Urgent Action: Writer faces up to 10 years jail for story

Shakthika Sathkumara, an award-winning Sri Lankan writer, was arrested on 1 April 2019, for writing a short story and sharing it on his Facebook profile. The fictional story he shared was about life in Buddhist temple, that allegedly hinted at child sexual abuse. He faces up to 10 years in prison if found guilty as he is charged under Section 3(1) of ICCPR Act and Art. 291(B) of the Penal Code of Sri Lanka, which deals with propagating hatred and incitement of racial or religious violence. Detained for peacefully exercising his right to freedom of expression, Shakthika Sathkumara is a prisoner of conscience and must be immediately and unconditionally released and all charges against him dropped. 

Take action.

PLEASE SEND APPEALS BEFORE 9 SEPTEMBER 2019

Please write urgently in your own words or using the template letter in English or Sinhala to:

Attorney General Mr. Dappula de Livera

Attorney General’s Department

Hulftsdorp Street, 

Colombo 12

Sri Lanka

Fax: +94 112 436421

Email: administration@attorneygeneral.gov.lk

Salutation: Dear Mr de Livera

 

Also send copies to diplomatic representatives accredited to your country.

HER EXCELLENCY MISS MANISHA GUNASEKERA High Commission of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka 13 Hyde Park Gardens W2 2LU Tel: 020 7262 1841 Fax: 020 7262 7970 mail@slhc-london.co.uk

Please check with your section before sending appeals after the above date.