🚨 HRCSL Directs Prisons Chief to Protect Inmates and Ensure Inquiry Access

The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) has issued urgent directives to the Commissioner General of Prisons following recent violence and allegations of severe ill-treatment within the country's prison facilities. • Key Incidents: The directive follows reported violence at the Negombo Prison, allegations of torture regarding transferred inmates, and the death of an inmate while in the custody of Welikada Prison officials. • Investigation Obstruction: HRCSL expressed serious concern after its Rapid Response Unit was denied access to the Welikada Prison on the night of 7 July. • Mandated Actions: Under the HRCSL Act No. 21 of 1996, the Prisons Chief must ensure unrestricted access for commission officers to all facilities, protect inmates from reprisals, preserve evidence, and fully cooperate with ongoing investigations.