Ambika Satkunanathan @ambikasat Twitter profile | Pikagi

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Ambika Satkunanathan

@ambikasat

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Member, UN Voluntary Trust Fund for Victims of Torture @OSFellows 2020-2022. Chairperson @neelanofficial . Commissioner @HRCSrilanka Oct 2015- March 2020.

Sri Lanka

https://t.co/J1SINh9PiM

Joined October 2011

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@ambikasat

Ambika Satkunanathan

4 years

‘Authoritarian (in)efficiency & the undermining of democracy in Sri Lanka’-my article on how an authoritarian leader gains public support. Focuses on informal systems which are created when formal systems don’t work & discusses how it undermines democracy.

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Authoritarian (in)efficiency and the undermining of democracy in Sri Lanka | Daily FT

The enactment of the twentieth amendment to the Constitution, militarisation and efforts to curtail civic rights have generated discussion on the state of democracy in Sri Lanka. This discussion...

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@ambikasat

Ambika Satkunanathan

3 years

Ada Derana that helped bring this govt to power derides protests & calls them a “beach party”. It also asks “will it solve the dollar crisis?”. “Forgets” to say who is responsible for the dollar crisis, i.e. the govt it helped bring to power. Who will hold Derana accountable?

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Ambika Satkunanathan

3 years

When you ask esp older Tamils in CMB why they aren’t joining protests, they speak of memories of large crowds of angry men, of riots & fear of riots for yrs, of trauma/fear these memories trigger. They speak of feelings of insecurity & knowing they’ll receive no state protection.

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Ambika Satkunanathan

2 years

#RajapaksaRanilGoHome Unpopular take/harsh truths: If Rajapaksas remain in Sri Lanka they will cause instability. If they’re arrested, they will likely become martyrs/heroes in a while. Chances of bringing them to justice in Sri Lanka are slim. The chances are better abroad.

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Ambika Satkunanathan

3 years

#RepealPTA Lawyers at the Mirihana Police Station have been informed by the police that they are going to detain arrested persons under the #PTA . Yet another eg of the human rights deficient nature of #PTA that allows it to be abused by state at its whims. @EU_in_Sri_Lanka

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@ambikasat

Ambika Satkunanathan

3 years

Does anyone else want @nytimes to release this supposedly brilliant 3 1/2 hour interview of @GotabayaR which left reporter so stressed that at the end of interview she squeezed Milinda Rajapaksha’s hand & said she needed a coffee? @Abihabib @MujMash

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Ambika Satkunanathan

2 years

#GotaGoHome Summary of today’s speech: I won’t step down. I will save you = I will continue to use every means at my disposal, incl repressive means couched as efforts to safeguard democracy, to quash dissent & push country off the precipice to safeguard my position.

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Ambika Satkunanathan

2 years

#Accountability #GotaGoHome Seeing calls for Rajapaksa family & others to be held accountable. Glad Sri Lankans finally realize importance of accountability. Hope people also realize why Tamils have been demanding accountability from successive governments for decades.

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Ambika Satkunanathan

2 years

#RajapaksaRanilGoHome Reason Gotabaya is unable to find sanctuary, incl in places to which many war criminals & ppl fleeing the law go, is due to relentless advocacy of HR groups, incl Tamil diaspora groups & work done by Intl HR groups/diaspora to prepare cases against him.

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Ambika Satkunanathan

3 years

North vs South. In the South everyone who wanted to protest was allowed to protest. In the North, journalists were prevented from going to the office of a political party. I believe this is what’s called discrimination & selective application of the law.

@TnpfOrg

Tamil National People's Front

3 years

This afternoon Jaffna police prevented Tamil journalists from entering our office in Kokkuvil for a media conference, harrased them, and turned them away after registering their names.

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Ambika Satkunanathan

2 years

18 May 2022. Mullivaaikkaal. What you hear are the cries of the women. 13 yrs on, while some speak of reconciliation, the affected Tamil ppl demand truth & justice. Reconciliation will be the natural outcome only if there is truth, justice & reparations.

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Ambika Satkunanathan

2 years

#BlackJuly Tone deaf, whitewashing, puff pieces in Sunday Observer today. Context:this week, 39 yrs ago, state sponsored mobs (J.R.Jayawardena was Prez & @RW_UNP was minister) carried out a pogrom against Tamils. Just a day ago RW unleashed brutal violence against people at #GGG

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Ambika Satkunanathan

3 years

When you elect racists, no matter how efficient you think, or they claim they are, and no matter the “vistas of prosperity & splendour” they promise you, it will not end well.

