About Us
Why we formed
Between January and May 2009, an estimated 40,000-70,000 Tamil civilians were killed in Sri Lanka's north as the government launched a final offensive against the LTTE, ending a 26-year civil war. The government repeatedly shelled 'No Fire Zones' where civilians had gathered, targeting hospitals, food distribution centres, and UN facilities. The LTTE also prevented civilians from fleeing, using many as human shields.
Despite numerous UN investigations highlighting violations by both the government and the LTTE, almost no one has been held accountable for these crimes. Allegations of mass disappearances, arbitrary detention, extra-judicial killings, torture, and sexual violence remain unaddressed.
Our conviction is that impunity for human rights abuses is the root cause of multiple cycles of mass violence on the island. The successive governments’ ongoing oppression of victims and minorities, particularly in terms of violence, language rights, land ownership and political representation, is continuing to fuel the grievances that lie at the root of Sri Lanka’s ethnic conflict.
Despite the end of the war, reports of enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings and torture of detainees continue, especially for those suspected of having links to the LTTE or involved in political dissent. Arbitrary arrests and prolonged detentions without trial are made under the draconian Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA). Freedom of expression is being suppressed with human rights defenders and journalists experiencing censorship and harassment. Militarisation continues in the Northern and Eastern provinces, displacing local communities. Labour rights are frequently violated, and trade union activities suppressed. Sexual and gender- based violence remains prevalent, with limited access to justice for survivors. When resistance is shown through peaceful protests, efforts are met with excessive force by security forces. Unless the government changes course- and without truth and accountability for past crimes- real reconciliation and sustainable peace will remain elusive.
To learn more about the human rights violations, visit the Reports and FAQ sections on our website.
Organisational Structure
The Sri Lanka Campaign is entirely non-profit and independent and is managed by the Campaign Director with support from a Communications Coordinator and a Strategy Coordinator. A Board of Directors and a group of independent human rights advisors provide strategic and advisory support. All board members and advisors are unpaid and all support the Campaign in their personal capacities to maintain its independence.
You can find out more about how we are funded by looking at our most recent accounts.
Board of Directors
The Campaign’s decision-making body is its Board of Directors. The Board decides on the Campaign’s organisational structure, overall objectives, and work programme. The Campaign Director is an ex-officio member of the Board but does not have a vote.
The current board members are:
- Ingrid Massage (Chair)
- Yolanda Foster
- Simon Long
- Aura Freeman
Staff
- Yvonne S. Schofield (Campaign Director)
- Mia Gray (Communications Coordinator)
- Chrystine Mhanna (Deputy Campaign Director)
Volunteers
The Campaign relies on a dedicated team of unpaid volunteers, drawn from a variety of ethnic and professional backgrounds. Our volunteers carry out a range of roles, including undertaking research, contributing articles, and fundraising.
Interested in getting involved?
Advisory Council
The Campaign is supported by a group of advisors. These influential figures come from all walks of life and regions of the world and support the Campaign’s three main objectives: to achieve genuine reconciliation based on accountability for violations of international law, to build respect for human rights and the rule of law, and to support efforts within Sri Lankan civil society to promote a just and lasting peace.
