The US has welcomed the release of Ms Balendran Jeyakumari, a human rights activists, who had been detained without charge for a year.
Speaking at the daily press briefing of the State Departmen, spokesperson Jen Psaki said,
"The United States welcomes the March 10th release of eight Sri Lankan detainees, including human rights activist Balendran Jeyakumari, who had been arrested under the previous administration and held without charge. We understand Ms. Jeyakumari has been released on bail pending trial, and we encourage the Government of Sri Lanka to afford the individuals and all detainees due process of law. We applaud this positive step and encourage the government to continue its efforts to ensure human rights and fundamental freedoms for all Sri Lankans."
Ms Jeyakumari and her teenage daughter Vipoosika were detained on March 13 2014, by Sri Lanka’s anti-terror police under the draconian Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA). Vipoosika was later released, however, her mother was transferred to Boosa prison, notorious for its endemic use of torture and sexual violence against Tamil detainees.
Released Tamil disappearances activist yet to be given official identity documents (13 March 2015)
Tamil disappearances activist granted bail by Sri Lankan court (10 March 2015)
Tamils fearful after disappearances campaigner and daughter arrested by SL police (13 Mar 2014)