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Ambika Satkunanathan

2 years

2 videos circulating of persons who say they are incarcerated persons who’ve been brought to attack peaceful protestors. Imprisoned persons can’t be taken out of prison without following several procedures & quite impossible Wataraka Superintendent (SP) had no knowledge of it.

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@ambikasat

Ambika Satkunanathan

2 years

Jaffna, Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu, Mannar, Vavuniya, Batticaloa, Trincomalee, Amparai ➡️ Colombo 14.9% of our budget is allocated to the military. Demilitarize.

@BasnayakeM

Manjula Basnayake

2 years

Army called for security in Colombo. #Lka #Kabula #Bagdad

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@ambikasat

Ambika Satkunanathan

2 years

‘Their entire life is a protest. Their existence is the #Aragalaya .’ My response when queried on #FaceTheNation on #NewsFirst why the people in the North did not join the #Aragalaya . Full episode at

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Ambika Satkunanathan

2 years

#GotaResign #RanilResign The idealized perfect protest doesn’t exist. Esp not when dealing with brutal, callous & self-serving rulers who won’t hesitate to kill you. When democracy becomes a farce & those in power routinely use violence to govern, this is inevitable outcome.

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Ambika Satkunanathan

3 years

#OccupyGalleFace I was waiting for the national anthem to be sung in Tamil but sadly it was not. This is an eg of everyday violations experienced by minorities in 🇱🇰. Violation of language rights is the most “mundane” & persistent violation experienced by Tamils daily.

@NewsWireLK

NewsWire 🇱🇰

3 years

Artists, Performers and Choristers come together at Galle Face to sing the National Anthem 🇱🇰💪 🎥 Wasaam Ismail

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Ambika Satkunanathan

2 years

This is Dan Priyasad. Accused in anti-Muslim violence & out on bail. During state of emergency (SOE) he & @PodujanaParty supporters were allowed to engage in violence against peaceful protestors. SOE is to protect Rajapaksas & not ppl. @GotabayaR revoke proclamation decl SOE.

@ForaNewSriLank1

For a New Sri Lanka

@ForaNewSriLank1

2 years

නීතිය? #ArrestRajapaksas

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Ambika Satkunanathan

4 years

Why are you so afraid of a memorial that remembers those that were killed during the war? Why do people’s loss, memories, pain, heartbreak & tears frighten you? Is it because you know that pain, tears & heartbreak are more powerful than weapons & force?

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Ambika Satkunanathan

2 years

Can we agree at least now that it is not just a few rotten apples? That it’s not an aberration. That police rarely ever try to dialogue or de-escalate. That violence is first instinct, not last resort. That they are often predators not protectors. That impunity is entrenched.

@NewsWireLK

NewsWire 🇱🇰

2 years

Police assault! Tense situation reported in a fuel station in Maharagama earlier today

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Ambika Satkunanathan

2 years

In May 2009, I heard firecrackers that were lit by young men not from the area, who drove thru my neighborhood shouting victory & anti-Tamil slogans. My mind, like that of many Tamils’, immediately went to 1983 and yes, there was fear.

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Ambika Satkunanathan

2 years

We want: Justice for Mullivaikkaal Justice for Balachandran Justice for enforced disappearances Justice for extra judicial killings Justice for Wasim Thajudeen Justice for Prageeth Ekneligoda Justice for Lasantha Wickrematunge Justice for Aluthgama riots @RajapaksaNamal

@NewsfirstSL

Newsfirst.lk Sri Lanka

2 years

If justice is not ensured, entire society might collapse: Namal Details; #lka #SriLanka #SLnews #News #News1st #Namal #NamalRajapaksa #Justice

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Ambika Satkunanathan

3 years

Is it true the government is demilitarizing the north and east? I suppose desperate times call for desperate measures.

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@ambikasat

Ambika Satkunanathan

2 years

What Sri Lanka didn’t mourn: 1983, Embilipitiya, Krishanthi Kumaraswamy, Koneswary, Sathurukondan, Fr Jim Brown, Nimalarajan, Lasantha, Sivaram, Trinco 5, 16 ACF workers, Navy 11, Rathupaswala, Welikada, Bindunuwewa, Navali, Mylanthanai, Allaipiddy, Mullivaikkaal, Rambukkanna…..

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@ambikasat

Ambika Satkunanathan

2 years

Respecting the right to freedom of expression and assembly in SL means deploying large number of police outnumbering people protesting/holding vigil, ordering them to disperse & dragging them away. Why? Which law were the people breaking and what harm were they causing?

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@ambikasat

Ambika Satkunanathan

2 years

1/. @RW_UNP is responsible for violence unleashed against protestors done under cover of state of emergency (SOE) which he declared & Draconian emergency regulations (ERs), which he issued. Proves he is as authoritarian, brutal & focused on securing power as the Rajapaksas.

