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 said its officers were denied entry to Welikada Prison on July 7, despite the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka Act No. 21 of 1996 granting unrestricted access to places of detention without prior notice.
During a meeting chaired by Justice L.T.B. Dehideniya on July 14, prison officials attributed the incident to security concerns arising from tensions between inmates and prison officers and expressed regret over the communication lapse.
However, the Commission said the explanation was unsatisfactory, stressing that any breakdown in prison security should have been promptly communicated.
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 reportedly feared seeking medical care because they believed they could be assaulted if separated from the general prison population.
The Commission also highlighted delays in processing inmate transfers, leaving families unaware of the whereabouts of their relatives. 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, the HRCSL found that some inmates who had completed their prison sentences remained unlawfully detained.
The Commission said it will continue investigating allegations of torture, ill-treatment, and deaths in custody linked to the violence at Negombo Prison and subsequent incidents.
It has directed Welikada Prison officials to fully cooperate with the investigation and issued several recommendations, including:
- Issuing an immediate circular reminding prison officers of the HRCSL’s statutory authority to inspect detention facilities without prior notice.
- Enforcing strict orders prohibiting reprisals against inmates transferred from Negombo Prison, with disciplinary action against any officers found responsible.
- Ensuring the whereabouts of all transferred inmates are disclosed to their next of kin.
- Releasing without delay inmates who have completed their prison sentences.
The HRCSL said these measures are essential to uphold human rights standards and strengthen accountability within Sri Lanka’s prison system.
