Sri Lankan human rights defender arrested

Chintaka Rajapakse has long been a voice for economically and politically vulnerable groups in Sri Lanka, such as farmers and tea plantation workers, and is the moderator of the Movement for Land and Agricultural Reform (MONLAR), an organization focused on land rights and the protection of natural resources.

Chintaka Rajapakse advocates for just and fair food systems in Sri Lanka, and especially the rights of small-scale farmers

“Chintaka Rajapakse advocates for just and fair food systems in Sri Lanka, and especially the rights of small-scale farmers. He’s in forefront of people’s demonstrations, which demand a country which respect fundamental rights of its citizens”, says Mayooran Thevasigamany, We Effect’s country director in Sri Lanka.

The economic crisis in Sri Lanka, which has led to fuel shortages, food shortages and brought the health system to the verge of collapse, has sparked protests against the government, demanding the resignation of the president and prime minister. The situation also worsened by rising food prices because of the war in Ukraine, value chain disruptions and the Covid pandemic. The World Bank now ranks Sri Lanka as one of the countries in the world with the highest food price inflation.

People in Sri Lanka have experienced an economic crisis which has resulted in people suffering from the worst food insecurity in recent history

It was on August 18 that Chinthaka took part in a peaceful protest organized by the Inter University Student Federation when police used tear gas and water cannons to disrupt the demonstration. Several students were reportedly assaulted, and 20 protesters were arrested. One of them Chinthaka.

People who defend human rights and the environment are a vulnerable group. In 2020, 331 human rights defenders were murdered around the world.

“People in Sri Lanka have experienced an economic crisis which has resulted in people suffering from the worst food insecurity in recent history. The impact of this will be long and felt by generations”, says Thevasigamany.

We Effect calls on the Sri Lankan authorities to immediately release Chintaka Rajapakse and the other protesters.