Rights group flags 184 Sri Lankan prison deaths to visiting UN delegation
Rights group flags 184 Sri Lankan prison deaths to visiting UN delegation by Thara
The Committee for Protecting Rights of Prisoners (CPRP) has formally raised concerns with a visiting United Nations delegation over custodial deaths, prison overcrowding, alleged torture and deteriorating detention conditions in Sri Lanka.
The submissions were made as the United Nations Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture concluded its official visit to Sri Lanka today, following a ten-day mission from 15 to 24 June.
Executive Director of the Committee, Attorney-at-Law Senaka Perera, said written submissions were handed over on
Three thousand years deep - Evidence uncovers Velanais ancient seafarers
Three thousand years deep - Evidence uncovers Velanais ancient seafarers by Thara
A newly published study has identified the earliest scientifically confirmed evidence of prehistoric human settlement on Velanai Island in the Jaffna Peninsula, dating back around 3,460 years and overturning an erroneous long-held Sri Lankan assumption that the region was largely uninhabited until much later.
The study, published in the Journal of Island and Coastal Archaeology and led by Thilanka Siriwardana of Rajarata University of Sri Lanka and the University of Groningen, examined an extensive shell midden, design