The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka has informed His Excellency the President of the steps taken to implement recommendations made by the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) following the Commission’s successful reaccreditation with ‘A’ Status in May 2024. Following a detailed evaluation, the GANHRI Sub-Committee on Accreditation (SCA) confirmed that the HRCSL continues to comply with the Paris Principles relating to the status and functioning of National Human Rights Institutions. The Commission’s mandate, appointment process, and institutional work were recognized as meeting international standards. In its communication to the President, the HRCSL outlined measures already undertaken to strengthen its operations, including conducting unannounced visits to places of deprivation of liberty, enhancing cooperation with international and domestic human rights bodies, engaging with civil society organizations, promoting financial autonomy, ensuring pluralism and diversity among staff, and addressing human rights violations such as torture, custodial deaths, enforced disappearances, discrimination, and violence. The HRCSL also submitted several proposals to amend the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka Act, No. 21 of 1996, with the objective of fully implementing the recommendations made by the SCA. The proposed amendments include: · strengthening the HRCSL’s mandate to engage with international human rights mechanisms; · ensuring greater financial autonomy through direct budgetary allocations and independent financial management; · promoting pluralism and gender diversity in staff appointments; · limiting commissioners to a maximum of two terms; · improving transparency and inclusiveness in the appointment process of commissioners through public calls for applications and consultation with civil society organizations; and · strengthening the implementation of HRCSL recommendations by recognizing non-compliance as an offence of contempt against the authority of the Commission. The HRCSL further noted that the proposed provision relating to contempt is consistent with similar provisions contained in the Women Empowerment Act, No. 37 of 2024, which has already undergone constitutional scrutiny.
Women Human Rights Defenders (WHRDs) in the Northern and Eastern Provinces of Sri Lanka face unique difficulties to which the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) wishes to draw attention. The armed conflict, which ended in 2009, created lasting challenges, including enforced disappearances, land disputes, the status of ex-combatants, the struggles of women-headed households, and livelihood development. WHRDs in the North and East work to address these concerns through social work, community engagement, and protests. However, the HRCSL notes that these activists face significant obstacles that hinder their efforts and negatively affect the delivery of services and support to vulnerable groups. These obstacles range from gender-based violence, cultural and social stigma, and resource constraints to mistreatment by law enforcement officials. This statement reiterates the HRCSL’s General Guidelines and Recommendations No. 1 of 2024 on the Protection of Human Rights Defenders, specifically highlighting the challenges concerning mistreatment by law enforcement officials. The HRCSL has actively engaged WHRDs on the ground, carefully documenting and entertaining formal complaints. It has noted a concerning increase in interventions by officers of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and the Counter-Terrorism & Investigation Division (CTID) in 2025. Reports based on formal complaints, field visits, and stakeholder meetings highlight fundamental rights violations involving the freedoms of thought, conscience, religion, expression, peaceful assembly, and lawful occupation.
Women Human Rights Defenders (WHRDs) in the Northern and Eastern Provinces of Sri Lanka face unique difficulties to which the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) wishes to draw attention. The armed conflict, which ended in 2009, created lasting challenges, including enforced disappearances, land disputes, the status of ex-combatants, the struggles of women-headed households, and livelihood development. WHRDs in the North and East work to address these concerns through social work, community engagement, and protests. However, the HRCSL notes that these activists face significant obstacles that hinder their efforts and negatively affect the delivery of services and support to vulnerable groups. These obstacles range from gender-based violence, cultural and social stigma, and resource constraints to mistreatment by law enforcement officials. This statement reiterates the HRCSL’s General Guidelines and Recommendations No. 1 of 2024 on the Protection of Human Rights Defenders, specifically highlighting the challenges concerning mistreatment by law enforcement officials. The HRCSL has actively engaged WHRDs on the ground, carefully documenting and entertaining formal complaints. It has noted a concerning increase in interventions by officers of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and the Counter-Terrorism & Investigation Division (CTID) in 2025. Reports based on formal complaints, field visits, and stakeholder meetings highlight fundamental rights violations involving the freedoms of thought, conscience, religion, expression, peaceful assembly, and lawful occupation.
The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) has recommended that the Government of Sri Lanka ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on a Communications Procedure (CRC–OP3). The HRCSL submitted its recommendations to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Minister of Women and Child Affairs on 05 March 2026. In line with HRCSL’s statutory mandate to advise the Government on the promotion and protection of human rights and Sri Lanka’s obligations under international human rights law, the HRCSL emphasized that the ratification of CRC–OP3 would strengthen access to justice and provide an additional mechanism for children to seek effective remedies when their rights are violated. The Commission therefore encouraged the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs to take the necessary steps to support and facilitate the ratification of CRC–OP3 by Sri Lanka.
