Oakland Institute Report: Justice Denied

Justice Denied exposes the many issues that continue to plague land release and resettlement in Sri Lanka. The Sri Lankan military continues to occupy large quantities of land; land released by the government is often of poor quality, hindering the ability of many to rebuild their livelihoods; there is a vast and unmet need for housing and infrastructure for those displaced during the civil war; and ever-changing timelines for resettlement have bred mistrust in the government. In addition, although the war ended in 2009, the country’s military budget has more than doubled since then, raising serious doubt about the government’s intent to demilitarize the North and East.

Justice Denied also examines the actions of the Sri Lankan government over the past 16 months to fulfill its commitments to transitional justice, made under Resolution 30/1. The report details serious issues with: national consultations, the passage of the OMP Act, the composition of the National Authority for Victim and Witness Protection, draft legislation to replace the notorious Prevention of Terrorism Act, and more.