Chairperson
Dr. Radhika Coomarasawamy
Members
Dr. Deepika Udugama
Mrs.C.C.Senanayake
Mr.N.Selvakkumaran
Dr.M.A.Zalnudeen
Chairperson
Dr. Radhika Coomarasawamy
Members
Dr. Deepika Udugama
Mrs.C.C.Senanayake
Mr.N.Selvakkumaran
Dr.M.A.Zalnudeen
May 26th 2004
Mr. Basil Fernando,
Executive Director,
Asian Human Rights Commission,
l 9 Floor.
(Go-up Commercial Building,
998 Canton Road
Kowloon, Hong Kong
Dear Mr. Fernando
Thank you for your letter of 17th May and your statement of 12th May 2004.
With regards of Chimala Bandara case, we decided at the last Board Meeting to write a letter to Attorney-General recommending prosecution of the relevant officers.
Dr. Irwin Jayasuriya is yet to find his report with regard to the disciplinary inquiry into the aria co-ordinator Kandy. We await his report. HRC in the past has not looked at the
Rehabilitation needs of the victim; perhaps it is something we should consider for the future.
As for your informative memorandum on our torture policy, we have taken note of its content. May I hasten to add that " Zero-Tolerance" (drawn from NGO activism against domestic violence) implies that we will not tolerate any excuse for not implementing the Torture Act or criminal law. Contrary to being "Soft", it is the hardest approach we know, implying a relentless campaign.
The HRC is very aware that major changes have to take place with regard to procedures and practices relating to torture investigation by the HRC. We do not expect total success overnight. However let me assure you that "torture prevention and monitoring" is the number one priority if this Commission and we will do our best to make sure that our action make a difference.
Thank you,
Yours sincerely
Radhika Coomarasawamy
Chairperson
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION OF SRI LANKA
CC Mr Chitral Perera - Janasansadaya
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