The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) has issued a statement to clarify matters relating to a protest campaign staged by one of its staff members at the premises of the Head Office. This marks the second such protest organized by the same staff member. The first protest was held on 10 December 2025.
The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) expresses its deep concern regarding emerging threats to the freedom of expression in Sri Lanka, particularly the ability of journalists to carry out their professional duties without interference. The Commission is especially disturbed by a growing trend in which law enforcement authorities initiate investigations into allegedly defamatory speech, including speech by journalists. In a recent and particularly troubling instance, Mr. Tharindu Jayawardena, a journalist and a member of the HRCSL Sub-Committee on Freedom of Expression, was summoned for a police inquiry without adequate disclosure of the reasons for such summons.
The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) has written to the Secretary to the Treasury on 10th December 2025 regarding the Empowerment Programme intended for victims of the recent disaster. The Commission has acknowledged and appreciated the issuance of Circular No. 08/2025 dated 05 December 2025, which pertains to the emergency situation arising from the adverse weather conditions caused by the “Ditwah” cyclone. HRCSL observed that the circular is intended to rapidly reinstate the livelihoods of people in affected areas and that it covers a wide range of persons and sectors. However, the Commission has identified that the circular does not give adequate weight or specific attention to the needs and concerns of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).Chairman’s Message – International Human Rights Day 2025
The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) has joined the global community in marking Human Rights Day 2025 under the theme “Human Rights: Our Everyday Essentials.” The Commission notes that this theme is especially relevant to Sri Lanka as the country recovers from one of the most severe natural disasters in recent history. Over the past few weeks, continuous floods and landslides have devastated several districts, claiming lives and displacing thousands of families. Homes, schools, and critical infrastructure have been destroyed, leaving communities struggling to regain stability. The HRCSL highlights that beyond the visible destruction, the disaster has exposed long-standing inequalities, weaknesses in disaster preparedness, and the limitations of existing social protection and emergency response systems. According to the Commission, the crisis is a stark reminder that access to safe shelter, clean water, healthcare, education, and security are not optional comforts during peaceful times but essential human rights that must guide national response and recovery efforts.
The International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances is observed annually on 30th August, as proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in December 2010 (Resolution 65/209). The day aims to raise awareness of enforced disappearances where individuals are secretly abducted or detained by state authorities or their agents, followed by a refusal to disclose their fate or whereabouts and to recognise the suffering of victims, their families, and communities. This day also reaffirms the global call on states to prevent enforced disappearances, investigate reported cases, punish perpetrators, ensure truth and accountability, and provide reparations to victims. It further promotes the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance, which came into force in 2010. Sri Lanka ratified this Convention in 2016 and subsequently enacted the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance Act, No. 5 of 2018. The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) acknowledges the deep and continuing suffering endured by victims and their families, many of whom still live with unanswered questions about the fate of their loved ones. Enforced disappearances remain one of the gravest violations of human rights, undermining dignity, liberty, and justice.
The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) has addressed a letter, dated 18 August 2025, to the Inspector General of Police. The purpose of this communication is to highlight the allocation of resources and the institutional reforms required for the Sri Lanka Police to effectively carry out its mandate. The Commission emphasizes that these measures are necessary to ensure the police service is performed in line with human rights norms and principles.
The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) has written to the Ministry of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs regarding the draft Non-Governmental Organisations (Registration and Supervision) Bill, which we understand is being formulated by your Ministry. The Commission further understands that the proposed Bill seeks to provide for the registration and supervision of non-governmental organisations, and to repeal the Voluntary Social Services Organisations (Registration and Supervision) Act, No. 31 of 1980. In this regard, we respectfully request that a copy of the draft Bill be shared with the Commission, in order to enable us to discharge our mandate under section 10(c) of the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka Act, No. 21 of 1996. This provision empowers the Commission to “advise and assist the Government in formulating legislation… in furtherance of the promotion and protection of fundamental rights.”
The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) wishes to reiterate the legal obligation of all state institutions to implement the Commission’s recommendations issued following inquiries conducted under the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka Act, No. 21 of 1996. On 19 June 2025, the Commission issued an official communication to all secretaries to ministries, provincial and chief secretaries, heads of departments, heads of corporations, and statutory boards, reminding them of this obligation. In accordance with section 15(7) of the Act, the HRCSL has the authority to set a final date by which state institutions must inform the Commission of the steps taken to implement its recommendations. This requirement is legally binding on all public authorities. Furthermore, Public Administration Circular No. 17/2005 issued by the Ministry of Public Administration and Home Affairs also directs public institutions to ensure the implementation of HRCSL recommendations.
