The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) has announced that applications are now open for its thematic Youth Camp on Human Rights and Social Responsibility, scheduled to take place from October 26–31, 2026.

The six‑day residential programme will bring together 55 young leaders aged 18–29 from all 25 districts of Sri Lanka. The camp is designed to empower participants with knowledge, skills, and values to address contemporary human rights challenges and foster active, responsible citizenship.

According to HRCSL, the camp will feature interactive learning sessions, leadership development, group discussions, simulations, practical exercises, community activity planning, and team‑building activities. Key focus areas include human rights, integrity, accountability, equality, non‑discrimination, diversity, democratic participation, and social responsibility.

Emerging issues affecting youth, such as drug use, corruption, cybercrime, misinformation, hate speech, violence, discrimination, environmental degradation, and mental health concerns, will also be addressed.

Eligibility criteria require applicants to be between 18–29 years of age, able to communicate in Sinhala, Tamil, or English, and committed to participating fully in all camp activities. Candidates must demonstrate interest in human rights, leadership, inclusion, and diversity, and show readiness to implement community‑based human rights initiatives after the camp. Affiliation with a youth group, organization, institution, or network is also required.

Two participants from each district will be selected, along with five additional candidates from marginalized groups, including persons with disabilities, to ensure diversity and inclusion. HRCSL will provide residential facilities, while eligible transportation expenses will be reimbursed in line with Commission procedures. Attendance throughout the programme is mandatory for reimbursement.

Applications must be submitted by August 31, 2026 to hrcsl.youthcamp@gmail.com. Further information can be obtained from the Education and Special Programmes Division of HRCSL via telephone at 011-2505569. 

For more information visit : https://www.facebook.com/100069246577856/posts/1431376679180538/?rdid=PFAo3M18o3LIxIke# (Newswire)

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The Constitutional Council has invited fresh applications from qualified and interested individuals to be considered for recommendation to fill existing vacancies in the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka.

Applications must be submitted using the prescribed form available on the Parliament of Sri Lanka website under the “Quick Access” section, titled “Recommendation to the post of Member of the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka.”

The Council stated that completed applications should be sent on or before July 31, 2026. 

Submissions can be made either by registered post to: Acting Secretary‑General to the Constitutional Council, Constitutional Council Office, Parliament of Sri Lanka, Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte; or by email to constitutionalcouncil@parliament.lk.

Applicants sending forms by post must clearly mark “Recommendation to the post of Member of the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka” on the top left corner of the envelope, while those applying by email should use the same wording as the subject line.

The Constitutional Council emphasized that the process is aimed at ensuring qualified candidates are considered for the Commission, which plays a central role in safeguarding human rights and accountability in Sri Lanka. (Newswire)

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The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) has raised serious concerns over violations of its statutory authority and the treatment of inmates at Welikada and Negombo Prisons, following a meeting with prison officials earlier this month.

The Commission reported that on July 7, its staff were denied entry to Welikada Prison, despite the HRCSL Act No. 21 of 1996 granting the Commission unrestricted access to places of detention without prior notice. 

At a meeting chaired by Justice L.T.B. Dehideniya on July 14, prison officials explained that tensions among inmates and officers had created security concerns, but expressed regret for the lapse in communication.

Commissioners, however, noted that the explanation was unsatisfactory and stressed that failure to communicate breakdowns in prison security was unacceptable.

During subsequent visits, HRCSL officers received complaints from inmates transferred from Negombo Prison alleging reprisals, including torture, denial of medical treatment, and other forms of ill‑treatment. Some inmates were reportedly reluctant to seek medical care for fear of assault when separated from the general prison population.

The Commission also highlighted delays in processing inmate transfers, leaving families unaware of their relatives’ whereabouts. 

It warned that prolonged failure to disclose the location of detainees could amount to an offence under the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance Act, No. 5 of 2018.

In addition, HRCSL found that some inmates due for release after completing their sentences remained unlawfully detained.

The Commission announced that it will continue investigations into allegations of torture, ill‑treatment, and deaths in custody linked to violence at Negombo Prison and subsequent events. 

It directed Welikada officials to fully cooperate and issued a series of recommendations, including:

• Immediate circular reminding prison officers of the Commission’s statutory authority to inspect detention facilities without notice.
• Strict orders prohibiting reprisals against inmates transferred from Negombo Prison, with disciplinary action against violators.
• Disclosure of whereabouts of all transferred inmates to their next‑of‑kin.
• Timely release of inmates who have completed their prison sentences.