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Ambika Satkunanathan

2 years

#RevokeEmergency Today I filed a fundamental rights petition (SCFR 246/2022) challenging the declaration of the state of emergency & emergency regs. Petition alleges violations of Articles 10,11 12(1), 12((4), 13(1)-(5), 14A, 14 (1)(a), 14(1)(b),14(1)(c), 14(1). (g) of Consti.

@NewsfirstSL

Newsfirst.lk Sri Lanka

2 years

State of Emergency proclamation passed in Parliament. Votes in Favor: 120 Votes Against: 63 Details: #lka #SriLanka #SLnews #News1st #Parliament #StateOfEmergency

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Ambika Satkunanathan

1 year

#LGBTQIA Supreme Court finds that submissions made by Shenali Waduge, Jehan Hameed and Brig (retd) Athula Silva challenging the bill to decriminalize same sex relations - i.e. to repeal 365A and repeal and replace 365 of Penal Code are “fanciful” and “have no merit”.

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Ambika Satkunanathan

3 years

A striking factor in yesterday’s #FaceTheNation was Eranda Ginige telling Lihini Fernando to “calm down”, asking her “what is this shouting?”, “why are you so angry?” & implying she was being “uncivil”. These are phrases/strategies commonly used to silence women.

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Ambika Satkunanathan

2 years

1/Today I and Mirak Raheem filed a fundamental rights petition challenging arbitrary & ultra vires actions of SL Police & military in creating admin/exec practice of arresting persons & temporarily keeping them in secret detention contrary to Consti, rule of law & intl HR norms.

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Ambika Satkunanathan

1 year

Arrogant, dismissive, disingenuous, disrespectful and lacking in empathy. A lesson in how not to be a president/leader. This kind of behaviour by persons in positions of power in SL isn’t an exception but the norm.

@Dailymirror_SL

DailyMirror

@Dailymirror_SL

1 year

President Ranil Wickremesinghe asked a Tamil activist in France to pose a question in Tamil when it seemed he was struggling to raise a question in English. The activist, during an event in France, urged the President to address humanitarian issues in Sri Lanka before focusing

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Ambika Satkunanathan

2 years

“Lawyers have agreed not to appear for suspects involved in murder of Atalugama child.” Presumption of innocence & right to fair trial (right to legal rep is part of it) are fundamentals of criminal justice system. Disregarding it can have dangerous consequences. @saliyapieris

@NewsfirstSL

Newsfirst.lk Sri Lanka

2 years

Atalugama Tragedy: 29-yr old suspect arrested Details : #SLnews #News1st #SriLanka #lka #AtalugamaTragedy #29YearOld #Suspect #Arrested #Murder #Girl #9YearOld

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Ambika Satkunanathan

3 years

This regime is still credited for “winning the war”. Well, it isn’t difficult to “win” the war when you violate the laws of war. Also think a moment about “win” being used to describe events that killed & injured 1000s of fellow citizens & had devastating impact on their lives.

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@ambikasat

Ambika Satkunanathan

3 years

So which one is fake news? And will anyone be arrested for ‘spreading fake news’?

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Ambika Satkunanathan

2 years

#Rambukkana #PoliceBrutality Amidst public outrage & many news voices calling for police to be held accountable for violence in #Rambukkana be aware: Police brutality isn’t new. This isn’t an isolated incident. Police brutality is systemic & has existed for a long time.

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Ambika Satkunanathan

3 years

Says protestors are “guys who support ISIS” and that govt is taking a “lackluster” approach to protests. Now what does that sound like to you?

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Ambika Satkunanathan

2 years

Army Commander attends unveiling of lion statute at Jailani/Kuragala. An eg of the merging of Sinhala Buddhist nationalism & militarization. (During econ crisis) how much did the statute cost? When we speak of austerity measures this is where we should first look.

@prominimalism

Janaka

2 years

The next presidential candidate 🤔

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Ambika Satkunanathan

3 years

The Shangri-La hotel was built on land on which the Sri Lanka Army HQ existed. While construction was on-going they discovered human skeletal remains in May 2017 but the story soon faded from public view & barely received a mention in mainstream media.

@_vajra

Vajra Chandrasekera

3 years

Great photo. Some context for those who need it: the contrast is not just visual. The Colombo Shangri-La was Gota's de facto presidential campaign HQ with the patronage of its director Sajad Mawzoon, who was later paid off with the sugar scam tax break worth billions of rupees.

