HRCSL says Welikada Prison denied access to its officials, raises concerns

Colombo, July 16 (Daily Mirror) - The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) has expressed serious concern over the denial of access to its officers at Welikada Prison earlier this month, stating that the incident violated its legal powers to enter places of detention without prior notice.

The matter was discussed at a meeting held on July 14, chaired by HRCSL Chairman Justice L.T.B. Dehideniya, following an incident on July 7 in which Commission officers were denied entry to the prison.

According to the HRCSL, prison officials said access had been refused due to an unstable security situation within the prison. The officials expressed regret over not informing the Commission's officers of the circumstances and assured that such an incident would not recur.

However, the Commission said it was not satisfied with the explanation provided, noting that the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka Act, No. 21 of 1996, grants it the authority to enter places of detention at any time without prior notice.

During the meeting, the HRCSL also raised concerns over allegations of reprisals against inmates transferred from Negombo Prison, including claims of torture, denial of medical treatment, delays in informing families about inmates' whereabouts, and the continued detention of prisoners who had already completed their sentences.

The Commission directed Welikada Prison officials to fully cooperate with its ongoing investigation into allegations of torture, ill-treatment and deaths in custody following the violence at Negombo Prison.

It also recommended that prison authorities ensure the Commission's statutory right of access to places of detention is respected, prevent reprisals against transferred inmates, promptly inform families of inmates' whereabouts, and immediately release prisoners who have completed their sentences.