Sampath Samarakoon (Convenor) Internet Media Action (IMA)

The landmark Supreme Court verdict finding that the fundamental rights of Mohamed Rifai Mohamed Suhail have been violated has once again exposed the dark reality surrounding Sri Lanka’s law enforcement machinery and freedom of expression. As an Internet Media Action (IMA) standing for rights in the internet and social media space, we are deeply concerned about the serious democratic crisis emerging through this incident.

Stripping nine precious months from a person’s life under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) — based solely on a social media post and without a shred of evidence — is a deeply troubling state of affairs. This arbitrary detention carried out in the name of the law, and the unprofessional conduct of the police who presented fabricated grounds to justify it, is a fatal blow to the Rule of Law.

Of particular concern is the fact that this arrest took place under the very “NPP” government that came to power promising to repeal the PTA — and that under this same administration, repressive new legislation such as the Protection of the State from Terrorism Act (PSTA), which suppresses even digital rights, is being proposed. This gravely calls into question the political conscience of the government. Furthermore, the government cannot absolve itself of responsibility merely because a police officer offered an apology or paid compensation privately — and the President in particular cannot escape this accountability.

Therefore, as Internet Media Action (IMA), we urge the government on the following:

Stop the use of PTA immediately: The use of PTA to persecute those who express opinions must cease at once, and this repressive act must be repealed unconditionally.

Ensure accountability: Strict disciplinary action must be taken against the officers responsible for the arbitrary imprisonment of Suhail.

Protect freedom of expression: All new acts and draft legislation being introduced to suppress freedom of expression — a fundamental right in a democracy — must be withdrawn.

Bring about systemic change: It is essential to ensure that the Police Service operates on the basis of human rights and constitutional standards rather than political interests, and that the Sri Lanka Police be subjected to a deep reform process.

Justice is not merely the compensation received after a wrong has been committed — it is the complete and systemic closure, in law and in practice, of any possibility of such a wrong occurring again.

Sampath Samarakoon (Convenor) Internet Media Action (IMA) +94 777 248304