(COLOMBO) – The United States on Thursday joined a chorus of others in raising alleged human rights concerns during the ongoing anti-crime operation known as ‘Yukthiya’ or Justice throughout Sri Lanka by the Sri Lanka Police and the Ministry of Public Security.
Local media reports quoted US Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Julie J. Chung, as highlighting the importance of combating drug trafficking while stressing that law enforcement operations must adhere to the principles of the rule of law and due process.
“Striking this balance is vital for justice and maintaining public trust,” she was quoted as saying.
Earlier, the Human Rights Council for Si Lanka (HRCSL) expressed deep unease and initiated an immediate inquiry into reports of cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment during searches associated with the ‘Yukthiya’ Operation.
The Bar Association of Sri Lanka has also expressed serious concerns about the operation, emphasizing the contradiction between reports of widespread injustice and the operation’s title, ‘Yukthiya’.
The operation is headed by Deshabandu Tennakoon, a controversial policeman who has been convicted by a court for the alleged torture of an inmate.
He is currently the Acting Police Chief of the island-nation.
However, since then no legal action has been taken against him.
The operation that started shortly before Christmas last year is cheered on by Tennakoon’s boss, Ministry of Public Security Tiran Alles and as of to date more than 31,000 persons have been arrested and are being held in inhuman conditions at temporary holding centres since the country’s 30 jails are bursting at its seams.
Alles himself was jailed some 15 years ago for the alleged misappropriation of public funds.
He has since been acquitted of all charges.
