TAMIL INFORMATION CENTRE
Cordially invite you to join the discussion on

National Security Laws in Sri Lanka: Impunity and Accountability
Tuesday, 15 March 2011
Committee Room 9, Houses of Parliament, London SW1
6.00 – 9.00pm

States must provide acceptable justification for introducing specific measures on the basis of protecting
national security. Certain basic rights, such as the right to life and to be free from torture or degrading
treatment, may never be restricted. The counter-terrorism and emergency laws in Sri Lanka are
inconsistent with the country’s obligations under international human rights treaties that it has signed.
These laws have generated the pervasive abuse of power, encouraged impunity, and undermined the rule
of law and accountability.

The Chair
Edward Davey, MP for Kingston & Surbiton and
Minister for Employment Relations, Consumer and Postal Affairs
The Speakers
Yolanda Foster
South Asia Desk (Sri Lanka, Nepal) at Amnesty International
“Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) & Emergency Regulations (ER) in Sri Lanka: An Overview”
Charu Hogg
Fellow of the Asia Programme at Chatham House
“PTA & ERs in Sri Lanka: Impact on the Rights of Children”
Farah Mihlar
Media Officer, Minority Rights Group International
The Impact of National Security Laws on minorities
Fr J J Bernard OMI
Co-ordinator for Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation for Asia and Oceania Region, and former
Director of the Centre for Peace and Reconciliation, Sri Lanka
The status of human rights defenders in Sri Lanka

Comments from refugees, asylum seekers and family members affected by the Prevention of Terrorism
Act and the Emergency Regulations, supporting community orgnisations and NGOs; discussion of
strategies for urging the Sri Lankan government to bring the national security legislation into line with
international human rights norms and standards.
For more information contact TIC at admin.tic@sangu.org