Challenges Faced by the Sri Lanka Army on Implementing International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights

Abstract

Ancient rulers respected the ‘laws of war’ ensuring protection, treatment and wellbeing of captured combatants and people. Soldiers fought wars while farmers sowing their paddy fields. During the 2nd century BC King Dutugamunu and King Elara decided to fight each other to decide the victory of war, preventing suffering of mankind. Even after the death of King Elara, King Dutugamunu had given due respect to King Elara. But due to the complicity of the present day operations and weapon system human rights and humanitarian law violations have increased. The last few years saw internationally significant progress towards an international system of justice available to prosecute the war crimes and human rights violations. United Nations imposed economical sanctions on countries, which violate human rights and international humanitarian law. The international community has also shown renewed willingness to deploy troops to stop crimes against humanity. Due to present ongoing conflict, human rights and humanitarian law violations by Sri Lankan Army was highlighted among international community. In the light of rapid globalisation, no country could withstand as single entity. In this context it is worthwhile to study and analyse how this problem could be overcome.