The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) convened a meeting on 8th May 2025 to review the implementation of the recommendations arising from its observations made in January 2025 regarding the situation of Rohingya asylum seekers currently detained at a detention centre located inside the Sri Lanka Air Force Camp in Mullaitivu. This meeting was chaired by Justice L.T.B. Dehideniya, Chairperson of the HRCSL, with the participation of commissioners Prof. Farzana Haniffa and Dr. Gehan Gunatilleke and senior officers of the Commission. Representatives from the Ministry of Public Security, the Department of Immigration and Emigration, and Sri Lanka Air Force were present.

The following key matters were discussed:

a) Nature of the detention centre: The state officials present at the meeting clarified that the detention centre located within the Sri Lanka Air Force Camp was not a temporary centre but a permanent centre gazetted under relevant provisions of the law. The HRCSL pointed out that there is confusion with respect to the state institution under whose authority the centre falls, and the officials clarified that the relevant authority solely responsible for the centre was the Department of Immigration and Emigration. Sri Lanka Police is responsible for providing security within the centre, and Sri Lanka Air Force officials are only responsible for regulating entry into the camp premises. The officials also reassured the HRCSL that officers of the Commission would be granted access to the centre without the requirement of prior notice.

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HRCSL Press Notice 09_05_2025