HRCSL underscored that these measures are essential to uphold human rights standards and restore accountability within the prison system. (Newswire)

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The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) has launched an investigation into the violence at Negombo Prison and subsequent incidents reported at other prison facilities, issuing directives to the Commissioner General of Prisons to ensure accountability and inmate protection.

In a letter copied to the President, the Minister of Justice, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Commission noted that the Negombo violence had reportedly resulted in the deaths of 21 inmates and six prison officials. It also referred to its visit to the National Hospital, where several injured inmates were receiving treatment, and telephone communications with prison authorities regarding the welfare of both inmates and officials.

The HRCSL said it was informed that several inmates had been transferred to prisons in Angunakolapelessa, Boosa, Batticaloa, Dumbara, Jaffna, and Welikada for separation and protection. However, on the evening of 7 July 2026, the Commission received reports that transferred inmates had been subjected to torture and ill‑treatment, and that one inmate had died in the custody of Welikada prison officials.

A Rapid Response Unit team dispatched to Welikada Prison at around 8.30 pm was denied entry by the Chief Jailer, who claimed access could not be granted after hours. The Commission expressed deep concern, stressing that under sections 11(d) and 28(2) of the HRCSL Act of 1996, it is legally empowered to enter prisons at any time to inspect detention conditions.

The HRCSL has directed the Commissioner General to:

• Grant unimpeded access to HRCSL staff at all prison facilities.
• Prevent reprisals, including torture or ill‑treatment, against inmates, especially those transferred from Negombo.
• Preserve all evidence related to inmate treatment and refrain from tampering.
• Conduct impartial investigations into allegations of torture at Angunakolapelessa, Boosa, Batticaloa, Dumbara, Jaffna, and Welikada, and take disciplinary action against responsible officials.
• Fully cooperate with the HRCSL’s ongoing investigation.

The Commission underscored that safeguarding prisoners’ rights and ensuring accountability within the prison system are paramount. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka’s Human Rights Commission (HRCSL) recently (18) launched the country’s first national Guidelines and Recommendations on Business and Human Rights, aimed at promoting responsible business conduct and embedding human rights principles into corporate policies and practices.

Issuing a statement, the HRCSL said the initiative was developed by the HRCSL’s Thematic Sub‑Committee on Business and Human Rights, with the initial concept paper prepared by its Research and Monitoring Division.

Anchored in the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, the guidelines provide a practical framework for businesses to respect human rights and prevent, mitigate, and address adverse impacts arising from business activities.

Technical assistance came under the EU‑funded project Just Business: Promoting the Adoption of Business and Human Rights in Sri Lanka and the Maldives, implemented by the Max Planck Foundation for International Peace and the Rule of Law and the Centre for a Smart Future. 

Following extensive consultations with stakeholders, including the private sector, the guidelines were reviewed by HRCSL’s Business and Human Rights Sub‑Committee and the Economic, Social and Cultural Rights Sub‑Committee before publication.

At the launch, HRCSL Chairperson Justice L.T.B. Dehideniya emphasized that the guidelines “are not meant to hinder investment or economic growth but to support a responsible, sustainable business environment attractive to investors who value strong environmental, social and governance standards.” 

Commissioner Dr. Gehan Gunatilleke added that regulators and state actors should also use the guidelines as a reference in policymaking and litigation.

Representing the private sector, Rathika de Silva, Executive Director of UN Global Compact Network Sri Lanka, said the initiative was a strategic move: “For Sri Lanka, this is not just an opportunity, but a necessity… to show that ‘made in Sri Lanka’ means not just quality, but quality and human rights.”

As global expectations for responsible business evolve, the guidelines are expected to serve as a reference point for companies, state‑owned enterprises, regulators, and civil society, supporting inclusive and sustainable economic growth that respects human rights. (Newswire)

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The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) has raised concerns over an increase in reports of child rights violations, particularly cases involving corporal punishment.

In a statement issued on Wednesday (15), the Commission said such practices cause not only physical injury but also lasting emotional harm, which in some cases has led to trauma and even suicide.

