( Ruki Fernando © s.desshapriya)
The travel ban imposed by the former Rajapaksa regime against the Human Rights and civil society activist Ruki Fernando has been removed today the 30th but the media censorship is still reports to be in force.
The travel ban which was imposed in 2014 March by the Terrorist Investigation Department (TID) was lifted after 15months. Following the travel ban Ruki Fernando had to obtain special permission from the courts 14 times to travel overseas. Sometimes he had to appear twice before the courts. Due to this restriction he had to abstain travelling to overseas for Human Rights activities. Sometimes despite court permission the immigration obstructed him from travelling.
In March 16th 2014 Ruki Fernando was arrested following the allege shooting of the director of Peace and Reconciliation Rev. Praveen from Kilinochchi. Later he was baselessly charged for helping the LTTE to reorganize and giving information to the foreign countries. There are reports that the Terrorist Investigation Unit still continue to investigate about Ruki Fernando
– LNW