HRCSL probe Angunakolapalessa prison assault

The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka has noted media reports and the release of videos on the assault of prisoners at the Angunakolapalessa Closed Prison in November 2018.

Issuing a statement the Human Rights Commission said when it learnt of the incident the Commission visited the Prison, obtained statements from prisoners, and requested the Superintendent of the Prison to produce those who alleged they had been assaulted to be examined by the Judicial Medical Officer.

The Commission also requested the Superintendent to provide medical assistance to inmates who required such assistance.

The Commission said it undertook a number of follow-up visits in December to obtain further statements of prisoners, monitored whether prisoners were produced before the JMO as requested and monitored their general well-being.

The Human Rights Commission also summoned the Commissioner-General of Prisons and the Superintendent of Angunakolapalessa Prison for inquiries over the incident.

During these inquiries the Commission reiterated the need to adhere to the constitutional provisions on freedom from torture and pointed to the Convention Against Torture Act No 22 of 1994, which criminalizes torture.

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