The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) launched the Recommended Guidelines to the State and Law Enforcement Officials on dealing with Civilian Protests on 12th May 2023 at the Galle-Face Hotel, Colombo. The opening address was delivered by Justice Rohini Marasinghe, Chairperson, of the HRCSL. Mr Sarath Jayamanne, PC launched the book at the request of the Chairperson. The Chief Guest was, His Lordship Justice Yasantha Kodagoda. Representatives of UN agencies, tri forces, academics, civil society activists, journalists, and senior officials of HRCSL participated in the event. The funding for the development and launching of this book was graciously provided by UNDP under the JURE Project. These Recommended Guidelines were drafted over a period of, approximately one year, by the HRCSL in consultation with the Attorney General’s office, number of legal scholars, law enforcement officials, and civil society representatives under the leadership of the Chairperson of the HRCSL.
The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka issued guidelines to the Ministry of Health and the National Operation Centre for Prevention of COVID-19 Outbreak on regularising quarantine processes in the country. Click ‘DOWNLOAD’ to read the guidelines in English. Sinhala and Tamil translations are pending.
Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) has written to the Acting Inspector General of Police issuing guidelines to police officers on parliamentary general election 2020. In addition to the Inspector General of Police, these guidelines were sent to the Election Commission and the National Police Commission. Click 'DOWNLOAD' to view the guidelines in Sinhala and Tamil.
The Human Rights Commission issues directives to police officers on 2019 Presidential Elections. 15 October 2019.
The Commission issued the directives to public officers to ensure that the fundamental right to vote, as recognized by the Supreme Court, is protected. The directives were forwarded to the Secretary to the President, Prime Minister’s Secretary, all Secretaries of Ministries, all Provincial and Divisional Secretaries. The Election Commission was also informed of the directives issued by the Commission. Click below to read the full directives
Click below to read the letter to the Secretaries to the President, Prime Minister, Ministries, Provincial Councils
Click below to read the letter to the Election Commission
The Commission issued guidelines on 02 July 2019 to the Police Department to prevent arbitrary arrest as the Commission has received multiple complaints alleging illegal arrests in the post 21 April attacks context, some of which pertain to cultural misunderstandings and public suspicion. The Inspector General of Police wrote to HRCSL on 05 August 2019 acknowledging receipt of the guidelines and informing the Commission that they had been circulated to all police officers to prevent arbitrary and unlawful arrest.
HRCSL issues guidelines on arrests
The Human Rights Commission issues guidelines on the application of hate speech law (S.3 of ICCPR). 29 August 2019. The Commission considers Section 3 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights Act No.56 of 2007 (ICCPR Act) as a significant legal framework to address hate crimes. As there is no authoritative Sri Lankan jurisprudence on section 3 of the lCCPR Act, the Commission has drawn from the discourse surrounding Article 20 of the International Covenant on Civil and political Rights i.e. the original Article to which Section 3 of the ICCR Act gives domestic effect, in order to understand its scope and application. After an analysis of the scope and application of the law, the Commission issues the guidelines on the application of the hate speech law. The Commission has forwarded the guidelines to the Hon. Attorney General and the Inspector General of Police. Click 'DOWNLOAD' to view the guidelines in Sinhala, Tamil and English.
Click below to read the letter to the Hon. Attorney General
Human Rights Commission issues guidelines to the Police to prevent arbitrary arrest. 02 July 2019.
Human Rights Commission issues guidelines to print media on ethical and sensitive reporting in the context of the post 21 April attacks. 21 June 2019.
Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) has issued Guidelines to Police Officers on the Local Authorities Election 2018, which it has sent to the Inspector General of Police. In addition to the Inspector General of Police, these guidelines were sent to the Ministry of Law and Order, the Election Commission and the National Police Commission. The guidelines focus on handling complaints and investigating them impartially, and the provision of adequate security to facilitate a free and a fair election.
Human Rights Commission issues Directives to Public Officers on Local Authorities Election 2018. 22 January 2018
The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka wrote to Prime Minister Hon Ranil Wickremasinghe regarding the proposed legislation that in effect whistles down the rights of detainees in police custody to have unimpeded access to lawyers.
Directives Issued by Human Rights Commission on Arrest and Detention Under the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act No 48 of 1979. 27 May 2016.