Referring to the Penal Code (Amendment) Bill gazetted on 4 July 2025, the HRCSL said the proposed legislation seeks to prohibit all forms of cruel, degrading and harmful punishments—both physical and non-physical—against anyone under 18 years of age.

The Commission noted that Sri Lanka’s existing laws already provide a strong foundation for protecting children through the Penal Code, the Children and Young Persons Ordinance, and Article 11 of the Constitution, which guarantees protection from torture or degrading treatment.

HRCSL Chairperson Justice L.T.B. Dehideniya stressed that abolishing corporal punishment must be viewed as part of a collective effort to promote positive, respectful discipline that builds children’s dignity and confidence rather than fear or violence.

The Commission also urged the public to engage in informed discussions about the reforms without misrepresentation or politicisation, warning that such actions could weaken efforts to protect children.

Justice Dehideniya added that protecting children from harm is both a legal and moral responsibility shared by families, educators, policymakers, and society at large. (Newswire)

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The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) has urged stronger measures to ensure accountability and transparency in the ongoing investigation into the Chemmani mass grave in Jaffna, where more than 200 human remains have been uncovered.

Following a fact-finding mission in August, the HRCSL reported gaps in expertise, funding, and technology, warning that continued involvement of regular police officers could prejudice the outcome. 

The Commission noted that over 90 per cent of remains were found without clothing and buried in shallow pits, raising suspicions of extrajudicial killings.

The HRCSL recommended establishing an independent office for investigating serious crimes, securing overseas expertise for DNA analysis and carbon dating, and creating a national DNA bank for families of the disappeared.

It also called on the police to refrain from intimidating witnesses and media, and the Sri Lanka Army to refrain from interfering in the probe.

The Commission stressed that while some institutional actors were working with commitment, systemic gaps must be addressed to ensure justice for the victims and their families. (Newswire)

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The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) states that several sections and omissions in the Online Safety Act appear to be non-compliant with the Supreme Court’s Determination on the Bill.

Issuing a statement, the HRCSL said that in its Determination on the Online Safety Bill, the Supreme Court found that over thirty clauses in the Bill and certain omissions in the Bill were inconsistent with Article 12(1), and in some cases, Article 1a(1)(a) of the Sri Lankan Constitution. 

It was, therefore, incumbent on Parliament to introduce all necessary amendments recommended by the Court if it was to enact the said Bill with a simple majority.

The Supreme Court required five categories to be separately exempted from liability for the Bill to be deemed consistent with the Constitution. However, how the Act implements the Court’s recommendation appears to be erroneous, the HRCSL pointed out.

The Commission said it is deeply concerned about the omissions in the Online Safety Act in terms of the Act’s full compliance with the Supreme Court’s Determination. 

“Any such omission, and consequently, any remaining inconsistency with the Constitution, would have required that the Online Safety Bill be enacted only with a special majority in Parliament. Therefore, the failure to ensure full compliance with the Court’s determination may give occasion to serious concerns over whether the Act, in its current form, received the requisite number of votes in Parliament,” the Commission added.

The Online Safety Bill was passed in the Parliament of Sri Lanka on January 24, 2024, with a majority of MPs supporting the bill, despite the Opposition claiming that the amendments proposed were not consistent with the Supreme Court’s determination. (NewsWire)

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The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) has raised concerns over several complaints received concerning torture, cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment, and arbitrary arrests and detention associated with the ‘Yukithiya’ islandwide special Police operation.

Issuing a statement, the HRCSL said it acknowledges that preventing organised crime and the trafficking of dangerous narcotics is an important objective, but concerns have been raised as the operation has become associated with reports of widespread injustice.

“Police officers responsible for investigating crimes and apprehending suspects must, at all times, respect this right, which requires that suspects be treated with dignity. The Commission is disturbed to learn of reports of cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment of persons, including young persons, during search operations conducted by the police. The Commission is accordingly taking steps to inquire into such reports,” it added. 

Pointing out the recent study on the prison system in Sri Lanka and its recommendations for addressing the problem of overcrowding in prisons, the HRCSL said the spate of arrests and detentions under the said ‘Yukthiya’ Operation will no doubt exacerbate this problem.

The HRCSL further noted that the continued implementation of the ‘Yukthiya’ Operation with the professed object of advancing ‘justice’ remains incongruous, given the systemic failure of law enforcement authorities in Sri Lanka to uphold justice and to respect the fundamental rights of the People. 

