The Lawyers Collective strongly condemns death threats to two of it’s leading members, Attorneys-at-Law, Mr. Namal Rajapakshe and Mr. Manjula Pathiraja. Mr. Rajapaske and Pathiraja have been leading human rights activists and lawyers with long experience in public interest litigation.
Mr. Rajapakshe, Mr. Pathiraja have frequently appeared for victims of human rights violations across the country, irrespective of ethnic and religious backgrounds, often pro bono. They have made themselves available for emergencies at all times and days. While upholding the highest traditions of the legal profession, all three of them have been well respected and committed human rights defenders who have been taking forthright and courageous positions on issues of democracy, rule of law and human rights in Sri Lanka.
Lawyers Collective urge the Inspector General of Police to take immediate steps to ensure the protection of all of them and to take all possible steps to hold accountable, all those responsible for these threats and intimidation.