Human Rights Commission Issues Warning Letter to Government Departments

06-Jul-2025

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The Sri Lanka Human Rights Commission has notified all government institutions that, under the Human Rights Commission Act, there is no legal provision for appeals against recommendations issued by the Commission. Therefore, citing appeals as grounds for non-implementation is legally untenable, and failure to comply with recommendations will attract further action.

In a letter sent by the Commission’s Chairperson, retired Supreme Court Justice L.R.B. Dehideniya, to Ministry Secretaries, Provincial Chief Secretaries, Heads of Departments, Corporations, and Statutory Bodies, it was reiterated that all respondents are obligated to implement recommendations arising from investigations under the 1996 Human Rights Commission Act, No. 21.

Further, a general administrative circular issued on 5 October 2005 by the Secretary of the Ministry of Public Administration and Home Affairs instructed all relevant officials to comply with recommendations.

Additionally, Section 15(7) of the Act requires the relevant person to report to the Commission on steps taken or proposed within the timeframe stipulated in the recommendation.

Despite this, certain institutions have claimed non-implementation on the grounds that appeals had been submitted.

However, since the Act provides no mechanism for appeals, it must be understood that no legal basis exists to delay implementation by citing appeals.

Finally, the Commission has stated that if recommendations are not implemented, the responsible officials and institutions will be held accountable for any actions taken by the Commission.