The HRCSL, therefore, called on the President, the Minister of Public Security, and the Government of Sri Lanka to pay more attention to the current approach to law enforcement and focus instead on meaningfully reforming law enforcement institutions to enable them to ensure public security while maintaining the Rule of Law and respecting the fundamental rights of the People. (NewsWire)

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The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCLS) has announced plans to release a set of guidelines and recommendations on the protection of human rights defenders in Sri Lanka.

Issuing a statement, the HRCSL said that it would also engage in a consultative process to finalize these guidelines and recommendations. 

The announcement was made during a discussion held last week between the HRCLS members and representatives of civil society organisations in Sri Lanka to discuss the Commission’s current programme and future plans.

The HRCSL said the meeting also provided an opportunity for civil society representatives to share their experiences, concerns, and recommendations with the Commission. 

The meeting was chaired by the Chairperson of the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka, Justice L.T.B. Dehideniya, and attended by commissioners Prof. Thaiyamuthu Thanaraj, Prof. Farzana Haniffa, Mr. Nimal Punchchihewa, and Dr. Gehan Gunatilleke, and the directors and senior staff of the Commission. 

Civil society representatives shared their experiences and concerns at the meeting, including threats to democratic and civic space in Sri Lanka, the harassment and intimidation of human rights defenders in the course of their work, the importance of protecting, promoting and fulfilling economic, social and cultural rights, and challenges faced by persons with disabilities, particularly in the transport sector. 

Civil society representatives also expressed their interest in working closely with the Commission through its thematic subcommittees. 

They further emphasized the need for the proactive disclosure of information including past inquiry reports and the need for strengthening the Commission’s complaints mechanisms including its hotline. 

The HRCSL also assured civil society representatives that the thematic sub-committee system would be re-established along with the participation of civil society experts and a process for constituting these sub-committees would be launched shortly. 

The Commission has invited civil society representatives to continue to engage and work closely with the Commission in strengthening the protection, promotion and fulfilment of human rights in Sri Lanka. (NewsWire)

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The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) has made seven recommendations to the government urging it to revise the recently gazetted Online Safety Bill. 

In a letter addressed to the Minister of Public Security Tiran Alles, the HRCSL has provided its preliminary observations and recommendations on the Online Safety Bill.

The HRCSL said the general observations and recommendations are presented for consideration in view of revising the Bill to ensure compatibility with the fundamental rights chapter of the Sri Lankan Constitution.

HRCSL’s seven-point recommendation on the Online Safety Bill: 

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President Ranil Wickremesinghe has appointed members to the National Election Commission (NEC) and the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL). 

According to the President’s Media Division (PMD), retired Supreme Court Judge L.T.B. Dehideniya has been appointed as the Chairman of the HRCSL.

The newly appointed members of the Human Rights Commission, include Nimalasena Gardier Pundihewa, Thaiyamuttu Thanaraj, Prof. Fathima Farzana Hanifa, and Dr. Gehan Dinuk Gunatillake. 

Meanwhile, former Additional Commissioner General of Elections R.M.A.L Rathnayake has been appointed as the Chairman of the National Election Commission.

Joining Rathnayake in the Election Commission are M.A. Pathmasiri Chandrawansha Perera and Ameer Mohommed Faiz. (NewsWire)

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The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) has made six recommendations to President Ranil Wickremesinghe following its visit to the Northern Province. 

In a six-point letter, the HRCSL has highlighted several matters observed during its visit to the Northern Province from 16th – 18th February 2023.

The HRCSL has made recommendations pertaining to several issues related to the Northern Province, including long-term detainees, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, drug trafficking and smuggling, alleged harassment by the Military at checkpoints in Mannar, identification pass system for fishermen in Mannar, and private lands still occupied by the Military.

The six-point recommendation letter is as follows:

The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka’s recommendations to His Excellency the President for implementation based on the HRCSL visit to Northern Province from 16th to 18th February 2023. 