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Ambika Satkunanathan

2 years

During a painful week for Tamils, esp ppl in Mullaitivu, military, using public funds during an econ crisis, is celebrating Vesak in a space that holds traumatic memories for Tamils. A place that Tamils aren’t always allowed to access to memorialize. This is structural violence.

@kumanan93

Kumanan

2 years

On a day like this in May 2009, I was 15 and was crossing this bridge with indelible scars & with tens of thousands of Tamils. There was no Buddha or lotuses floating that day, it was dead & bleeding bodies. I was a witness.Pc: Today military's vesak decorations at #Nandikadal

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Ambika Satkunanathan

2 years

#GotaGoHome . @fernandoharin takes offence at ‘sarcastic’ comment re privileged position of Ministers/MPs.No hope of accountability when even now politicians don’t understand public anger & b/c of their entrenched sense of entitlement see even sarcasm=unfair. #CheckYourPrivilege

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Ambika Satkunanathan

2 years

#GotaGoGama 1 May 2022. A board on which all members of parliament are listed along with their photos, preferential votes they received & how they voted for 17th, 18th, 19th & 20th amendments to Constitution. It calls upon the public to hold MPs accountable. #OccupyGalleFace

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Ambika Satkunanathan

9 months

1/ What’s the connection between public reactions to Sanath Nishantha’s death (celebrations, cheering, speaking of Karma etc), and impunity, lack of respect for the rule of law and the inability of people to obtain redress for abuse of power and rights violations? Quite a lot.

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Ambika Satkunanathan

2 years

1/. @ReAdSarath kindly allow me to present facts. On 4-9-2018, Buddhist monks with statute of Lord Buddha & building materials came to site & when queried by locals of purpose of visit stated that the Archeological Dept had authorized them via letter to engage in research at site

@ReAdSarath

Sarath Weerasekera

2 years

The court order was against "New" Construction - not against restoration. Check facts. This is a 2000 yr old #Buddhist Temple excavated & confirmed by Archeological Dept. After restoration placing Lord #Buddha 's relics is a ritual & that Buddhist ceremony was #SriLanka

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Ambika Satkunanathan

2 years

Sinhala Buddhist nationalism is root cause of ethnic conflict & biggest obstacle, not only to finding a political solution, but also to accountability for war crimes etc. Regardless, Sinhala leaders have always submitted to demands of Buddhist clergy. @RW_UNP what will you do?

@SriLankaTweet

Sri Lanka Tweet 🇱🇰

2 years

In a letter to the President, Chief Prelates of the Siyam, Ramanna and Amarapura nikayas urge NOT to implement the 13th Amendment to the Constitution - Hiru #LKA #SriLanka

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Ambika Satkunanathan

3 years

1/ I raised issue of national anthem not being sung in Tamil to highlight reasons for it. Hence, my 2nd tweet set out possible reasons for omission. The purpose was to ask the Q “why” so we can address it. The defensive & sometimes racist responses give much food for thought.

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Ambika Satkunanathan

2 years

Jaffna Library was burnt to destroy history, knowledge, cultural heritage & collective memory. It was an act of punishment intended to cause pain & exhibit power over Tamils. The power to unleash violence & destroy at will with impunity knowing they wouldn’t be held accountable.

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Ambika Satkunanathan

2 years

Says the person who became Prime Minister and then President only because of the #Aragalaya . Does anyone still think he is progressive, a liberal, a democrat?

@AzzamAmeen

Azzam Ameen

2 years

"There are plans to organize another ‘Aragalaya’ to chase the Govt, but I won't give an opportunity for that. I will get the military & the forces and I will put a State of Emergency. I will also not dissolve the Parliament until economic crisis is resolved."- President @RW_UNP

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Ambika Satkunanathan

2 years

#GoHomeGota If they’re doing this in CMB in broad daylight while being filmed, imagine what they would’ve done in N & E during war without witness. Army shouldn’t be involved in maintaining law & order. They escalate, not de-escalate conflict. Army’s place is in barracks.

@donsupz

Supun Jayaweera

2 years

State sponsored terrorism in action in Moratuwa Frazer avenue. රණවිරුවො කෙලිනවා. #GoHomeGota #GoHomeRajapakshas

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Ambika Satkunanathan

4 years

ITN news article title: Jaffna students who were going to be terrorists kneel before STF. This is a TV station funded via public funds & this is how it reports protest at Jaffna Uni against the demolition of the memorial for those who died during the war?

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Ambika Satkunanathan

2 years

#GoHomeGota #GoHomeRanil When you mobilize & organize communities in collective action best not to virtue signal. Don’t berate them. Don’t tell them if they don’t turn up today they can’t complain re state of country. Don’t point to one date as the date that everything changed.

