hugely detrimental to the reconciliation process. For the respondents, it is a document that produces far more questions, uncertainties and apprehensions than it does useful answers.

For example, the eleventh question in Part A asks ex-combatants to assess the following statement: “Those who elect Tamil Members of Parliament are LTTE supporters.”

The nature of this question should entangle respondents in a state of mental confusion and uncertainty. Aside from its accusatory and simplistic nature, the question itself is difficult to answer considering the diverse group of Tamil parliamentarians holding office today. Certainly, Mr. R. Sampanthan, the leader of the Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kadchi (ITAK, aka the Federal Party) and another elected official like the Jaffna district parliamentarian, holding the ministerial portfolio of Traditional Industries and Small Enterprise Development, Douglas Devananda do not espouse identical ideas and tenets. The Tamil National Alliance (TNA) and the Eelam People’s Democratic Party (EPDP) are not ideological equals either; no two parties are. Based on the abovementioned statement, the government’s logical deduction is that any Tamil parliamentarian is a supporter of the LTTE.

That said, since the war ended, no Tamil parliamentarian has included “support for the LTTE” as an electoral campaign strategy. Nor are public statements made in support of the LTTE; the question itself is misleading and conflates ethnicity with extremism. Most importantly, the question is inherently unfair and a distortion of reality. How would a single ex-combatant be able to surmise what the intention of all those who vote for Tamil parliamentarians actually are? Must differentiated responses, disagreement (of any kind) and tolerance for the views of others continue to be anathema to Sri Lankan State officials?

Questions which are embedded with such sweeping generalizations serve no purpose, other than to frighten, confuse, intimidate, psychologically torment or brainwash the respondent. Furthermore, the thirty-third question of Part A asks the following: “those who don’t exhibit strength are slaves.” What could possibly be the “right” answer to a question of this nature? What is the purpose of such a question? Again, many convoluted questions of a similar nature appear in this disturbing government document.Analysis

Seemingly, if a former LTTE member has even a strand of ideology, even a glimmer of independent or assertive thinking; he/she runs the risk of protracted detainment. Clearly, this lengthy questionnaire has been prepared to probe the psyches of ex-LTTE cadres, to upset these men and women, and to subsequently denigrate Tamil identity. Again, the document is not only offensive, but is rife with grammatical errors and inordinately complex questions that are either unclear or misleading.

These questions are so intrusive that they would undoubtedly affect an ex-combatant’s state of mind. The government appears to be testing people’s ideological aspirations. This entire process is worrisome and begs numerous questions such as the following: “Was the release of ex-combatants contingent upon the way that those individuals completed this questionnaire?” Another additional question might be: “Does military surveillance of “rehabilitated” ex-combatants vary depending on how each individual responded to this questionnaire?” And, distressingly, the government’s sloppily written, incoherent and largely irrelevant questionnaire demonstrates its apathetic attitude towards its own language policy.Conclusion

The government of Sri Lanka claims that its rehabilitation program for ex-combatants is more than sufficient and that those who have been rehabilitated are now free to live normal lives. Unfortunately, those assertions are, at best, dubious. It is not even clear that the psychosocial counseling provided by the government is adequate. Evidently, the government views any sort of rights-based philosophy as incompatible with the rehabilitation process. Besides, ex-combatants continue to be harassed, threatened and intimidated even after they have been released, making an already tenuous situation even worse.

The production and use of such a questionnaire shows that something more sinister lies behind the government’s rehabilitation program, its policy as it relates to ex-combatants and, more generally, its disappointing approach towards national reconciliation. Further analysis about this questionnaire[1] and the implications of this process will continue in the coming weeks.

First published on Groundviews website on 06/16/2012

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November 2019
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  • Preview, Muttrupulliyaa…? • [ Read More ]
  • ‘Aayudha Pooja’ at TSA Office • [ Read More ]
  • Illusive Justice… • [ Read More ]
  • RIGHT TO INFORMATION IN SRI LANKA – THE DAWN OF A FISH BOWL REGIME? • [ Read More ]
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  • Orientation Program – Neeravipity and Ponnagar • [ Read More ]
  • Shramadana in Velanai, Northern Province • [ Read More ]
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  • Post-war Sri Lanka’s Thought Police: The Rehabilitation of Ex-Combatants and the Denigration of Tamil Identity • [ Read More ]
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  • Reevaluating Sri Lanka’s LLRC Progress: Part One • [ Read More ]
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  • Sri Lanka’s Next Steps: A LLRC Shadow Action Plan • [ Read More ]
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  • Regional RTI Experts Meeting in Dhaka — in Bangladesh • [ Read More ]
  • “Testimonies of Silent Pain” – Second Edition • [ Read More ]
  • The Social Architects releases “RTI IN SRI LANKA – THE SACRED PAIN OF AUTHORITY? “ • [ Read More ]
  • SLIC withdraws court case; complies with RTI Commission ruling • [ Read More ]
  • Youth for a Shared Future with TSA at Uganthei • [ Read More ]
January 2019 May 2018
  • “RTI in Sri Lanka -The Sacred Pain of Authority?” Publication launch at BMICH on 31st May 2018. • [ Read More ]
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  • ” RTI in Sri Lanka – The Dawn of a Fish Bowl Regime?” Documentary launch in Hatton on 26th April 2018. • [ Read More ]

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