Award-winning writer Shakthika Sathkumara has called on Sri Lankans who are advocating for freedom of thought and expression to actively intervene to save themselves from the danger of being imprisoned for up to 10 years if the Attorney General’s Department misuses a bill aimed at protecting human rights. .
“I also face the risk of up to 10 years in prison if the Attorney General’s Department files charges under the ICCPR.”
Writer Shakthika Sathkumara, who has been out on bail for more than four months due to a short story published under the title ‘Ardha’, has made this request to express his gratitude for joining hands with me for a year and a half for freedom of thought and expression and for future legal action. Addressing the people who value freedom of expression, especially in the media.
Writer Shakthika Sathkumara was remanded in custody on April 1, 2019 under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) on charges of insulting Buddhism by publishing a short story on the internet entitled “Ardha” and was released on bail after 130 days in prison on August 08, 2019.
The case will be heard in the Polgahawela Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, February 9, 2021 at 9 am and the fundamental rights petition filed by him in the Colombo Supreme Court will be heard on Wednesday, March 24, 2021 at 9 am. Urges all Sri Lankans to stand up for freedom of expression.
Shakthika Sathkumara, who served as a Development Officer in the Public Service when he was imprisoned, was reinstated in the Public Service on December 2, 2019.
In his letter, Shakthika Sathkumara informs him that he is now on duty as usual and thanked all those who were a source of strength to him and his family during the bitter and bitter experience he faced during the past year.
According to the letter, Shakthika Sathkumara has been released on bail every two weeks between 9 am and 12 noon on Sundays.
Writer Shakthika Sathkumara points out that in such a situation he still has “partial” freedom.