Thyagi Ruwanpathirana
@ThyagiR
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South Asia Researcher at @amnesty , taking injustice personally. Former @ICJ_org , @ctfsl , @CPASL . @intleaders . @DW_GMF Fellow. Usual caveats. Views personal.
Sri Lanka
Joined October 2011
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It’s amazing sometimes what a little determination can achieve.
#everydaysexism
#systemicsexism
#notosexism
#lka70
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People are understandably impatient about the resignation letter. This is a bit of an explainer on why it’s taking so long.
Gotabaya knows he needs head of state treatment and immunity to get to wherever he’s going. Losing this means he’s an ordinary criminal on the run.
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Government MP Johnston Fernando inciting violence. Calling to “get ready to start a war”.
AG’s Dept. and Police, let me make this easy for you. That’s S. 3 of ICCPR.
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5.45am near the IOC Horton place fuel shed. If this Colombo 7, I’ll leave you to imagine the state of the rest of the country.
Yes, imagine, because we’re effectively in self-imposed lockdown these days, unable to get around much to bear witness ourselves.
Pics:
@artanoma
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It’s not because I have no sense of humor that I find stickers like this so offensive. This is how violence against women is normalized and promoted for cheap thrills.
#everydaysexism
#lka
@EverydaySexism
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At Kingsbury to show a friend Colombo’s changing skyline. The staff at the Sky Lounge say we’re not allowed to take photos of the
#gohomegota
protests because they’ve been asked by the MoD to not allow photos. Govt. scared of any indication of the size of
#gotagogama
?
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This is the worry. MR offering GR a way out while coming out as a hero for negotiating an end to the political crisis. This won’t do. MR must go home with GR.
Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa to meet the President Gotabaya Rajapaksa this evening to discuss the present situation : Sources- Hiru
#LKa
#SriLanka
#EconomicCrisisLK
#SriLankaCrisis
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If people cared that Gota was responsible for the deaths and disappearances of so many innocent people, we won’t be here in the first place. A lesson to be learnt here is that “And then they came for my social and my power at home… and I lost my shit” can’t be what takes
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North East showing solidarity with those arrested in the South while most of the South was silent about crackdowns in the former war zones. Lessons, frens.
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Lawyers demanding to know the where the two journalists taken are being held. Their names are Chathuranga Kumara and Kasun Kumarage.
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Still can’t believe there are people in Colombo without a single dose of a vaccine.
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The banner is pretty powerful if you think about it. The parents of the disappeared at
#gohomegota
protests are asking to build a country that won’t disappear the youth agitating against government the way the state disappeared their own children.
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When eventually airports (and the world) open up, we may see a significant brain drain from Sri Lanka. Lots of people who’ve moved back home over the past decade say they’re looking to migrate because they can’t see a future for/in Sri Lanka. This is sad. What are your thoughts?
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While we're on Dilith, there's noticeable silence from positive Varuni who swore by GR. Also where is Yohani nangi?
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With all due respect, I expected this after Express Pearl, but there was a disappointing silence in asking for accountability for decisions made then. But better late than never.
"We are here not representing ourselves alone, we are here representing the person who's standing in that gas line, that person who is looking for food for their child, that person who is trying to make ends meet." Dr.
@ashadevos
joins protest
#SLCrisis
📷
@Estelle_Vasude1
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One minute you’re all Aragalaya the next minute you’re accepting advisory posts in government while protesters are getting abducted/arrested.
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Evidently the police in Sri Lanka only arrests people who hand over public money back to authorities, not the ones who steal it.
Police arrest man among group counting cash at President’s house
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My husband was attacked during the wee hours yesterday morning in Nawala as he came home after a night out. He got off his Uber and was going to walk down our lane when a group of men (around 4/5) in a tuk tuk passing by asked him for his ID. When he refused they surrounded him.
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People: Gota go home!
MR: Ok I’ll go home instead because I’m the most expendable, so long as Simba’s political future is secure
People: All Rajapaksas must go!
GR: Hmm
BR: We’ll think about it
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The airport this morning. Packed, but not with tourists. Really sad to see the number of people saying goodbye to their families as they migrate seeking better job prospects and employment overseas. They’re forced to make these sacrifices while the Rajapaksas sacrifice nothing.
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Just a casual reminder that contempt of court
@RamanayakeR
is still behind bars while contempt of court Gnanasara (who should have also been charged for incitement of violence in Aluthgama under the ICCPR Act) was pardoned and is now heading a PTF. One country one law?
