HRCSL raises serious concerns over denied access to Welikada Prison

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, describing it as a violation of the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka Act, No. 21 of 1996, which empowers the Commission to enter places of detention at any time without prior notice.At a meeting held on 14 July 2026, chaired by HRCSL Chairman Justice L.T.B. Dehideniya, prison officials explained that access had been denied due to an unstable security situation within the prison, the statement said.While the officials had expressed regret over the failure to communicate the circumstances to the Commission's officers and assured that similar incidents would not recur, the Commission stated that it was not satisfied with the explanation provided.The Commission also had raised concerns over allegations of reprisals against inmates transferred from Negombo Prison, including torture, denial of medical treatment, delays in informing families of inmates' whereabouts, and the continued detention of prisoners who had completed their sentences.HRCSL has directed 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, the statement added.The Commission also recommended that prison authorities immediately recognize and facilitate HRCSL's statutory access to places of detention, prevent reprisals against transferred inmates, promptly notify families of inmates' whereabouts, and ensure the immediate release of prisoners who have completed their sentences.