The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) has called on President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to ensure unhindered access for its officials to inspect the welfare and detention conditions of 115 Myanmar asylum seekers currently held in Sri Lanka. Among the detainees are over 40 children, including infants, who were rescued by the Sri Lanka Navy after arriving by sea off the coast of Mullaitivu a few days ago.
In a letter to the President, the HRCSL emphasized its statutory mandate under the Human Rights Act, No. 21 of 1996, to monitor the welfare of detained individuals, including asylum seekers, regardless of their citizenship. The Commission expressed concern after its inspection team, including the Director of Research and Monitoring, was denied access to the Mullaitivu detention site on December 26, 2024, by Air Force officials acting on instructions from the Controller General of Immigration and Emigration.
Attempts to gain access through the Department of Immigration and Emigration and the Ministry of Public Security were also unsuccessful, with the department citing the need for ministerial approval.
The HRCSL’s letter highlighted the urgent need to assess the living conditions of the asylum seekers, particularly the children, and stressed Sri Lanka’s obligations under both domestic and international human rights law.
“The Commission’s authority extends to all individuals within Sri Lanka’s jurisdiction. It is imperative that the HRCSL is granted immediate access to the Mullaitivu Air Force Base to fulfill its statutory duty,” the letter stated.
The HRCSL has urged the President to instruct the relevant authorities, including the Department of Immigration and Emigration and the Ministry of Public Security, to facilitate the inspection. The Commission also underscored the importance of safeguarding the rights of vulnerable individuals and ensuring humane treatment in line with Sri Lanka’s legal and moral commitments.
