Human Rights Commission summons Prisons Chief

12-Jul-2026

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The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) has summoned the Commissioner General of Prisons and the Superintendent of Welikada Prison over the denial of access to its officials during an unannounced visit on July 7.

In a special statement, the Commission said preventing its officials from entering the prison was a violation of the Human Rights Commission Act No. 21 of 1996.

The HRCSL said it has launched comprehensive investigations into the recent violence at Negombo Prison, the deaths of inmates and prison officers, and subsequent incidents reported at other prisons.

The Commission also expressed serious concern over allegations that transferred inmates had been subjected to torture and ill-treatment, in addition to the denial of access to its officials during the Welikada Prison inspection.