Despite the success achieved by the international community regarding the promotion of international human rights norms and standards in countries other than developed democracies, it would be an illusion to believe that these principles are actually applied in daily life.

In their pursuit of justice, Sri Lankans will learn the difficulties they face come from their dysfunctional criminal justice system. Building a narrative on these difficulties is therefore an essential component of seeking redress for rights violations. These narratives describe not only the difficulties and suffering faced by individuals, but also the nature of various public institutions and the problems within them. This book makes an attempt to understand the obstacles to the realization of human rights norms in Sri Lanka, relating to the constitution, criminal justice system or local traditions. The ideas discussed in the book are the result of practical interventions by way of litigation, providing assistance to victims, and through debates conducted on these issues over a considerable time. Published in 2010, ISBN 978-962-8314-48-5

• Human rights development outside liberal democracies
• Asia: Institutional reforms regarding justice administration must be given primacy to protect human rights in non-rule of law countries
• Abysmal lawlessness and the zero status of citizens
• Militarization and human rights in South Asia
• A discussion on Sri Lanka's 1978 Constitution and impunity
• Writing the narratives of justice -- The case of Gerard Perera
• Litigation aimed at improving criminal justice
• Sri Lanka: A murder tolerating nation
• Sri Lankan politics, from primary school to kindergarten
• Policing in the north and the east
• Police reform prerequisite for return to peace
• Setbacks in criminal justice due to Sri Lanka's political conflicts
• Elimination of corruption and the creating of conditions for transparency, integrity and accountability