The Centre for Justice – Sri Lanka (CfJ) traces its roots to the Undergraduate Association for Policy Alternatives (UGAPA), established in 2009 by a group of socially conscious undergraduates from various faculties of state universities. Initially formed as a platform to address policy alternatives, UGAPA was officially registered as a Volunteer Social Services Association under the Voluntary Social Services Organizations (Registration and Supervision) Act, No. 31 of 1980, on May 19, 2009.
Early Years (2009-2018)
In its early years, UGAPA focused on community-oriented educational initiatives and programs aimed at improving the welfare of undergraduates. The organization also engaged in social service and disaster management activities, such as providing flood relief. Notably, UGAPA developed frameworks to combat ragging outside university premises and spearheaded the creation of a regionally confined declaration establishing a ragging-free zone.
Transformation into Centre for Justice – Sri Lanka
A significant transformation occurred in 2018 when UGAPA underwent a complete overhaul and was renamed the Centre for Justice – Sri Lanka. This change, officially registered on May 23, 2018, marked a redefinition of the organization’s objectives, transitioning its focus to public interest litigation and human rights promotion.
Milestones in Public Interest Litigation
Since its transformation, CfJ has undertaken several landmark initiatives to ensure access to justice and the protection of human rights in Sri Lanka:
- Equal Treatment in Education: CfJ championed the rights of state school students through a public interest complaint to the Human Rights Commission in Centre for Justice v. Ministry of Education. This case ensured equal access to free school textbooks for all students.
- Minority Rights Advocacy: The organization successfully challenged the arbitrary reduction of teacher-student intake for Islam and Christianity subjects in colleges of education, thereby safeguarding the educational rights of minority communities.
- Wildlife Conservation: In President, Centre for Justice v. Sooriya Bandara, Director of Wildlife Department, CfJ filed a writ application in the Court of Appeal. The case compelled state agencies to take measures to protect elephants and mitigate human-elephant conflicts in Sri Lanka’s eastern region.
- Innovative Legal Initiatives: CfJ set a precedent in Centre for Justice (Guaranteed Limited) v. Commissioner, Municipal Council Kalmunai by utilizing the ICCPR Act No. 56 of 2007 to file a human rights application in a provincial high court, an area traditionally reserved for the Supreme Court under the 2nd Republican Constitution.
Incorporation and Present Focus
CfJ is now incorporated as a company limited by guarantee under the Companies Act, No. 7 of 2007. The organization remains steadfast in its commitment to promoting human rights, engaging in impactful public interest litigation, and ensuring equal treatment for all citizens. It continues to set benchmarks in advocacy and legal reform, championing justice and equality across Sri Lanka.