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Ambika Satkunanathan

14 days

Perfect example of entitlement, privilege and our corrupt political culture. The fact she thinks complaining about the disrepair of the vehicle is adequate justification for being given a vehicle during the economic crisis, shows the normalization of nepotism and corruption.

@NewsWireLK

NewsWire 🇱🇰

14 days

“The President’s Office provided me with an unmaintained Porsche Cayenne as my last vehicle and advised me to use it until they could obtain another vehicle in exchange. The Porsche Cayenne offered was breaking down, with doors not opening and water leaking through the sunroof.”

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Ambika Satkunanathan

3 years

1/ Conversations are taking place about persons who actively supported/enabled/benefitted/from the regime but seem to have had a change of heart now. And there’s a very long list of persons & businesses that have benefitted from the regime in ways unknown to the public.

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Ambika Satkunanathan

2 years

Johnston Fernando, Sanath Nishantha are out on bail but a woman likely experiencing serious mental health issues has been remanded. She should have access to psych care, not sent to prison as imprisonment will only worsen her mental health & she might try to harm herself again.

@rangaba

Ranga Sirilal

2 years

The woman who threw her 5 year old child into the Kelani river & tried to commit suicide has been remanded till 30 June: Police

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Ambika Satkunanathan

2 years

This is a, “never thought I would live to see it” moment. This is an important step in addressing historical factors that led to ethnic conflict & ensuing decades long destruction. Slowly, we move. The challenge will be to sustain the change. But try we must.

@EmDeeS11

Mari

2 years

The statue of Bloody Banda was blindfolded & a board with the words ‘Wake Up’ erected beside it, today. Perhaps a noose would have been more apt for a man whose #racist actions paved the way to brutal anti-Tamil pogroms & a 30 yr war! Pic 1 via Jadu Pic 2 via @Welikumbura

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Ambika Satkunanathan

2 years

A senior male police officer using force against a junior female police officer illustrates everything that’s wrong with the Police Dept. Violence and inhumane treatment against the powerless are normalized, while police even break the law to protect the powerful.

@nuzlyhameem

Nuzly 🇵🇸 𓂆

2 years

Who is this Police Officer Physically Harassing the Woman Activist & Lady Police Officers? This is InHumane! @ambikasat @ThyagiR @saliyapieris @UN_HRC #Srilanka #HumanRights #PoliceBrutality

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Ambika Satkunanathan

2 years

According to intl humanitarian law (IHL) killing of captured or surrendered combatants is a war crime. Per IHL, given Isaipriya’s role & functions she would not have been defined as a combatant b/c, based on info in public domain, she didn’t directly participate in hostilities.

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Ambika Satkunanathan

2 years

The efficiency with which 🇱🇰 police has functioned during last few days is quite unlike anything I’ve seen. Statements prepped even before arrests are made it seems. If only we could witness such efficiency when govt MPs, powerful ppl & those affiliated to them break the law.

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Ambika Satkunanathan

3 years

Army Commander shld apologize for behavior of army personnel & institute an inquiry against them. Instead, he is demanding police who did their duty be subject to inquiry. The sense of impunity displayed by the Commander is due to militarization which has escalated since Nov 2019

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Ambika Satkunanathan

2 years

Declaration of a state of emergency empowers President to issue emergency regulations thru which he can restrict fundamental rights, such as right to assembly. Repression is the refuge of the weak who dismiss citizens’ demands & try every trick in the book to hold on to power.

@NewsfirstSL

Newsfirst.lk Sri Lanka

2 years

#BREAKING President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has declared emergency law with effect from midnight on Friday (6) - PMD #lka #SriLanka #SLnews #News1st #EmegencyLaw #President #GotabayaRajapaksa

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Ambika Satkunanathan

3 years

We’d like to hear from #JVP about its positions on: - Solution to the ethnic conflict (devolution of power) - Accountability for war time violations - Demilitarization, esp in North & East - Status of Buddhism in Constitution What is JVP vision of/for Sri Lanka?

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Ambika Satkunanathan

2 years

People’s reactions to Elon Musk buying Twitter is similar to reactions of Tamils & Muslims when Gotabaya Rajapaksa was elected president.

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Ambika Satkunanathan

2 years

1/The #Aragalaya has led to young ppl becoming aware of issues they previously had no knowledge about, such as enforced disappearances, violations that took place during the war, esp the last stages, etc. This is positive as it’s created space for public discourse on these issues

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Ambika Satkunanathan

2 years

Questions: - When was arrest warrant issued? - After it was issued, did police attempt to find him to arrest? What’s time period b/n issuance of warrant & arrest? - Why wasn’t he stopped at Immigration? - Why did they attempt to arrest without showing him the arrest warrant?

