Achala Seneviratne, a lawyer known for representing victims of enforced disappearances and other human rights abuses, has filed a personal complaint with the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), accusing the Army of turning her into a terrorist. Speaking to the media after submitting her complaint, Seneviratne emphasized that while her complaint was personal, its implications would reveal broader injustices and the harm caused to the people of the country during the investigation.
In her statement, Seneviratne explained that the Army was the primary respondent in her complaint, citing her longstanding efforts to represent victims of various crimes committed by corrupt individuals within the armed forces. She clarified that her legal work was focused on exposing the wrongdoing of these individuals and not on targeting the Army, Navy, or Air Force as institutions.
Seneviratne has been advocating for victims of enforced disappearances and other abuses since 2007, a period when she endured significant persecution, including threats and intimidation. She highlighted the prevalence of “white van” abductions during that time, which were often linked to powerful individuals within the military. Despite filing numerous complaints and seeking justice, she claimed that her appeals were ignored.
The complaint filed with the CID names several high-ranking military figures, including General Shavendra Silva, two former army commanders, and other senior officers. Seneviratne further revealed that military intelligence units had compiled reports branding her as a terrorist, a designation she argues was part of an effort to discredit and silence her. She stated that these reports had been kept secret, contributing to the ongoing persecution she faced.
This development adds to the ongoing concerns about human rights abuses and the role of the military in silencing critics in Sri Lanka.
