https://archive.veriteresearch.org/handle/123456789/339 Tue, 21 Apr 2026 17:40:31 GMT 2026-04-21T17:40:31Z https://archive.veriteresearch.org/handle/456/8175 Does the Disqualification of Candidates Invalidate Nomination Papers? Gunatilleke, Gehan The recent Court of Appeal judgement on SLFP MP Geetha Kumarasinghe’s disqualification from Parliament due to her dual citizenship has sparked a debate on whether the disqualification of candidates invalidates nomination papers. This briefing note discusses this issue and argues that nomination papers cannot be invalidated on the basis that a candidate is disqualified from being elected to parliament. 7p. Mon, 01 May 2017 00:00:00 GMT https://archive.veriteresearch.org/handle/456/8175 2017-05-01T00:00:00Z https://archive.veriteresearch.org/handle/456/8174 Condemned but not Deterred : Torture in Sri Lanka Legal Team, Verité Research This brief explains the recent jurisprudence of the Supreme Court and provides insight into the continuing challenges concerning torture in Sri Lanka. It argues that, apart from judicial condemnation of torture, three major issues need to be adequately addressed to deter law enforcement from engaging in torture: (1) the costs and delays in seeking justice; (2) the lack of penal/disciplinary action against the perpetrators; and (3) the adhoc computation of compensation. The brief is presented in three sections. First, it sets out the legal framework pertaining to torture. Next, it explains the four recent landmark cases decided by the Supreme Court. Finally, it explores the three issues that impede meaningful progress on the elimination of torture in Sri Lanka. 10p. Tue, 01 Sep 2020 00:00:00 GMT https://archive.veriteresearch.org/handle/456/8174 2020-09-01T00:00:00Z https://archive.veriteresearch.org/handle/123456789/2285 Restricting the Sale of Liquor to Women: The Public Debate is Misinformed Legal Team The submission includes a draft brief published by the legal team on the liquor ban imposed on women in Sri Lanka, titled “Restricting the Sale of Liquor to Women: The Public Debate is Misinformed”. On 10 January 2018, the Minister of Finance and Mass Media amended Excise Notification No.666 of 31 December 1979. It is widely believed that by this act the Minister revoked a prohibition on the sale of liquor to women. The President and the cabinet responded by asking for the amendments to be reversed. This reversal is widely believed to have reinstated the previous prohibition on women purchasing liquor. Verité Research finds both these views to be poorly informed. Published Article Sat, 01 Sep 2018 00:00:00 GMT https://archive.veriteresearch.org/handle/123456789/2285 2018-09-01T00:00:00Z https://archive.veriteresearch.org/handle/123456789/2284 Brief - The Cabinet Decision to Ban Women from Purchasing Liquor is Unconstitutional Legal Team The submission includes a draft brief on “The Cabinet Decision to Ban Women from Purchasing Liquor is Unconstitutional”. Women are permitted to purchase liquor. On 10 January 2018, the Minister of Finance and Mass Media issued Excise Notification No. 02/2018 under the Excise Ordinance, No. 8 of 1912 (as amended). The new Notification amends Excise Notification No. 666 of 31 December 1979, and removes the ban on the sale of liquor to women ‘within the premises of a tavern’. A tavern is usually defined as ‘a place of entertainment…[or] a house for the retailing of liquors to be drunk on the spot’. Women are therefore entitled to purchase liquor under Sri Lankan law as at 10 January 2018. Moreover, Excise Notification No.666 does not appear to prohibit women from purchasing alcohol in premises that do not constitute a tavern (e.g. supermarkets). Thereby the brief goes on to discuss equality before the law, cabinet decision in question is unconstitutional and the imminent infringement of a fundamental right in relation. Published Article Sat, 01 Sep 2018 00:00:00 GMT https://archive.veriteresearch.org/handle/123456789/2284 2018-09-01T00:00:00Z