@JDSLanka

JDS

2 years

BREAKING: Dhaniz Ali, a social activist involved in recent protest campaign was arrested & forcibly dragged off a flight by plainclothes men, believed to be officers attached to #SriLanka ’s Criminal Investigation Dept. a short while ago at #Colombo International Airport.

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Ambika Satkunanathan

3 years

Not a surprise that those who said: No human rights violations No enforced disappearances No white van abductions No killing of journalists Also say: No fuel crisis No gas crisis No forex crisis No fertilizer crisis When ppl show you who they are, believe them.

@NewsWireLK

NewsWire 🇱🇰

3 years

Fuel Crisis : PM says lack of political consciousness is the reason

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Ambika Satkunanathan

5 months

Tamils are being arrested for sharing kanji (rice gruel-only food available during last stages of war) and prevented from remembering ppl killed during last stages of the war. Aim of preventing memorialisation is to erase history and deny state responsibility for civilian deaths.

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Ambika Satkunanathan

1 year

1/ #OnlineSafetyBill What is the purpose of the proposed Online Safety law? To create a climate of fear and prevent people from criticizing or challenging the govt.

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Ambika Satkunanathan

2 years

I’ve watched many videos & all show police/STF attacking peaceful protestors. Even when ppl run they chase them & assault. It’s clear aim isn’t merely to “disperse” but to punish. The aggression & brutality are evident. In SL law, this is torture. Acc to SL Consti this is torture

@NewsWireLK

NewsWire 🇱🇰

2 years

More footage from Maradana as Security Forces attack protesters

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Ambika Satkunanathan

2 years

Do Sri Lankans have a sense of deja vu witnessing the global tech version of mama thamai hondatama kare (‘I did it best’)?

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Ambika Satkunanathan

2 years

Secretary, Ministry of Defence (MOD) has no business making statements on this issue. The maintenance of law and order is not within purview of MOD. As always, MOD overstepping its mandate. Militarization is one of the most corrosive legacies of the Rajapaksas.

@newsradiolk

NewsRadio - TNLRN

2 years

Secretary to the Ministry of Defence General Kamal Gunaratne (Rtd) assures that the government will conduct an impartial investigation pertaining to yesterday's incidents. The Defence Secretary requests citizens to refrain from destroying private & public property. #SriLanka #lka

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Ambika Satkunanathan

2 years

Revealing that police who took no action when people such as Gnanasara were engaging in relentless hate speech against Muslims have taken prompt action now against purported hate speech. What is hate speech and how do you identify it?

@NewsWireLK

NewsWire 🇱🇰

2 years

Hate speech on social media against security forces : Suspect arrested

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Ambika Satkunanathan

2 years

#GotaGoHome #OccupyGalleFace Sinhala Buddhist nationalism & militarization are 2 pillars of @GotabayaR ’s ideology & strategy. They’re used to erase multi-ethnic & plural nature of Sri Lanka. This is what destroys “unity”/social harmony. This is what needs to be defeated.

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Ambika Satkunanathan

2 years

Accusing a person of terrorism, esp based on one’s identity,is default strategy to intimidate ppl into silence & create public perception that some identities/groups are anti-natl threats & any state action against them is justified. Seeps into & becomes embedded in public psyche

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Ambika Satkunanathan

2 years

They’ve arrested the 1st to enter Prez Sec. How many will they arrest before they stop - the 200th person? @RW_UNP is using tax payer funds for mass incarceration, esp of young persons, that will have severe adverse impact on society. This isn’t justice. This is vengeance.

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Manjula Basnayake

2 years

A 38 year old male resident of Pannipitiya, the first to forcibly enter the Presidential Secretariat on 09 July arrested by a Police special investigation unit. #Lka

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Ambika Satkunanathan

2 years

‘If the opposition had joined the govt, 37 state ministers wouldn’t have been appointed’, reminds me of, ‘if the woman hadn’t worn a short skirt she wouldn’t have been sexually harassed/if she hadn’t angered him, he wouldn’t have hit her’. Victim blaming from abuser’s playbook.

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Ambika Satkunanathan

2 years

#Militarisation The military devours 14.9% of the national budget & the government chooses to reduce public spending by cutting the salaries of health sector workers. Priorities. Defund the military. Demilitarize. @IMFNews

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Ambika Satkunanathan

2 years

#GotaGoHome2022 3 army tanks. 11.05 am Colpetty junction, Colombo. How many KMs per litre do these trucks do? And yes, the fuel lines are still long. 14.9% of natl budget. Welcome to the reality of the ppl of the North & East even after the end of war. Demilitarize.

