The former Chairperson of the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) and incumbent Head of the Legal Department at the University of Peradeniya, Prof. Deepika Udagama emphasised the importance of promoting civic education and economic rights among citizens. 

She made these remarks during an event held on Tuesday (10) to mark the International Human Rights Day under the theme ‘Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now’. Delivering the keynote speech, stressed the need for stronger civic education to protect human rights. She explained that many Sri Lankans do not fully understand governance or their rights as citizens. “Civic education in our country is very weak. It is essential to teach these concepts through curriculum reforms. Even subjects like science including science, technology, engineering and mathematics education should include civic education. Many people dismiss the social sciences and humanities as unimportant, but, they are essential for understanding governance and living in a politically organised society,” she said.  

Discussing economic and social rights, Prof. Udagama noted that Sri Lankans only began to recognise their importance during the Covid-19 pandemic and the recent economic crisis. “In 2016, during the constitutional reforms process, some advisors argued that economic rights should not be included in the Constitution. However, during public consultations, many people demanded economic rights. The pandemic and economic collapse made us realise how vital economic and social rights are for survival. For example, in South Korea, when the President imposed martial law, people took to the streets and overturned the decision within six hours. Even in a solid democracy like South Korea, civic action is key to protecting rights. This shows how powerful citizens can be,” Prof. Udagama said.