The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka has issued the following guidelines and recommendations: The Guideline for police officers to protect transgender persons. Awareness regarding the powers vested in the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka by the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka Act. General Guidelines and Recommendations No. 1 of 2025 to Sri Lanka Police on Preventing Custodial and Encounter Deaths. General Guidelines and Recommendations No. 1 of 2024 on the Protection of Human Rights Defenders. Accordingly, the HRCSL acknowledges and appreciates the circular issued by the Inspector General of Police (IGP) on 20.06.2025, which seeks to operationalize the above guidelines and ensure the Sri Lanka Police are adequately informed and trained on their implementation.
The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) is actively engaging stakeholders on the issue of enforced disappearance, particularly in preparation for a parallel report to be submitted to the United Nations Committee on Enforced Disappearance. Sri Lanka, as a party to the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance since 2016, enacted specific legislation in 2018 to fulfill its obligations and recently submitted its own national report on compliance with the Convention. As part of its efforts, the HRCSL has launched public consultations through its regional offices and is calling for relevant stakeholders, including families of missing persons and civil society organisations, to contribute their insights and recommendations. This feedback, due by 30 November 30 2024, will be incorporated into the HRCSL’s parallel report. The UN Committee will review both the national and parallel reports to assess Sri Lanka’s progress on the issue. The input gathered from these consultations will play a crucial role in highlighting areas of concern with respect to enforced disappearances in Sri Lanka.
The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) wrote to H.E. the President on 15 October 2024 on section 12 of the Public Security Ordinance. An Order was published in Extraordinary Gazette No. 2403/47 dated 26 September 2024 under the said section calling out all the members of the Sri Lanka Army, Sri Lanka Navy, and Sri Lanka Air Force ‘for the maintenance of public order’ in every administrative district of Sri Lanka with effect from 27 September 2024 onward for one month. The HRCSL brought to H.E. the President’s attention the strict criteria in section 12(1) of the Ordinance and pointed out that under the said section, the President would be required to form the view that exceptional circumstances endangering public security have arisen and that Sri Lanka Police are not capable of maintaining public order in the country.
The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka notified the Chairman of the National Election Commission by a letter dated 19 September 2024, on the need to raise awareness of legal procedures relating to preferential votes in the upcoming presidential election scheduled for 21 September 2024. In the event the counting of second or third preferential votes could influence the election results, it is crucial to develop an appropriate action plan to prevent any misinformation or incitement to violence that may arise as a reaction to the election outcome.
The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka expresses its concern with respect to the ‘Yukthiya’ Operation implemented by Sri Lanka Police and the Ministry of Public Security. It notes that the Ministry is reported to have announced that over 20,000 suspects have been arrested under the operation in just two weeks, i.e., 17 December to 31 December 2023. The stated objective of the operation is to combat drug trafficking and organised crime. The Commission acknowledges that preventing organised crime and the trafficking of dangerous narcotics is an important objective. However, the Commission has received a number of complaints concerning torture, cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment, and arbitrary arrests and detention associated with the ‘Yukithiya’ Operation. We also note the recent statement of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka raising serious concerns with respect to the said operation. The operation has accordingly become associated with reports of widespread injustice, making its very title ‘Yukthiya’ (the Sinhala term for ‘justice’) a misnomer.
