UN Demands Prison Access After Sri Lanka Prison Violence

The United Nations called on the government of Sri Lanka to grant the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka unrestricted and unhindered access to its prison facilities following a series of deadly violent incidents. The international body emphasized that independent monitoring is essential for accountability, citing long-standing issues of overcrowding and inadequate resources within the country's correctional institutions.

The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka launched an investigation into violence at Negombo Prison and subsequent clashes at other facilities. The probe focuses on the causes of the violence, injuries, and the deaths of two inmates who died during a transfer from Negombo Prison. The Commission warned that delays in medical treatment for transferred inmates could constitute a form of reprisal and is investigating allegations of torture and ill-treatment.

Adding to the tension, the Commission reported it was denied access to Welikada Prison during an unannounced visit on July 7, an action it claims violated the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka Act. In response, the Commission summoned the Commissioner General of Prisons and the Chief Jailer of Welikada Prison to explain the denial of access.