Revisiting Ten Emblematic Cases in Sri Lanka: Why Justice Remains Elusive Centre for Policy Alternatives January 2021 The Centre for Policy Alternatives (CPA) is an independent, non-partisan organisation that focuses primarily on issues of governance and conflict resolution. Formed in 1996 in the firm belief that the vital contribution of civil society to the public policy debate is in need of strengthening, CPA is committed to programmes of research and advocacy through which public policy is critiqued, alternatives identified and disseminated. No. 6/5, Layards Road, Colombo 5, Sri Lanka Tel: +9411 2081384, +94112081385, +94112081386 Fax: +9411 2081388 Email:
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[email protected] Facebook: www.facebook.com/cpasl Twitter: @cpasl 1 Acknowledgments This report was researched and written by Bhavani Fonseka, Charya Samarakoon and Kushmila Ranasinghe. Comments on earlier drafts were provided by Dr Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu. The report was formatted by Ayudhya Gajanayake. CPA is grateful to all the individuals who supported the research by sharing information and insights. 2 Contents 1. Background 4 2. Brief Overview of Emblamatic Cases in Sri Lanka 8 3. Recommendations for Reform 12 Structural reform 11 Legislative reforms 18 4. Conclusion 24 Annexure I - Timeline and details of the ten emblematic cases 25 3 1. Background The cases discussed in this report are emblematic of the failings and inadequacies of the criminal justice system of Sri Lanka. They clearly demonstrate the multiple setbacks and barriers to justice and accountability. In the majority of these cases, victims and their families have been waiting for justice for over a decade, with slow progress at the investigative and prosecutorial stages.