In brief
Pending
Sources say that the new Human Rights Commission (HRC), appointed on 23 March, headed by Faisz Musthapha, has over 11,000 cases pending. Apparently, the earlier HRC had hardly done any work.
Devalued
Sri Lanka devalued the rupee on 20 June by 4%. Central Bank officers say the adjustment was to maintain economic stability in the face of increased fuel and defence imports. Consumer prices are expected to rise further.
Died
Sri Lankan political scientist and author Jayaratnam Wilson, 71, died on 31 May in Canada. Mr Wilson wrote a number of books, including The break-up of Sri Lanka (1988). In the late 1970s he was involved in shuttle diplomacy to resolve the island’s problem.
Debate
In a parliamentary debate on 7 June, British MP Simon Hughes called for sanctions on arms sales to Sri Lanka, more monitoring of human rights and relief to displaced people.
Torture
Amnesty International says A Amuthini, 31, arrested on 30 May, may have been tortured in police custody in Vavuniya. Four Tamils held at Kantalai police station in Trincomalee also suffered torture. Amnesty says the death of Ganesh Chandrakanthan in custody may have been caused by torture.
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