By The Pulseline News Desk
The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) has launched an investigation into the recent unrest at the Negombo Prison and subsequent incidents reported at other prison facilities, as concerns grow over inmate deaths, injuries and allegations of ill-treatment in custody.
The Commission said its inquiry will examine the circumstances that led to the clashes, the deaths and injuries involving inmates and prison officers, and allegations of torture or other forms of mistreatment following the incidents.
In a statement, the HRCSL said it is also investigating the deaths of two inmates who were transferred from the Negombo Prison to other correctional facilities while under the custody of prison officials.
However, the Commission stressed that it has not reached any conclusions and that the investigation remains at a fact-finding stage. Evidence is currently being gathered through statements from inmates, prison officials and other relevant parties.
The inquiry comes amid heightened scrutiny of conditions inside the country’s prisons, particularly following reports of violence during and after the unrest. The HRCSL said preliminary observations made during visits to prisons where transferred inmates are being held revealed that several inmates had suffered injuries.
The Commission expressed concern over reported delays in providing medical treatment to injured inmates, warning that systematic delays in accessing healthcare could potentially amount to a form of reprisal.
It recommended that all injured inmates receive immediate medical attention, emphasising that timely access to healthcare is a fundamental safeguard for persons held in state custody.
The HRCSL also raised concerns over an incident involving its own officials during an unannounced visit to the Welikada Prison on the night of July 7.
According to the Commission, its officers arrived at the facility at around 8.30 p.m. to conduct an inspection but were denied access by prison authorities. The HRCSL said the refusal was a violation of the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka Act and undermined its statutory authority to investigate allegations of torture and ill-treatment.
Although access was granted the following day, the Commission said the delay affected its ability to conduct an immediate and effective inquiry into the situation.
Following the incident, the HRCSL summoned the Commissioner General of Prisons and the Chief Jailer of the Welikada Prison to provide explanations regarding the circumstances surrounding the denial of access.
The Commission said independent oversight of places of detention is essential to ensuring accountability and protecting the rights of persons in custody.
The ongoing investigation is expected to examine not only the events surrounding the prison clashes but also broader concerns relating to the treatment of inmates, access to medical care and compliance with legal safeguards governing custodial institutions.
The HRCSL said further findings will be made public once the evidence-gathering process is completed.
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