Non-violence

Severe funding shortfalls have already forced the closure of more than 200 health facilities, impacting nearly two million people, as well as resulted in significant reductions to essential malnutrition services.

In a statement released on Wednesday, Justice for All expressed alarm over the deteriorating law and order situation, particularly as the nation undergoes significant political transition.

Sri Lanka’s defense agencies have intensified their vigilance following intelligence reports of a potential extremist group operating in the Eastern Province, the government confirmed Tuesday.

The number killed in violence last year was the highest since the military coup in 2021. Over 1,800 civilians were killed in 2024, many in indiscriminate airstrikes and artillery shelling, with attacks on schools, places of worship and healthcare facilities having become routine.

According to the United Nations in Sri Lanka, over 35 per cent of all gender-based harmful speech recorded in November was targeted at women candidates campaigning for the parliamentary elections.

One of the primary concerns raised during the meeting was the role of the Special Investigations Unit of Sri Lanka Police, which is responsible for investigating law enforcement officers accused of torture and enforced disappearances.

“Terrorism and violent extremism remain persistent scourges. We see a dark spirit of impunity spreading.  The prospect of nuclear war remains – outrageously – a clear and present danger.”

Google’s revised Artificial Intelligence (AI) policy signals a worrying shift in the company’s stance on the development of AI for military applications, Human Rights Watch (HRW) has warned.