HRCSL holds a review meeting on prison study recommendations.

The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) conducted a study of the Sri Lankan prison system in 2018. The main purpose of the study was to understand the compatibility between our current prison system and Sri Lanka’s human rights obligations and to identify the underlying issues that impact the human rights of prisoners in Sri Lanka. The Nelson Mandela Rules formulated by the United Nations was the benchmark for the review.

The study was carried out between February 2018 and March 2020 and it has included prison inspections in twenty correction institutions including prisons, remand prisons, and work camps and interviews with inmates, prison officials, and stakeholders such as government institutions and other independent and non-governmental groups. The findings and recommendations address the knowledge gap and increase the general understanding of the prison system. We also hope to highlight the shortcomings of the framework. It is hoped the findings will lead to the formulation and implementation of better practices and policies, to protect and promote prisoners’ rights and strengthen the correctional system, including focusing on issues the officers face.

On 9th March 2021, HRCSL called a high-profile meeting on the above matter and  Dr. Jagath Balasuriya – Chairman, all Commissioners and senior staff of the Commission participated and following individuals were participated in the meeting representing 03 institutions as follows;

01  Mr. Priyantha Mayadunne – Secretary, Ministry of Justice

02  Major General V. R. Silva – Secretary, State Ministry of Prison Management and         Rehabilitation

03  Mr. Thushara Upuldeniya – Commissioner General of Prisons, Department of Prisons

04  Mr. B.M.A.K Basnayake – Superintendent of Prison, Department of Prisons

As the outcome of the above meeting, the State Ministry of Prison Management and Rehabilitation, the Ministry of Justice, the Department of Prisons along with the HRCSL will have a series of discussions to develop an action plan under the headings, ‘Activity’, ‘Responsible Authorities’ and ‘Time Frame’ for the implementations of the recommendations of Prison Study Report.