The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) has commenced an investigation into the recent violence at Negombo Prison and subsequent incidents at other prison facilities. The inquiry covers the circumstances that led to the violence, the deaths and injuries of inmates and prison officers, allegations of torture and other forms of ill-treatment of transferred inmates, and the deaths of two inmates while in the custody of prison officials.

The Commission is also investigating the denial of access to its officers during an unannounced visit to Welikada Prison on 7 July 2026. While access was granted the following day, the HRCSL has stated that the earlier refusal impeded its ability to conduct a timely investigation and constitutes a violation of the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka Act, No. 21 of 1996.

The Commission emphasizes that no conclusions have yet been reached and that the investigation remains ongoing. During visits to prisons where inmates from Negombo Prison were transferred, HRCSL officers observed that several inmates had sustained injuries and that medical treatment had been delayed. The Commission has recommended that immediate medical care be provided to affected inmates.

The HRCSL will issue periodic public updates on the progress of the investigation and urges all media institutions to report developments accurately and responsibly while the inquiry is ongoing.

Download:

HRCSL Press Notice 10072026-English

HRCSL Press Notice 10072026-Sinhala