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	Platform for Freedom (PfF)Condemns the Threats Against One of Its Convenors Dr. Saravanamuttu

2009-08-21 | 8.35 PM

Platform for Freedom, an initiative of civil society organizations comprising of representatives from trade unions, media groups and political parties is appalled at the most recent attempt to intimidate one of its convenors Dr. Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu, Director of CPA and condemn this cowardly act of intimidation to silence the ‘voice of civil society’.

Dr. Saravanamuttu has been in the forefront of civil society activism to uphold human rights, the rule of law and democracy. In particular his organisation has continued to challenge the culture of impunity, threats to rule of law and violation of fundamental rights by filing fundamental rights cases in the Supreme Court. Some of these cases have given us landmark judgements.

He resolutely worked for victims of human rights violations and had the courage to fight against emerging authoritarianism, amidst threats. He has shown exemplary courage to take up a stand. He is one of the few public figures who courageously got involved in spearheading the Platform for Freedom and fearlessly stood up to build a strong coalition of all democratic forces including political parties to protect democratic rights and to bring about democratic political reforms. ‘He is an effective and a well respected dissenting voice.’ said Mr. J.C.Weliamuna, Attorney-at-Law and a Convenor of the Platform for Freedom.

He was a speaker at the recent public meeting organized by the Platform for Freedom in Kurunegala on 18th August which the pro government elements tried to sabotage. He even spoke at the press briefing held soon after the meeting to condemn this dastardly act of cowardice by unruly hooligans.

Furthermore Dr Saravanamuttu, and the organizations he heads, the Centre for Policy Alternatives, have played a very critical role in promoting a peaceful resolution to the ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka as well as in lobbying and advocacy for the respect of human rights and democratic principles in our country both nationally and internationally.

This is not the first time that the safety of Dr. Saravanamuttu and the Centre for Policy Alternatives (CPA) has been threatened and if the present culture of impunity fostered by the inaction of the present regime continues it will not be the last. This is the same culture of impunity and lawlessness that led to the deaths of journalists such as Lasantha Wickramatunge and assaults on journalists such as Poddala Jayantha. This is the same culture of impunity and lawlessness which has resulted in gross human rights violations in Sri Lanka .

Platform for Freedom extends its solidarity and support to Dr. Saravanamuttu and to the Centre for Policy Alternatives at this time, and call on the authorities to ensure that all necessary steps are taken to guarantee the safety and security of Dr. Saravanamuttu, his family and the staff of CPA.




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