January 11, Colombo (LNW): The United States has joined the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) in expressing concerns about potential human rights abuses during the recent ‘Yukthiya’ (Justice) Operation conducted by the Sri Lanka Police and the Ministry of Public Security.
In a statement, US Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Julie J. Chung, highlighted the importance of combating drug trafficking while emphasising the need for law enforcement operations to adhere to the principles of the rule of law and due process.
Ambassador Chung stressed the delicate balance required between effective law enforcement and respecting individual rights, stating, “Striking this balance is vital for justice and maintaining public trust.”
The HRCSL had earlier expressed deep unease and initiated an immediate inquiry into reports of alleged cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment during search operations associated with the ‘Yukthiya’ Operation.
Echoing these concerns, the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has also raised serious questions about the operation, particularly emphasising the apparent contradiction between widespread reports of injustice and the operation’s title, ‘Yukthiya,’ which means ‘justice’ in Sinhala.
The United States’ intervention demonstrates the international community’s watchful eye on human rights issues in Sri Lanka, emphasising the need for transparency, accountability, and adherence to international standards in law enforcement operations.
