We, women directly impacted by war and working on issues of truth and justice, believe that the dawn of the new year in Sri Lanka provides an opening to address several urgent issues. The Presidential Election on 8 January 2015 presents an opportunity to the people of Sri Lanka to decide its future, with the two main contenders being President Mahinda Rajapaksa and Maithripala Sirisena. Since the announcement of elections and campaigning in late 2014, we have observed the promises and pledges by all candidates and hoped there would be recognition of the issues faced by women affected by the war and post war conditions in Sri Lanka. We write this appeal as women who face daily challenges in Sri Lanka and as women from across the globe who have faced similar situations in the search for truth, justice and accountability.
More than five years after the end of the war, women across Sri Lanka face numerous challenges in rebuilding their lives. Throughout the war, women all over Sri Lanka called for answers to the whereabouts of their missing loved ones and justice for the wrongs that occurred. This continues in the post war context. The most recent Presidential Commission appointed by President Rajapaksa commenced in 2013 as an investigation into the overwhelming numbers of enforced or involuntary disappearances, but was converted into one looking at a broad range of violations of human rights and international humanitarian law, a move that raised questions as to whether the present government is genuinely interested in revealing the fate of the tens of thousands missing. Although around 20,000 complaints were received, the Commission so far has moved at a snail’s pace. Serious issues have been raised regards its independence. Observations of its public proceedings also beg the question whether the commission is in actual fact interested and able to meet its mandate and whether this commission like the successive commissions before it is yet another tactic by the State to delay and subvert the call for truth and justice.
Many women who search for their loved ones, for the basic right to know the truth, face threats, abuse and assault. Jeyakumari Balendran, whose son surrendered to the security forces, has been detained since 13 March 2014 without being produced in court or formally charged. Vibooshika, her 13 year old daughter, is separated from her and placed in the care of the State with limited visitation rights. The injustice Ms. Balendran has faced is not an isolated incident but indicative of the situation faced by many such families.
Regardless of all these odds, thousands of women have gone before national commissions, committees and courts and appealed to international actors, including the United Nations Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances (UNWGEID) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, to call for answers.
The forthcoming election is the second Presidential election after the war. Since then, the North and East of Sri Lanka has undergone heightened militarisation. Around 89,000 women headed households in the former war areas struggle to address livelihood needs, look after their remaining family and in many cases also look for their missing loved ones. Despite numerous promises, no independent investigation into serious human rights violations has resulted in a successful prosecution and conviction of alleged perpetrators, a sign of the culture of impunity pervasive in post war Sri Lanka.
We, the undersigned women both from Sri Lanka and outside take this moment to call on the candidates to publicly acknowledge the situation faced by a significant number of women across Sri Lanka. A public recognition of the situation of the thousands unaccounted for is vital if we as a country are to move forward. We also list several demands that must be addressed if peace and reconciliation are to be viable in Sri Lanka.
Demands:
- Those being held under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) without charge should be released immediately or charged based on sound and credible evidence. Trials, including on-going trials, of those charged under the PTA should be expedited.
- Immediately publish a list of those who are detained, the reasons for their detention and the places where they are detained. This list should be shared with their family and legal counsel.
- Ensure unhindered access of family and legal counsel to all who are detained.
- Ensure persons are held only at gazetted detention centres and close all unofficial detention centres.
- Ensure constitutional safeguards and due process rights are protected in the conduct of arrests and detentions.
- Take immediate steps to end torture, sexual violence and other inhumane treatment of those in custody and the investigation and prosecution of those responsible.
- An immediate investigation, arrest and prosecution of State and non State actors who are alleged to have committed enforced or involuntary disappearances, and other grave human rights violations.
- Introduce an effective witness and victim protection mechanism and action against anyone who threatens, coerces and harasses individuals who continue to search for their missing loved ones.
- Repeal the PTA and other laws that provide for broad powers to arrest and detain with limited recourse to due process.