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How many bodies are washing up at Galle Face, were they identified and what did the post-mortem reveal?
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In the middle of all this, want to remind folks that in the Ranil-Dinesh cabinet, there’s not a single woman (again?). For Health they passed up Sudharshini for Keheliya.
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Disappointing to hear Sarath Fonseka on this in Parliament saying the Police shouldn’t have done that to someone in uniform. We forget he’s cut from the same cloth.
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Sri Lankan authorities enabling the right to peaceful assembly, ladies and gentlemen.
UPDATE: Mother and child dragged off protest site by police in Galle Face, Colombo
#lka
#SriLanka
#SLnews
#News
#News1st
#Police
#RiotPolice
#Commemoration
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I’ve never seen so much solidarity to hold to account a single family because of the failure of system to do so. From half the country in hartals to youth out on the roads protesting for more than a month to fisherfolk in Trincomalee planning to botch getaway plans.
LOVE IT! ❤️
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Protest underway at the Fort Railway station condemning today’s attacks on peaceful demonstrators.
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All anyone is talking about is Piyumi Hansamali and Chandimal who’ve been sent to a QC like everyone else violating “travel restrictions”. Granted this is after a lot of SM pressure.
Barely anyone is talking about the man in Weligama and justice for him.
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The authorities watched on while the south protested in spite of curfew but the north dare not, as the consequences maybe lethal. That’s the privilege we need to recognise.
Streets quiet in the Tamil homeland as protests flare in the South
There was relative quiet across the streets of the North-East, as few ventured out amidst a military-enforced curfew even as protests flared in the South against the Rajapaksa regime.
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My mother, a retired medical doctor drawn to her first public protest today. She said, “If you are planning to go for any protest marches please inform me too.” We disagree on so much, but I’m glad we both stand firm in our resolve in what a grave civic injustice this is.
#lka
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Its 5pm on Wednesday and we're headed towards a stalemate. Perhaps that's the President's strategy, to wait it out till people tire out and accept the status quo and get consumed by Avurudu. Who is drafting the Constitutional amendment to abolish the Executive Presidency,
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The last time I left the province was in April, even before Avurudu, expecting a new cluster during the break. For almost 6 months we haven’t even left the Colombo district. But for Simba, rules don’t apply. Everything the light touches is his kingdom. Lockdowns are irrelevant.
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The highest court of the land finds the Rajapaksas responsible for the economic crisis but these new SLPP banners with Mahinda’s face unashamedly adorn the roads of Colombo.
So much for change…
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Everyone so quick to blame the protesters for setting Ranil’s house on fire should know what went on inside the President’s official residence. Protesters didn’t vandalise anything. There was no fire. They knew they would pay for it if there was any damage. Inquiries needed.
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He promised you monks and military. He’s giving you monks and military.
Why are people so shocked at what’s happening? You don’t get who you deserve, you get who you vote for.
Muruththettuwe Thero gets top university position from President
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As a friend said,
“Why does the parliament vote have to be a secret when they’re technically voting on our behalf?”
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For Gotabaya, the Presidency and the immunity that came with it, was, in many ways, his way of escaping justice too, as much as it was for power hunger and the opportunity to loot more for the family.
#Gohomegota
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Demonstrators at Gotagogama commemorate Black July of 1983.
#blackjuly
#srilanka
#gotagohome
#ranilgohome
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#Negombo
last week.
#Chilaw
and
#Kuliyapitiya
this week. Where next?
Curfew may work to contain further immediate attacks, but what’s being done to address tensions in the long term?
Yet to see strong statements from political leadership warning against such violence.
#lka
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A 28 year old Muslim from Galle is arrested under Emergency Regulations for his Facebook comments while this dude openly incites violence against protesters (after being involved in the 9 May attacks already) on mainstream media but escapes accountability.
#impunity
Aragalaya should have been dealt with the same way dissent was dealt in the 70s & 80s - SLPPs Sanath Nishantha
Details:
#lka
#SriLanka
#SLnews
#News1st
#Aragalaya
#Protest
#SLPP
#SanathNishantha
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I think both Rajapaksa and Wickremesinghe are probably deliberately provoking this violence because they probably think that this could be one effective way to control the protest movement – to legitimise use of the military and Police to crush the citizens’ uprising: Uyangoda
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CDS and former Navy Commander Ravindra Wijegunaratne’s arrest despite
@MaithripalaS
’s best efforts to interfere with the case, is precisely the potential and space that opened up in 2015 for independent institutions and investigations that we should fight to protect.
