The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) has expressed serious concern over the denial of access to its officers at Welikada Prison on 7 July 2026, stating that the incident violates the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka Act, No. 21 of 1996, which grants the Commission the authority to enter places of detention at any time without prior notice.
According to a statement issued by the Commission, the matter was discussed at a meeting held on 14 July 2026, chaired by HRCSL Chairman Justice L.T.B. Dehideniya. Prison officials informed the Commission that access had been denied due to an unstable security situation within the prison.
Although the officials expressed regret over failing to inform HRCSL officers about the situation and assured that such incidents would not happen again, the Commission stated that it was not satisfied with the explanation provided.
The Commission also raised concerns over allegations of reprisals against inmates transferred from Negombo Prison. These allegations include torture, denial of medical treatment, delays in informing families of inmates’ whereabouts, and the continued detention of prisoners who had already completed their sentences.
HRCSL has instructed Welikada Prison officials to fully cooperate with its ongoing investigation into allegations of torture, ill-treatment, and deaths in custody following the violence at Negombo Prison.
In addition, the Commission recommended that prison authorities immediately ensure HRCSL’s legal right of access to places of detention, prevent reprisals against transferred inmates, promptly inform families of inmates’ whereabouts, and release without delay prisoners who have completed their sentences.