- Introduce reform in the investigative processes including amending the Commissions of Inquiry Act and ensure future restorative and retributive processes are transparent, just and efficient.
- Immediate steps to demilitarise the country, particularly the North and East and return all lands occupied by the security forces, police and others to their rightful owners and to provide compensation.
- Conduct independent investigations and allocate resources for identified mass graves and provide for technical and forensic expertise required for next steps.
- Provide for an inclusive process at memorialisation which is not limited to triumphalist war monuments but involves and captures the views of families who have lost loved ones from across Sri Lanka.
- Address the issue of intimidation and surveillance of war affected communities including former combatants and families of the disappeared.
- Respect freedom of association and expression and facilitate a space for civil society, women’s groups and community groups to be able to function freely without undue control and pressure from the State. This should include space for families and affected communities to mourn their dead.
- Facilitate pending visits by special procedures including the UNWGEID Signatures;
Individuals
1. A. Loorthunayaki- Paruthithurai
2. A. Mery Sakunthala- Valaippadu
3. Abha Bhaiya, Jagori Rural- India
4. Annette Lawson, the National Alliance of Women’s Organisations, United Kingdom
5. Chanchana Chakma, women rights activist- Bangladesh
6. Chandra Tripura, cultural and women rights activists- Bangladesh
7. D. Selvarani- Vidathalteevu
8. E. Vashanthathevi- Vaddakkachchi
9. G. Keetha- Kanakarayankulam
10. Galuh Wandita- Asia Justice and Rights
11. Genevieve Sukhdeo, Fiji Women’s Rights Movement
12. I. Kamalampikai- Jaffna
13. I. Lokanayaki- Puththoor
14. I. Thavamani- Aankankulam
15. I. Theivanayaki- Nochchikulam
16. I. Uthaya Bamini- Vaddakkachchi
17. I. Uthyakumari- Puthukudiyiupu
18. I. Uthyakumari- Puthukudiyiupu
19. J. Jenitha- Maharampaikulam
20. J. Kanakaranjinai- Thondamannagar 21. J. Kavitha- Pallimunai
22. J. Pathmavathi- Eluthoor
23. J.K. Nakamma- Jaffna
24. Jasmine Kaur, Oceania Pride- Fiji
25. Jensila Majeed- Mullaitivu
26. Jeyantha G. Selvarasa – Mannar
27. Jeyatheepa P. Morthy – Batticaloa
28. Juwairiya Mohindeen – Puttalam
29. K. Anila Lempet – Vankalai
30. K. Kanakalinkam- Thondamannagar 31. K. Muththuraman- Adampan
32. K. Navareththinam- Vatpalai
33. K. Palaninathan poompukar- kalmadu 34. K. Ponnamma- Kilinochchi
35. K. Pruntha- Visvamadu
36. K. Shantha- Vishvamadhu
- K. Shanthirathevi- Kilinochchi
- K. Vashanthakumari- Jaffna
- K. Vashanthamalar- Kanthapuram
- K.Pushpa- Killinochchi
- K. Rajaledsumi – Batticaloa
- Kabita Chakma Member, International Council for the Indigenous Peoples of the CHT (ICIP-CHT) and Human Rights Coordinator, CHT Indigenous Jumma Association Australia (CHTIJAA).
