Human Rights Commission cancels scheduled meeting, causing inconvenience to farmers

By Indika Sri Aravinda

Sri Lanka Human Rights Commission’s abrupt cancellation of a scheduled meeting yesterday has left several farmer organizations frustrated and disappointed, as they travelled from Embilipitiya to Colombo, incurring significant expenses in the process.   
The farmers were summoned in response to a complaint filed in 2023, alleging violations of their fundamental rights linked to the installation of solar panels at  Chandrika wewa and Kiri Ibbanara wewa in Embilipitiya.   
Representatives from the Walawa Farmers’ Rights Protection Organization and the Water Consumers’ Union, which encompasses seven farmer organizations, arrived at the Commission only to find that the hearing was postponed due to the absence of other parties and the Commission’s lack of preparedness for the investigation. The farmers were informed that they will need to return in March for their grievances to be addressed.   
The cost of transportation for the farmers has already mounted, with the group spending Rs. 50,000 on a van rental for yesterday’s trip. With another meeting now required next month, they will face an additional expense of Rs. 50,000. The disappointment among the farmers was palpable, as they voiced their frustration over what they see as negligence on the part of the Sri Lanka Human Rights Commission.   
The controversial solar panel project at the heart of the complaint was approved by the Sunithaya Energy Authority, following recommendations from former Minister of Power and Energy, Pavithra Wanniarachchi. The farmers argue that the project has infringed upon their rights, and they are eager for their voices to be heard.   
Efforts to reach Nimal Punchihewa, the Commissioner of the Sri Lanka Human Rights Commission, for comment on the situation were unsuccessful. Nevertheless, the farmers remain hopeful that their concerns will be adequately addressed in the rescheduled session in March.