The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) has raised serious concerns over violations of its statutory authority and the treatment of inmates at Welikada and Negombo Prisons, following a meeting with prison officials earlier this month. The Commission reported that on July 7, its staff were denied entry to Welikada Prison, despite the HRCSL Act No. 21 of 1996 granting the Commission unrestricted access to places of detention without prior notice. At a meeting chaired by Justice L.T.B. Dehideniya on July 14, prison officials explained that tensions among inmates and officers had created security concerns, but expressed regret for the lapse in communication. Commissioners, however, noted that the explanation was unsatisfactory and stressed that failure to communicate breakdowns in prison security was unacceptable. During subsequent visits, HRCSL officers received complaints from inmates transferred from Negombo Prison alleging reprisals, including torture, denial of medical treatment, and other forms of ill‑treatment. Some inmates were reportedly reluctant to seek medical care for fear of assault when separated from the general prison population. The Commission also highlighted delays in processing inmate transfers, leaving families unaware of their relatives’ whereabouts. It warned that prolonged failure to disclose the location of detainees could amount to an offence under the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance Act, No. 5 of 2018. In addition, HRCSL found that some inmates due for release after completing their sentences remained unlawfully detained. The Commission announced that it will continue investigations into allegations of torture, ill‑treatment, and deaths in custody linked to violence at Negombo Prison and subsequent events. It directed Welikada officials to fully cooperate and issued a series of recommendations, including: Immediate circular reminding prison officers of the Commission’s statutory authority to inspect detention facilities without notice. Strict orders prohibiting reprisals against inmates transferred from Negombo Prison, with disciplinary action against violators. Disclosure of whereabouts of all transferred inmates to their next‑of‑kin. Timely release of inmates who have completed their prison sentences. HRCSL underscored that these measures are essential to uphold human rights standards and restore accountability within the prison system. (Newswire)
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