“Rights Now” is a non-profit, non-partisan organization established in Sri Lanka founded in September, 2006. It is a membership based organization governed by a Board of Directors elected by membership at the Annual General Meeting (AGM). “Rights Now” has been registered as a Non-profit sharing limited liability company in Sri Lanka at the Registrar of Companies under the Companies Act No.17 of 1982 as amended in 2007. The Registered office is situated at No. 237/22, Vijaya Kumarathunga Mawatha, Colombo-5, Sri Lanka.
“Rights Now” was founded in 2006 as a collective of Human Rights Defenders including lawyers. This group has been collectively engaged in protection and promotion of Human Rights in Sri Lanka. They have been actively involved in the Human Rights Defenders’ Programme conducted by the Movement for the Defense of Democratic Rights (MDDR) from 2004-2006 and held important positions such as Executive Secretary, Manager, Legal Consultant, Programme Development Officer and Networkin Coordinator. In DAugust 2006, MDDR AGM took a decisive decison to change the leadership of the organization which was amont to paralyze the much needed organizational reform process and subsequently the group, who has been operating the Human Rights Defenders Programme successfully was forced to resign from the posts. The group, after consulting the various partners and stake holders has decided to form an organization to continue their commitment in defense of Human and Democratic Rights in Sri Lanka.
“Rights Now” has been functioning as a volunteer organization and has actively taken part in training, capacity building, advocacy and lobbying activities conducted jointly by the Human Rights Community in Sri Lanka. It has adopted a Constitution at a General Meeting held among the 12 subscribing members and has elected a Board of Directors to govern the Collective. Board of Directors (CC) has elected a Chief Executive Officer, who is responsible to carry out the executive functions of the Collective. CEO has in turn appointed an Executive Committee (EC) from among the members of Board of Directors to assist him to carry out his functions.
“Rights Now” is expected to play a leadership role in bringing together different organizations and individuals including lawyers who are engaged in the work related to protection and promotion of human rights in Sri Lanka.
