H.T. Ramani Thotagamuwa

Ms Thotagamuwa is 28 years old and lives in Colombo, Sri Lanka. She holds a Bachelor of Law degree, as well has a Diploma in International Affairs, and has had some specific training in human rights. While working for an Attorney-at-Law, she also works part-time as a legal officer for the Family Rehabilitation Centre (FRC), which provides both medical and legal support to torture survivors. Her work at the FRC has involved lecturing on the Legal Aspects of Torture in workshops for various professional groups, providing legal advice to torture victims and other victims of violence, providing free court appearances for prison detainees arrested under Sri-Lanka’s Emergency Regulations, and lobbying and negotiation with government officials. Ms Thotagamuwa feels that, while she has already gained a great deal of theoretical knowledge of HR, she needs to improve her practical knowledge (especially lobbying skills and using new technology) while working as a HR activist. She would like to expand the activities she is involved in at FRC by collaboration with other NGOs working in the field of HR, and the training will provide an opportunity for access to other organisations.