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Ambika Satkunanathan

2 years

@AmanthaP Amantha, the mothers of the disappeared in the North & East have been peacefully protesting for more than 1900 days. During this period more than 115 parents have died without knowing the truth about their disappeared family member.

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Ambika Satkunanathan

2 years

When the sexism and misogyny of 🇱🇰 society merge with militarization, the outcome is normalization of sexual harassment, sexual violence etc. When they behave in this manner on a busy CMB street pls think how they would have behaved during the war & even now in the North & East.

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Kanapathy Iyer

2 years

See their body language I don’t know how they treat the girls in their families.

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Ambika Satkunanathan

4 years

1/ The following persons I’ve met in prison have been in prison for several years, even decades. 37 yr old woman on death row. Married at 16 yrs, suffered severe daily domestic violence by husband for years. Complained to police who mediated, which only led to increased violence.

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Ambika Satkunanathan

2 years

1/ My thoughts on support for the (role played by) LTTE. PS: I have been attacked on social media, news websites as well as certain Tamil diaspora media & called traitor, anti-Tamil & pro-military. At the same time govt affiliated ppl have labeled me traitor, anti-natl & LTTE.

@sarithairugal

පැටිස් පොලිටික්ස් (Pattis Politics)

2 years

Several DMs asking me to be take caution when publicly challenging pro-LTTE diaspora. I've heard the stories firsthand, too. Looks like SinBud and pro-LTTE nationalists are both yet to discover that the masters tools can't dismantle the masters house.

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Ambika Satkunanathan

2 years

Majority of ppl are unaware of such violence, targeting a community’s religious & cultural rights. This shows historical violence committed by military & its targeted & intentional nature. Outcome is fear & mistrust & demonstration to Tamils they aren’t equal citizens of SL.

@TnpfOrg

Tamil National People's Front

2 years

April 21, 2022 marks the 36th year of the burning down of the grand chariot of the ancient Selva Channithy Murugan Temple in Thondaimaanaaru by Sri Lanka Army soldiers. 📷: The chariot circa 1984.

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Ambika Satkunanathan

14 days

. @anuradisanayake @Dr_HariniA @100DaysofAKD 1) It feels like Yahapalana 2.0 and I have a sense of deja vu as I watch what is unfolding after the presidential election. I want the Prez to succeed and NPP should get a parliamentary majority because if they don’t, a coalition govt

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Ambika Satkunanathan

7 months

. @RW_UNP why are these ppl being removed by police by force and arrested? Why is their right to practice their religion being violated? In this context, how can you claim the Comm for Truth, Unity and Reconciliation will address concerns of Tamils?

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Kumanan

7 months

🚨Srilanka police resorted to violence against Tamils peacefully participating in Shivratri worship at #vedukkunarimalai Sivan temple , with court permission, disrupting the religious observance, political activists, including @TnpfOrg ,Mp #kajenthiran were arrested by the police.

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Ambika Satkunanathan

2 years

When we demand the right to memorialize victims of war time violations, we must not forget violations such as massacre of Muslims at Kurukkalmadam by LTTE, which are rarely spoken about or memorialized. Families’ right to know the whereabouts of remains is imp part of it.

@ZaikSpeaks

Nuzaik

2 years

This is almost a forgotten plight of Muslims during war. In the month of Hajj Today 12 July marks 32 years, the massacre of Hajj pilgrims (68-80) returning to their home Kattankudy. LTTE taken the convoy at gunpoint from Kurukkalmadam LTTE checkpoint and they never returned. 1/3

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Ambika Satkunanathan

2 years

Army brought in for trade unions’ protest, while Buddhist monks are able to protest near parliament & even burn the Constitution. When even the implementation of 13A elicits such a vicious response, no hope for substantive devolution of power, accountability etc.

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Ambika Satkunanathan

3 years

We have short memories and low standards and are forever settling for the lesser evil.

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Ambika Satkunanathan

2 years

With all due respect, it isn’t Mr Dayan Jayatilleke’s place to lecture Tamil ppl about what they should or shouldn’t do. All the while he erases the need for root causes of the ethnic conflict & historical & continuing violations to be addressed

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Why The North Should Join The Aragalaya, Not Isolate Itself - Colombo Telegraph

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Ambika Satkunanathan

3 years

Protest in Jaffna (Vali North) yesterday 11 April 2022. Slogans: - Expedite resettlement in Vali north - Don’t use violence against ppl - Repeal #PTA - Release lands of ppl in Vali North - Stop militarization of North - No exports, no imports but we are the wonder of Asia.