#coupLK
#lka
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This was taken on Sunday, 3 whole days after Independence Day celebrations when smaller flags of this racist version of the national flag donned the junction at Koswatta, Nawala, along with this massive display of intolerance and Sinhala supremacy.
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There was a time people complained of protests because they thought protests (and road closures that followed) were a “public nuisance”.
Now they’re fighting for their freedom to protest. 😏
#andthentheycameforme
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The same way you can’t watch BBC iplayer in Sri Lanka, you also can’t watch Channel 4 - because of a regional block, not because the video has been deleted,
@RajapaksaNamal
. It’s playing loud and clear in the U.K.
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This mob violence is no answer. Soon GR will unleash his Army goons to protect himself.
Vote them out at an election. Lobby them to pass laws that helps ensure accountability. That is the way forward.
#attackonggg
#srilanka
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“Sending our workers to a country that is committing war crimes is like sending workers to nazi Germany, when Hitler was killing jews, and there were labour shortages,” Hakeem said in parliament on Thursday (23).
@Rauff_Hakeem
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WATCH
@chaturaalwis
: හෙට උදේ ගහන්නත් චාන්ස් එකක් ආවා ඒ කෑල්ලත් අරගෙන.
@GotabayaR
,
@PresRajapaksa
,
@RajapaksaNamal
, apparently together we can’t. Doesn’t ICCPR Act s.3 apply to
@adaderana
employees who have on air stated their intention to incite violence against minorities?
#lka
Disgusting, reprehensible and immoral! Clear proof how the pro GR private media is provoking anti Muslim hysteria in the guise of fighting C19 virus. Yet another ‘idea’ from hell’s TV. Please watch the clip and get it translated if you can’t understand Sinhala. Shocking!
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Unlike many other parties who after their defeat are making amends to their National List candidates, glad the NPP stuck to their word on this one. She will be a great addition- congratulations!
#lka
#srilanka
#LKAElections2020
Dr. Harini Amarasuriya has been named for the National List seat of National People's Power NPP
#SriLanka
#LKA
#GenElecSL
@hirunews
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Great!
It’s this same solidarity the majority Sinhalese in Sri Lanka must show Muslim and Tamil brothers and sisters right here at home. 💪🏽💪🏾💪🏿 You can’t be all
#blacklivesmatter
on social media these days while remaining quiet about injustices at home.
#lka
#srilanka
"Sri Lankan-Americans owe so much to Black Americans who have tirelessly fought for the rights we now benefit from. It is time for us as a community to show up for our Black brothers and sisters." Mihiri Weerasinghe, Sri Lankan living in US
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The two main contenders of
#PresPollSL
:
Sajith Premadasa- Son of late President Premadasa known for brutally crushing the JVP insurrection
vs.
Gotabhaya Rajapaksa- Brother of former President Rajapaksa known for brutally crushing the LTTE.
Aren't we a lucky bunch.
#lka
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Colombo’s elite who didn’t seem to mind Carlton being burned down are outraged at Ranil’s house being burned down. Neither are ok. Unless there’s evidence, resist the urge to blame protesters. Mirihana bus was set on fire by those linked to the state.
Remember Arabi Wasantha, who was arrested for torching an army bus in Mirihana on March 31st in full view of 100s of soldiers, to justify the emergency declaration? CID on Wednesday asked Gangodawila Magistrate Prasanna Alwis to release him on bail, saying Wasantha honestly (1/3)
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It’s really great to sit through these teach-outs. Gives me hope to see the youth interest in learning about history, human rights and justice. Speaks volumes about what’s lacking in our education system. Here’s
@ambikasat
, doing God’s work.
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Kudos to
@TheMorningLK
for breaking this story and naming Lohan Ratwatte in print today when others cowered to even mention the State Minister. I don't know what power dynamics if any led this, but this is the impact of good journalism.
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I think she’s brave. She protests because she wants a better country for her baby. Perhaps she doesn’t have childcare at home. Maybe she took a calculated risk? Why do men think women can’t make these decisions for themselves? The choice is hers.
Bringing a 7 day old infant to a protest, when Covid-19, and influenza infections prevail in the country is an irresponsible act.
Don't do this; and don't promote this.
Protest, but also protest responsibly.
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Fire, noise, lots of people, bulbs and ornaments hanging from their costumes - the only thing keeping these poor elephants going absolutely berserk is a mahout controlling them with sticks and pricks. It’s 2021 and we still do this to these giants that belong in the wild.