- Kamala Vasuki – Batticaloa
- Kanahalingam Vickneshwari- Killinochchi
- Kanapathipillai Manonmani- Killinochchi
- Kanthasamy Ponnamma- Killinochchi
- Kanthasamy Thevi- Killinochchi
- Krishnapriya – Trincomalee
- Kunarettinam- Kilinochchi
- Kurushanthan Mahaluxmy – Mannar
- L. Kalista- Tevanpitty
- M. Ariyamalar- Puthukudiyiupu
- M. Ariyamalar- Puthukudiyiupu
- M. Dominikamma- Nanattan
- M. Kajenthini- Alavetti
- M. Kalaiselvi Kaiveli- Puthukudiyiruppu
- M. Kalavathi Kaiveli- Puthukudiyiruppu
- M. Mariyanayagam- Paruthithurai
- M. Muniyamma- Prappankandal
- M. Sharasvathi- Kodikamam
- M. Sumanathevi- Jaffna
- M. Uthayakumar- Kanakarayankulam
- M. Uthyashanthira- Pallimunai
- Mabel Bianco, Funadacion para Estudio e Investigacion de la Mujer- FEIM- Argentina
- Makeshvari- Vattakachchi
- Massan d’Almeida, Réseau des Organisations Féminines d’Afrique Francophone (ROFAF)- Togo
- Najwa Bourawi, Association pour la Protection de l’Environnement et le Développement Durable de Bizerte (APEDDUB)- Tunisia
- N. Annalatsumi – Sivanagar
- N. Lalithatheevi – Pokkanai
- Najia Munira Akhunzada -Afghanistan (South Asian Feminist Alliance)
- Nishanthini G. Starlin – Mannar
- Nurgul Djanaeva, Forum of women’s NGOs- Kyrgyzstan
- Olenka Ochoa Berreteaga – Council Member, ALC Latin American & Caribbean Federation of Women & Municipalities, PERU
- P. Arulamma- Kumulamunai
- P. Eesvari
- P. Jejakumari- Kilinochchi
- P. Karunavathu Uthayanagar- Vaddakkachchi
- P. Lathakumari Uthayanagar- Vaddakkachchi
- P. Paleshvari- Mullikulam
- P.Anitha- Poovarankulam
- Paneechelvam Pushparani- Killinochchi
- Priti Darooka – Executive Director, Program for Women’s Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, India
- Prof. Sitralega Maunaguru
- Prof. Sumathy Sivamohan
- Puspampal- Kumulamunai
86. R. Ajitha- Maharampaikulam
87. R. Inthiratheevi- Periyapandivirichan
88. R. Keetha- Varikudijirupoor
89. R. Mariyanayaki- Vettilaikeni
90. R. Nagarani- Iranaippalai
91. R. Nagarani- Iranaippalai
92. R. Sharoyathevi poompukar- Kalmadu
93. R. Shayarani- Tevanpitty
94. R. Subalatsumi- Eluthoor
95. R. Thulachimalar- Kaarainagar
96. R. Vashanthi- Poovarankulam
97. R. Subramaniam – Director, Thamizh Women Development Association, Northern Province
98. Rahnuma ahmed, Bangladeshi from the Kalpana Chakma’s Unresolved Abduction campaign
99. Rajany Chandrasegaram – Jaffna
- Rehana Wagh Mauj Development Foundation – Pakistan
- Renu Alehendiram – Trincomalee
- Reesarasamalar- Arippu
- Sandya Ekneligoda
- Sanjida Islam- Victim family on enforced dispaprarance – Bangladesh
- S. Sri Tharuni – Batticaloa
- S. Thayarani – Trincomalee
- S. Annalatsumi- Aananthapuram
- S. Jokamma- Kannati
- S. Kamalampikai- Nedunkeni
- S. Kanakampikai- Jaffna
- S. Nagarani- Jaffna
- S. Nakuleshvari- Puththoor
- S. Ranjitham- Vankalai
- S. Sepamani- Prappankandal
- S. Shakunthalatheevi- Siruthoppu
- S. Shanthakumari- Semmalai
- S. Sivanithi- Alvaai
- S. Sivapakkiyam- Semmalai
- S. Vashantha- Nedunkeni
- S. Vasuki- Kilinochchi
- Sascha Gabizon, Women in Europe for a Common Future- Netherlands
- Sebathian Mariya Jasintha- Kiliinochchi
- Shanmuganathan Maya Shanthi- Killinochchi
- Sugathini Theivendram – Killinochchi
- T. Shanthakumari- Kanthapuram
- T. Alvinamma- Thullukudiyiruppu
- T. Annalatsumi- Kilinochchi
- T. Easvari- Kilinochchi
- T. Irajalatsumi- Tharmapuram
- T. Jeyaseeli- Adampan
- T. Kalavathi- Varikudijirupoor
- T. Kamalanayaki- Jaffna
- T. Nanthakumari- Nochchikulam
- T. Parvathi- Alvaai
- T. Perinparani- Mirusuvil
- T. Thavamanitheevi- Kokkuvil
137. T. Thavamanitheevi- Kokkuvil
138. T. Thilakavathi- Nochchikulam
139. T. Vashanthamalar- Semmalai
140. Theresamma- Iranaippalai
141. Thirunwakkarasu Mangeleshwari- Killinochchi
