Centre for Human Rights (CHR) Sri Lanka and (Campaign for Free and Fair Electons (CaFFE) condemns the abduction of Dimuthu Attygalle and Kumar Gunaratnam of the Frontline Socialist Party (FSP). Gunaratnam was taken at Kiribathgoda in the early hours of Saturday while its believed that Attygalle was abducted Friday night.

We believe that these high profile abductions, Gunaratnam was to be appointed the leader of the FSP tomorrow while Attygalle was the Secretary of the party’s International Division, are signs that the human rights/rule of law situation is to take a turn for the worse in the future.

The FSP claims that the security forces are behind the abductions pointing at the highly efficient and professional nature of these abductions. However the police spokesman denies that the arrests were carried by the police and initially even denied that the police even received complaints about the events. However police investigations have now begun.

However this police investigation is regarded by many with skepticism, pointing that no progress has been made in other investigations into similar incidents. Journalist Pradeed Ekneligoda has been missing since two years and two activists, affiliated to Gunaratnam’s party, Lalith Weeraraju and Kugan Murugaananthan, are missing since December 9th, 2011.

Sri Lankan constitution ensures the right to engage in political activity and as a party to the ICCPR the government has the responsibility to assure the personal safety of its citizens. 

Last month the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) adopted a resolution against Sri Lanka asking it to implement the LLRC recommendations. LLRC recommends an end to activities of armed groups and to ensure the rule of law in the country. This kind of activities will only confirm the claims that Sri Lanka is a country that violates Human Rights, which would directly assist the so called ‘conspiracies against the country.’

Therefore we urge all civil society and other concerned segments to pressure the government into conduct investigations and assure the safe release of these political activists and ensure the rule of law in the country.