The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) wrote to the Hon. Attorney-General regarding the possible enforced disappearance of one Mr. Gonapinuwala Kapila Kumara De Silva, a resident of Horowpathana, Anuradhapura. The letter provided details with respect to Mr De Silva’s alleged disappearance on 26 March 2024. Following a complaint made by Mr De Silva’s mother to the HRCSL, the HRCSL inquired into the whereabouts of Mr De Silva. In response to a request for information, the Special Task Force of Sri Lanka Police reported to the HRCSL on 12 April 2024 that he was not in its custody but was wanted in relation to a shooting incident. Following several weeks in which his whereabouts were unknown, Mr De Silva was handed over to the Pitigala Police Station on 20 April 2024 and was produced before the Elpitiya Magistrate’s Court on 21 April 2024. In a statement given to the HRCSL, Mr. De Silva alleged that on 26 March 2024, he was abducted in what he described as a ‘white van’ by persons who claimed they were ‘police officers’. Mr. De Silva alleged that he was blindfolded and taken to an unidentified location at which he was interrogated for several days in relation to a shooting incident. Mr De Silva alleged that his interrogators assaulted him and threatened to execute him. He also alleged that following realisation that he was not the suspect they were looking for, the said interrogators decided to hand him over to ‘police custody’. He alleged that he was then handed over to a team of officials, who eventually handed him over to the Pitigala Police Station. The HRCSL informed the Hon. Attorney-General that it is of the view that there are reasonable grounds to believe that an offence under section 3 of the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance Act, No. 5 of 2018 may have been committed. It also cited section 15(1) of the Act, which provides that ‘no person shall be held in secret detention’. It recommended that the Hon. Attorney-General consider providing the requisite advice to Sri Lanka Police to initiate a criminal investigation into the possible enforced disappearance of Mr. de Silva. It also urged the Hon. Attorney-General to consider, if applicable, the initiation of proceedings before the High Court under and in terms of the Act.
The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka wrote to the Hon. Attorney-General regarding the occurance of torture, and custodial and encounter deaths involving Sri Lanka Police. In its letter, the Commission observed that over 200 complaints with regard to torture had been received by its head office in Colombo in 2023. Complaints relating to six custodial deaths and two encounter deaths were also received in the first six months of 2023. The Commission shared its Draft General Guidelines and Recommendations to Sri Lanka Police on Preventing Custodial and Encounter Deaths, launched on 11 December 2023, and requested the Attorney-General’s feedback on the Draft.
The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka writes to the Colombo North Teaching Hospital (Ragama) via email regarding bodies of the remandees from the Mahara Prison.Click 'DOWNLOAD' to view the letter. Sinhala and Tamil translations are pending.
Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka writes to the President and relevant authorities about Sri Lankan Migrants Stranded Overseas due to COVID19. HRCSL letter the President about Sri Lankan Migrants Stranded Overseas due to COVID19 26_11_2020 HRCSL letter to SLBFE about Sri Lankan Migrants Stranded Overseas due to COVID19 26_11_2020 HRCSL letter to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs about Sri Lankan Migrants Stranded Overseas due to COVID19 26_11_2020 Click 'DOWNLOAD' to read the recommendations in English. Sinhala and Tamil translations are pending.
The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka writes to the Commissioner General of Prisons on the concerns regarding health and threats to life of Remandee, G.S. Abeysekera (aka Shani Abeysekara) who has apparently contracted the COVID-19 virus while at the Mahara Prison.Click 'DOWNLOAD' to read full letter. Sinhala and Tamil translation are pending.
The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka writes to the Secretary and Director General of Health Services of the Ministry of Health with observations and recommendations on the disposal of dead bodies in the context of COVID-19.Click 'DOWNLOAD' to view the full letter in English. Sinhala and Tamil translations are pending.
Click 'DOWNLOAD' to view related attachments available in Sinhala.Letter to Secretary, Ministry of Health - 20th May 2020
Click 'DOWNLOAD' to view related attachments available in Sinhala.Letter to Secretary, Ministry of Health - 29th May 2020
The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka writes to the Commissioner General of Prisons on the rights of the Remandee G. S Abeysekera (aka Shani Abeysekera, former head of the Crime Investigation Division of the Police).Click 'DOWNLOAD' to read the full letter. Sinhala and Tamil translations pending.
The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka wrote to the Inspector General of Police on detentions under the Prevention of Terrorism Act.Click 'DOWNLOAD' to read the full letter in English. Sinhala and Tamil translations are pending.
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The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka writes to the Commissioner General or Prisons requesting immediate steps to be taken to increase all security measures relating Remandee Fathima Sadiya.Click 'DOWNLOAD' to read the letter in English. Sinhala and Tamil translations are pending.
The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka writes to the Inspector General of Police on custodial deaths.Click 'DOWNLOAD' to read full letter in Sinhala. Tamil and English translations are pending.
The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka sends its recommendations to the Ministry of Public Administration on proposed amendments to Establishment Code.Click 'DOWNLOAD' to view the recommendations in Sinhala. English and Tamil translations are pending.
The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka issued recommendations/proposed action addressed to the Chairman of the National Election Commission. The recommendations were issued based on election monitoring carried out by HRCSL during the last Presidential Election 2019 and the regulations imposed by the Minister of Health and Indigenous Medicine on 17/072020 under Clauses 2 and 3 of Quarantine and Prevention of Diseases Ordinance.