142. U. Dorin Iankani- Vanaklai
143. U. Kirushnapiriya- Kaiveli, Puthukudiyiruppu
144. V. Nanthini- Kanakampikaikulam
145. V. Siyamala- Veppankulam
146. Vanie Simon – Ampara
147. Vanitha Mahendran- Vavuniya
148. Yogarasa Kanaha Ranjani- Killinochchi
Organizations
- Association of Families Searching for their Disappeared Relatives – Vanni
- AWID, Association for Women’s Rights in Development
- Center for Peace Education, Philippines
- Citizens for a Secure Sri Lanka
- Diverse Voices and Action for Equality, Fiji
- Khulumani Support Group- South Africa (Khulumani)
- Land Access Movement of South Africa (LAMOSA)
- Mannar Women’s Development Federation
- Mujeres Sin Fronteras- Chile & Argentina
- WE Act 1325, Philippines
- Women’s Alliance for Peace and Democracy
- Women’s Action Network (WAN)
- Women’s Coalition for Disaster Management – Batticaloa
- Women’s Action for Independent Development (WOMENAID) – East
Ben Hurling / January 6, 2015
New cross-party GOSL which will be formed on 9th of January 2015 should not waste a single minute, but look into these grievances. At once.
This cannot be postponed anymore. Waiting must end. On 9th of January itself.
It is time to end this suffering.
It is also time to make sure this kind of uncivilized brutality will never return to our country. Ever again.
End of story.
PS: We, the people who will be sending lawless, corrupt Rajapassa regime home on 8th of January must hold the newbies in town accountable. Already from 9th of January 2015.
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Kala / January 6, 2015
Amen
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J.muthu / January 6, 2015
Oh dear, do u believe Sinhala Buddhist ready…..hahahahha….mahavamsa mind never going to change…
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Ben Hurling / January 6, 2015
Hahahahha..J.muthu,
Have you handed in your nomination papers to contest the Presidential election? Hope you will not let us down this time too.
Cheers!
PS: BTW, what’s your symbol? I will be looking for it on Thursday at the polling booth. I will always be right behind you.
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Native Vedda / January 7, 2015
Ben Hurling
” I will always be right behind you.”
If you ever consider contesting an election let me know I will be right behind you, of course unarmed. You can count on J mutu’s support after all he is your blood brother.
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jansee / January 6, 2015
While I don’t have much expectation on the new administration, in the event of the opposition candidate getting elected, let us hope that Sirisena will be a shade better than MR.
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Senthil / January 6, 2015
Hope for the best, but at least the rule of law will be re-established. Regarding the Army in north, Gotha is keeping Army in North to suppress south singhalese. So in Mithiri government there is no need for that. The money wasted to feed them could be utilised for development or to subsidise farmers or to improve wages or to pay back MR loans.
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Paul / January 6, 2015
Sorry Ladies, nothing will come of your efforts, whoever is elected. They are all Sri Lankan politicians. Do you really expect a leopard to change its spots?
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Dev / January 6, 2015
Could not have said it better. I am sorry, it will be the same ol same ol !
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justice / January 6, 2015
Will Maithripala Sirisena agree to abolish the obnoxious Terrorism Prevention Act if he wins, is the question.