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Ambika Satkunanathan

2 years

When a political alliance is made best be honest about reasons instead of attempting to whitewash @DullasOfficial . He was part of Rajapaksa brand of ethno-nationalist, anti-minority politics & will likely be influenced by & protect Rajapaksas. Wld be naive to expect anything else

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Eran Wickramaratne

2 years

There are attempts to discredit @DullasOfficial by revisiting an incident to which a formal apology was issued the very next day. While we have political differences, it is imperative that we stand together for all Sri Lankans at this time of crisis. @MASumanthiran

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Ambika Satkunanathan

2 years

Kamal Gunaratne,fmr army officer accused of war crimes & now Secretary, Min of Defence, speaks of what the media should make public & what they should ‘hide’, which shows not only lack of understanding of role of military in a democracy but also can be viewed as a veiled warning.

@NewsWireLK

NewsWire 🇱🇰

2 years

Media shouldn't have published images such as a person bathing in the President's swimming pool with soap - Defense Ministry Secretary General Kamal Gunatatne (Rtd)

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Ambika Satkunanathan

2 years

Video shows protestor being pushed to the ground & assaulted. There are men in camouflage amongst police officers- are they army or STF? I’ll say it for the nth time, state brutality is systemic & normalized. Impunity reigns. Where is the assaulted man now?

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Prasad Welikumbura

2 years

Reasonable force at work. Pretty interesting isn't it? We are lucky that we are living in the information age where the majority of the people hold cameras in their hands. #lka #SriLanka #PoliceBrutality #GoHomeGota #HumanRights #FreedomOfExpression #පන්නමු

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Ambika Satkunanathan

3 years

My response to the @MFASriLanka statement regarding my statement to the @Europarl_EN Sub Committee on Human Rights on 27 Jan 2022. My statement to the Sub Committee can be viewed at @EU_in_Sri_Lanka

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Ambika Satkunanathan

2 years

While ppl chant #GotaGoHome at #OccupyGalleFace Tamil journos are being harassed for it. Anyone wondered why Tamils are reluctant to protest? Eg of how terms like “separatism”, “LTTE” are used to intimidate & silence Tamils. Nilanthan has been harassed by TID for many months.

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JDS

2 years

Police intel. officers have visited families & relatives of #Batticaloa District #Tamil Journalists Union secretary S. Nilanthan & Batticaloa Press Club treasurer P. Sasikaran to inquire abt their social media posts on #GoHomeGota campaign, accusing them of promoting separatism.

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Ambika Satkunanathan

1 year

Does the age old sexist argument that women are emotional and hence unsuited for politics also apply to men who get emotional, scream and call people nasty names? #JustAsking

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Ambika Satkunanathan

3 years

Sinhala Buddhist nationalism (SBN) which lies at core of Prez’s ideology, is key driver in govt policies that caused ethnic conflict & prevented finding a solution to it. SBN also paved way for Gotabaya Rajapaksa to be elected. So, addressing SBN has to be part of any solution.

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Ambika Satkunanathan

3 years

Grateful for the solidarity shown by my colleagues. And by tweeps. Thank you!

@sarojpathi

Saroj Pathirana / සරෝජ් පතිරණ

3 years

161 civil society activists & 47 organisations condemn the statement by the @MFA_SriLanka , in response to the submission made by #HumanRights lawyer & advocate @ambikasat to the EU Parliament's Sub-Committee on Human Rights, recently. #SriLanka #FreedomOfSpeech @AzzamAmeen

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Ambika Satkunanathan

3 years

#OccupyGalleFace 17 April 2022. Families of the disappeared from the South came to #GalleFace today. They’ve waited decades for truth & justice. They still wait. Sri Lanka’s accountability problem isn’t new. It’s entrenched. Impunity isn’t new. It’s entrenched #GotaGoHome

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Ambika Satkunanathan

2 years

#BlackJuly Even now there are many who ask why we speak of 1983. “Why can’t we move on?” they ask. Re-sharing a personal piece I wrote 2 years ago that grapples with why we can’t & shouldn’t “move on”. What we need is to heal. Healing requires truth, accountability, reparations.

@groundviews

Groundviews

4 years

Black July: The Unspoken and the Unspeakable by Ambika Satkunanathan @ambikasat #blackjuly #lka #srilanka

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Ambika Satkunanathan

3 years

Why wasn’t it sung in Tamil? My experience is that ppl often don’t even think there are ppl who don’t speak/read/write Sinhala. They don’t remember Tamil is also an official language. They don’t realize if ppl can’t communicate in own language it denies them access to services.

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