Publication

This paper examines the reasons for the Sri Lankan judiciary's failure to protect constitutional and human rights. It argues that, rather than assuaging conflict, the courts have corroded the rule of law and worsened ethnic tensions. According to the authors, extensive reform of the judicial system – beginning with a change in approach from the newly appointed chief justice – and an overhaul of counterproductive emergency laws are essential if the military defeat of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) is to lead to a lasting peace that has the support of all ethnic communities.