If all those arrested and incarcerated are released, they will testify to the brutality they were subjected to, by army and police before and after arrest.
This will add to evidence already being recorded by the UNHRC probe team.
PTA has been used to incarcerate those who could expose human rights violations, by the Rajapakse Regime.
So far, there have not been many calls by human rights groups to abolish the PTA.
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Sellam / January 6, 2015
I do not know how the CT got this 162 women signatories but it is something which is appreciated. There are thousands many more who wishes those demands and to sign up. All the demands mentioned are important immediate steps to be taken. There is also an International Investigation awaiting submissions in March this year. Those demands laid down by the women too comes under the purview of the criminal Investigations of war crimes and crimes against humanity . We will have to wait and see what happens in the next few days.
Yet, My wish to the Tamil leaders all over is that each and everyone should voice as one with one demand without piecemeal. I still have my serious doubts with the opposition candidate’s ability to solve all the demands of the Tamils because of his alliance with hard liners for one thing and the Tamils do not know who he is, an unknown Angel.
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Paul / January 7, 2015
Presidential candidates do not keep the promises they make. In the case of the problems of the Tamils, My3 did not even make any promises. So don’t be surprised that these problems are at the bottom of his in-tray. In fact they are probably not even in his in-tray.
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Dom / January 7, 2015
I don’t know if Maithripala will agree on the solution to the war-affected zones that lost loved ones, But the priority is that Tamils will receive the democracy rights and the co-existence (and recognition) within the undivided Sri Lanka.
Having the democracy for Tamils, this means the Tamils will able to take the advantage in combatting the hardship and the rise of cost of living.
I believe within the united Sri Lanka all ethics will able to live peacefully under new Government which is to be established by the main opposition and then form a national government.
Protesting against the opposition candidate is no use, But be patience till the opposition candidate wins!
God Bless our motherland!
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Moderate_Tamil / January 7, 2015
Dom this is what we have been told for 60+ years. We are still waiting… Not all Tamils want a divided country you know. Though I don’t live in Srilanka now I love the country to bits and I still have precious memories in Jaffna when we were forced to abandon our homes seeking a better life abroad. I have kindly asked my parents who are in Colombo to consider voting for My3 but I know he is sleeping with people like Champika so I have 0 hopes. When RW tried to give some sort of solutions people like Champika made sure it didn’t happen. I saw Anura kumara speaking in rallies recently supporting Tamils and their rights but back in the day he made sure to rally against Tamils. Every sinhalese party used Tamils as bait meat for their gains and votes. Lets not forget this same attitude paved the way for LTTE and death and destruction on unimaginable levels. You now see why we can’t live peacefully and happily ever after? Treat us Tamils as equal, Give us our basic rights, OK you got your forces for security and now LTTE is gone keep them in barracks. Reduce the troops in North. Form the police service again, recruit Tamils to be in the forces and police, Stop name calling us as DEMALA and Muslims as THAMBIYA. Give us equal educational opportunities, Respect our cultures and customs. Make us feel like real srilankans and proud about our country. You can’t keep oppressing us and force down the lion flag down our throat. You know the more your force the more people resist. Happened all over the world. Don’t insult all the diaspora Tamils. Not all of us are hardcore tigers. Most of the diasporas have had lost a lot of things due to government keep cheating us for over 60 years. Most of them have lost loved once in the war. You guys keep saying we are racist so how about you? What have you majority (people decide who gets power) done to us to make us feel at home? 0 to NOTHING.
Though I have 0 to very little hope I’m counting on Hon Chandrika Kumaratunga and Ranil Wickramasinge to make some real changes and make us feel like we belong to this united country. If they do the right things I’m sure us diasporas can forget about everything happened and help develop this country not just for tamils but for sinhalese, muslims and all other races. God bless mother lanka.
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crazyoldmansl / January 7, 2015
Mostly Tamils. Sinhalese and Muslim women are fine?
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