1. Long-term detainees are a matter of concern to the Commission, and the government should take meaningful steps to address this issue to build the trust and confidence of the people in the North. It was observed that some prisoners have been in remand prison for 14 years awaiting the conclusion of the trial. It is recommended that steps be taken by the advisory board constituted under the PTA on this matter, as detaining a person for 14 years pending trial is a gross violation of his fundamental rights under the Constitution and a violation of his rights under the International Covenant Civil Political Rights. It is also recommended that the Parole Board take cognizance of the nature of the offence committed and the behaviour of the convicted prisoners and advice the authority to refer for a pardon, or for a nolle prosequi for those awaiting the conclusion of the trial whenever it deems appropriate. The Commission recommends these matters to the Ministry in charge of the prisoners for an appropriate solution. As such has now become relevant and urgent concerning the issue of reconciliation. 

2. Despite the participants being in favour of an international mechanism for accountability and reconciliation, they were agreeable to an internal mechanism, provided that the Truth Commission comprises members with competency and integrity, and allows for the participation of the representatives of the victims without any control of the government. 

The Act of Parliament establishing a Truth and Reconciliation Commission constituted under the powers of Parliament, should be equipped with sufficient powers to function independently and transparently and to address issues placed before them without any political interference. 

The Truth Commission must be able to build the trust and confidence of the victims and/or the families of the victims from its inception, or the Government should take steps to do so as a precondition to the establishment of the Commission.

To build the trust and confidence of the victims and their families, it is fundamental that issues pertaining to land, enforced disappearances and missing persons and long-term detainees are meaningfully addressed and resolved by the government as a threshold concern. 

The Commission observed the conflicting views from the participants about the central purpose of a truth commission. Some of the participants expressed that the overriding imperative was a need to achieve justice and to bring to account those guilty of gross human rights violations. Some maintained that truth was at least as important as justice and that knowledge of the truth alone would contribute significantly to the cause of peace and stability. 

The Commission recommends that to ensure that the truth commission encapsulates these views, it is important to be constituted with members of competency and integrity and with the participation of the representatives of the victims. Its terms of reference must include the power to act independently without any political interference to achieve justice and bring peace and stability. It is vital to ensure that the members of the commission have no connection with any politician and their families. Transparency, independence, competency and integrity are vital components of the truth commission to be a successful internal mechanism of truth-seeking, reconciliation and reparation. 

3. Drug trafficking and smuggling is a matter of concern to the whole country. To address this issue it is recommended to the government that border control by the Navy is strengthened along the coast island-wide. 

In the event, permanent checkpoints and barriers are necessary for the North for the protection of civilians from habitual offenders and for national security and public order, it is recommended to have a consistent security policy applicable to all provinces in the country dependent on the intelligence data collected by the Security Council and the policy of the government on the national security of the people in Jaffna. The main concern of the commission was to address the disparity between the North and the South on the security issue. 

4. In view of what transpired during the discussion in Mannar, severe harassment is caused to the people crossing the checkpoints by the Military by doing body searches on women or directing passengers to alight from the buses and or unload goods from the lorries. The government is advised to instruct the police and army to employ alternative methods of checking at checkpoints with immediate effect until the consistent security policy applicable to all provinces mentioned in point no.3 is established. 
5. It was observed that an identification pass system for fishermen in Mannar to fish is a violation of a fundamental right. It is discriminatory as such a system is not in operation in any other part of the country and all fishermen are equal before the law.

The Commission intends to discuss this issue with fishermen, their representatives and relevant State authorities island-wide to address this matter and, make a recommendation thereafter. 

6. The Commission observed that the livelihood of farmers concerning cultivation and livestock rearing is disrupted, as their lands are primarily in the possession of the military, Wildlife and Forest Department, and Archeological Department. Although the land issues in the North are of great concern to the Commission, at this juncture the Commission made no efforts to discuss or make recommendations about land issues, as Your Excellency has already undertaken to resolve them. (NewsWire)

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The Supreme Court of Sri Lanka today dismissed a contempt of court application filed by the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) against several state officials of the power sector. 

The HRCSL had filed the contempt of court application against the Chairman of the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB), the Secretary to the Ministry of Power and Energy and the Chairman of the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation.

The application was filed in court for their failure to comply with the settlement to provide uninterrupted electricity for GCE Advanced Level students during the course of the examination, which will conclude on 17th February 2023. 

During a discussion between stakeholders of the power sector and the HRCSL, an agreement had been reached to provide an uninterrupted power supply during the examination.

However, the CEB continued with its scheduled power cuts claiming it cannot provide an uninterrupted power supply under the current circumstances, prompting the HRCSL to take legal action. (NewsWire)

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