by International Truth & Justice Project, South Africa,September 18, 2019
This is the first report to examine the extensive use of torture over the last decade by the Terrorism Investigation Division (TID) of the Sri Lankan police. It identifies 58 alleged torturers based on investigation and research, including those who bear command responsibility. The report is based on the testimony of 73 survivors of torture, both Tamil and Sinhalese, interviewed in five different countries. These survivors have experienced the most brutal torture imaginable – including in many cases rape and other forms of sexual violence.
It is of great concern that several key TID officials alleged by victims to be responsible for their torture remain in senior positions in the police force. They have continued to be rewarded even under the Sirisena government, illustrating that the promised security sector reform has been illusory.
In 24 cases, detailed dossiers have been prepared on the individuals identified in the police – filed as Annexure B to the Anonymity Declaration regarding the civil case brought against former Sri Lankan secretary of defence Gotabaya Rajapaksa in California on 26 August 2019.
