The Committee for Protecting Rights of Prisoners (CPRP) has reported receiving two identical death‑threat letters targeting its Executive Director Senaka Perera and Convenor Sudesh Nandimal Silva, prompting urgent appeals for state protection of human rights defenders.
According to CPRP, the letters—dated 17 July 2026 and postmarked 1 August 2026—were delivered on 5 August 2026. They were signed by a group calling itself the “Patriotic Defense Force,” a name not previously associated with any known organisation.
CPRP has lodged a formal police complaint and, on Thursday, formally notified the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL). The organisation requested immediate intervention under HRCSL Guidelines No. 01 of 2024 on the Protection of Human Rights Defenders, as well as the Inspector General of Police (IGP)’s operational directives on safeguarding activists at risk.
CPRP stated that the threats represent a serious escalation in intimidation against individuals advocating for accountability and humane treatment within Sri Lanka’s prison system. The organisation urged authorities to take “swift and effective action” to ensure the safety of all CPRP members and other human rights defenders.
Content of the Threat Letters
Letter addressed to Senaka Perera
Translation provided by CPRP:
“We are keeping a close watch on your actions betraying the prison officers and STF personnel. Aren’t you ashamed to go to Geneva and slander the country? You must stop betraying these officers for money from drug dealers. If you don’t have cases to work on, go wash dogs, that would be much better.Therefore, this is the final warning being given to you. Next time, we won’t just speak like this. We will directly send you six feet under.Keep this well in mind: the prisoners will handle their own issues. Don’t you get involved.
Patriotic Defense Force
17 July”
Letter addressed to Sudesh Nandimal Silva
Translation provided by CPRP:
“The things you are doing are putting the prison officers and military officers in great trouble. You must immediately stop going to Geneva, telling lies about the officers and the country, and trying to betray this nation. Aren’t you ashamed to betray these officers for money from drug dealers?Don’t you worry about the prisoners; they will take care of themselves. Next time, we won’t be talking to you like this.You must immediately stop your work regarding these prisoners. Otherwise, get ready to go six feet under.
We are notifying your big lawyer as well.
Patriotic Defense Force”
CPRP’s Position and Next Steps
The organisation emphasised that these threats appear directly linked to its advocacy work, including international human rights engagement in Geneva. CPRP warned that the language used in the letters indicates a credible risk requiring immediate state intervention.
CPRP called on the government, police, and HRCSL to:
- Ensure protection measures for CPRP leadership and members
- Investigate the origin and authorship of the letters
- Enforce existing HRCSL guidelines and IGP directives on safeguarding human rights defenders
- Prevent further intimidation of civil society actors