HRCSL writes to AG, raises concerns on detainees

The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) has written to Attorney General (AG) Y J Wijayatilake, conveying to him its grave concern about the rights of the detainees?and remandees held under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) and?the Emergency Regulations and?called upon him to take necessary measures?to ensure the protection of the rights of these?detainees and remandees.

The Commission has called for the immediate release of those held in detention or?remand for a?long period?of time without charges and against whom there is no credible evidence.

The?Commission has further called upon the Attorney General to review the cases of those indicted?and to withdraw those cases which are solely based on confessions made to police officers, cases
where?no credible evidence exist and?cases which are relatively minor.

In respect of accused indicted under the PTA and Emergency Regulations against whom there is
credible evidence but who have been in detention and or remand for long periods of time, the
Commission has expressed its view that arrangements should be made to release such persons
on bail immediately.

The Human Rights Commission has also communicated to the Attorney General its?concerns?about the rehabilitation process to which detainees and remandees?will reportedly be subjected.

The Commission has shared these concerns with the Attorney General in the hope it will be able
to engage in dialogue with, and extend its support to, the Attorney-General’s Department in
order?to seek an urgent resolution to this critical issue.

The Commission views prolonged administrative?detention or remand of persons as a serious violation of the fundamental rights?guaranteed to them under?Articles 72 and 13 of the Constitution of Sri Lanka as well as under Sri Lanka’s human rights obligations under international law.