The Centre for Society and Religion (CSR) has called for immediate action to be taken against State Minister and Member of Parliament Lohan Ratwatte based on a committee report obtained under the Right to Information (RTI) Act. The report, released on November 24, 2021, by the Justice Ministry's Committee, contains credible evidence of attempted murder, illegal acts, and human rights violations committed by Ratwatte during his visits to Welikada and Anuradhapura Prisons in September 2021.
CSR's Executive Director, Rev. Fr. Rohan Silva, expressed deep concern over the inaction of officials in holding Ratwatte accountable, despite the seriousness of the committee's findings. The report not only highlighted Ratwatte's inappropriate behavior but also concluded that his actions brought disrepute to the government. CSR also expressed alarm that no action had been taken against prison officials and security personnel who failed to fulfill their duty of care and protection during Ratwatte's visits.
The Justice Ministry's refusal to publish the committee report or respond to CSR's RTI request has been condemned by CSR. It took nine months and an appeal to the Right to Information Commission for the report to be released. Furthermore, the report was brought to the attention of the Cabinet in December 2021, but no decision has been reached as of August 2022.
The committee's report, based on consistent and reliable information, outlines several crimes for which credible evidence was found against Ratwatte. These include the use of a weapon in a prison, attempted murder, causing disaffection against the government, and criminal intimidation, among others. The report also reveals multiple failures on the part of prison officials, such as allowing Ratwatte's entry outside permitted hours, permitting unauthorized persons, and falsifying records.
The committee's recommendations include the need for further evidence gathering from prison officials and swift police action, including filing a report to the magistrate. Charges should be filed against Ratwatte under various relevant sections of the law. Additionally, the report suggests installing CCTV cameras and scanners in prisons and empowering prison officials to deny entry to visitors who appear intoxicated.
CSR has made preliminary observations and recommendations, calling for Ratwatte to be investigated and prosecuted under the Torture and ICCPR Acts. They also demand accountability for security officers who facilitated Ratwatte's actions and the prosecution of unauthorized civilians who entered Welikada prison. Disciplinary actions against prison officials involved in the illegal acts are urged, alongside the removal of Ratwatte from his current ministerial position.
Despite the report being available since November 2021, CSR notes the lack of follow-up actions by the Ministry of Justice, the Cabinet, and other relevant authorities. CSR calls on these entities to explain the reasons for their failure to publish the report and take appropriate action for over 17 months.
CSR is currently studying the report further and seeking legal advice on potential follow-up actions. They invite concerned individuals and groups to contribute their inputs and support in addressing the serious issues outlined in the report.
The full committee report can be accessed at https://rticsr.info/lohan-ratwatte-report/.
