Sri Lanka: 3rd and 4th Periodic Report on the Implementation of the Convention Against Torture

Executive Summary:
These submissions are made by Lawyers’ Rights Watch Canada in aid of the Committee against Torture’s (CAT) examination of the combined 3rd and 4th Periodic Report of Sri Lanka outlining its implementation of the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (Convention Against Torture). LRWC’s submissions outline the problems faced by Sri Lanka in implementing the Convention Against Torture. The definition of ‘torture’ in Sri Lanka’s domestic legislation remains inadequate as per the CAT’s recommendations. The absence of an effective investigation mechanism and the lack of prosecutions under Sri Lanka’s Convention against Torture Act are just two of the inadequacies that Sri Lanka must overcome.
LRWC respectfully submits that the Government of Sri Lanka has yet to demonstrate that it is ready, willing or capable of implementing all aspects of the Convention against Torture into its domestic law in accordance with the international obligations imposed by the Convention against Torture…. full report