UN calls for urgent prison reforms after Negombo prison tragedy

It added that Sri Lanka’s engagement with international human rights instruments relating to the treatment, safety and wellbeing of persons deprived of their liberty provides an important framework for reforms.  

Welcoming the Government’s decision to appoint an independent committee to investigate the incident, the UN said it hoped the committee’s findings would contribute to concrete and lasting improvements in detention facilities across the country. The UN also reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Sri Lanka through technical cooperation aimed at strengthening prison safety, improving detention conditions and enhancing the wellbeing of correctional personnel.