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Scholar at Risk: Interview with Sunila Abeysekera

October 1st Sunila Abeysekera visited UiB Global and the Bergen Bergen Resource Centre for International Development to speak about violence and militarization on Sri Lanka.

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Sunila Abeysekera has experienced threats from several actors. Both from the Sri Lankan government, and the opposition which claims she works for the government. Her agenda is nevertheless clear: Human rights must be respected, and violations of these rights must be prosecuted.

UiB participates in the Scholars at Risk network. "To know I'm safe for a year or two gives breathing space. It provides time to think, work and write. And to gather strength to travel back home to continue working against oppression".

"The militarization of the Sri Lankan society has gone far now. The military and government officials are almost immune to prosecution, even though they break the law. Violence, disappearances, rape, and unlawful use of custody is still taking place on Sri Lanka", she says.

Read the complete interview in "På Høyden" [Norwegian language]