Rights group criticizes Sri Lanka's rights record

20 May, 2013 - An international human rights group says respect for basic rights and liberties has declined in Sri Lanka in the four years since the government defeated separatist Tamil rebels to end a civil war. Human Rights Watch said the Sri Lankan government has yet to follow through on its assurances to the United Nations to investigate allegations of war crimes by all sides. The group's Asia director, Brad Adams, says the government has rejected investigations, placed restrictions on the media and continued wartime abuses such as torture. Sri Lanka's quarter-century-long civil war ended in May 2009. The government held a military parade and war heroes memorial ceremony over the weekend to mark the victory over Tamil rebels. (Source: AP)