An
#elephant
🐘 named Kandula ran amok during "
#KandyEsalaPerahera2021
" today. Earlier several performers tested positive for
#COVID19
. & now, this. It does not look like a good perahera season.
Video credit: Janaka Subasinghe
#lka
#SriLanka
#tradition
#customs
#perahera
#Kandy
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People gathering near the Galle Face - Presidential Secretariat stretch this afternoon asking for the President to go home (and to jail). Looks like it’s going to be a MASSIVE gathering!
#SLEconomicCrisis
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Not again! How many visits to South Africa to study a process that won't work for Sri Lanka? Since 2015 multiple govt. delegations have done this same tour.
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May he be remembered as the President who confined an entire country to their homes for 36 hours to protect his own home from getting stoned. This was not necessary. This is not proportionate.
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Leaving it here.
Minister Dinesh Gunawardena to appoint as Leader of the House and Minister Johnston Fernando to appoint as Chief Government Whip - Sources
#LKA
#SriLanka
#GenElecSL
#ParliamentLK
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MR is the PM. He is just as responsible for the economic situation as his brother GR. Attempts to show that him and Simba are devoid of blame is another lie the 69 lakhs are going to buy. This is a selfish PR exercise, don’t fall for it.
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None of Colombo’s beautification projects by the UDA have actually bothered to think about those who inhabit the city.
You’re not allowed to walk on grass.
Pets aren’t allowed on walking paths.
There’s not a single dog-friendly park.
No public bins let alone pet litter bins.
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One of the perks of avoiding big supermarkets these days in favour of small neighbourhood grocery shops.
#ifyouknowyouknow
#covid19sl
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and there being no extradition treaty with Sri Lanka or any other country willing to hold him to account for the many injustices he’s implicated in.
This is not an immediately straightforward process, and he doesn’t care what happens in Sri Lanka the more he delays his letter.
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The Tamil community has been saying the same for more than a decade.
The Catholic Church in Sri Lanka says it has no option but to seek international assistance in the push for justice for the victims of the Easter Sunday attacks. Read the full story here
via
@colombogazette
#Srilanka
#lka
#EasterSundayattacks
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This is Friday night at
#gotagogama
, perhaps no longer a “beach party,” but still a place for learning, listening, reflecting and understanding.
#gohomegota
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Just ask them what the 13th Amendment means and there will be silence.
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Sick to my stomach watching Iraj Weeraratne appear in the latest
#letmevote
video. Let’s not mince words here. For months
@irajonline
has been shamelessly tweeting about his nostalgia for white vans and enforced disappearances.
#lka
(1)
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In that journey, unless facilitated through private carriers, he will have to face the ire of the citizens of the world.
Even in choosing his final destination/safe haven, he will need guarantees of non-prosecution in their domestic legal systems (if such laws exist),
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News spreading like wildfire. Whoever who is distorting this incident and saying 4 Muslims beat up a Sinhala boy in Nawala, pls stop. The perpetrators for all intents and purposes appeared Sinhalese.
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How swiftly law enforcement officers arrest a Tamil MP expressing his right to
#FoE
. More than a week ago Lohan Ratwatte played havoc in prisons but he still holds a ministerial portfolio. So what is the "greater accountability"
@GotabayaR
is talking about at
#UNGA
?
#SriLanka
WATCH : Police arrests TNPF MP in Jaffna over Thileepan commemoration
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At the Kabul Restaurant in Islamabad last night. The closest I’ll get to Kabul for a while since the Taliban takeover. Food here is epic!👌🏾
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Public Security Minister Tiran Alles, under whose purview protesters are being arrested, incl. for stealing a flag + beer mug (also abduction-style arrests flouting due process), was indicted in 2016 for misappropriating Rs. 200mn at RADA in 2006 under Public Property Act.
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And you appointed then President
@PresRajapaksa
as your PM when you had a fight with
@RW_UNP
👏🏾
#lka
"Rs 2 billion paid for a Chinese company in 2012 as an advance for this project is missing. When we inquired we found out that there was not even a company like that in China" President Sirisena speaks about corruption issues at Lotus Tower in the opening ceremony.
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"Hundreds of Sri Lankans are now serving with the Russian military in Ukraine, most lured into combat by Russia’s offer of salaries up to $3,000 a month and the prospect of Russian citizenship, several Sri Lankans living in Russia told Al Jazeera."
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