HRCSL urges enhanced resource allocation, institutional reforms for Sri Lanka Police

THE Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) has formally written to Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananda Wijepala, presenting a set of recommendations aimed at strengthening the institutional capacity of the Sri Lanka Police to effectively uphold the rule of law while ensuring compliance with international human rights standards.

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Invoking its mandate under Section 10(d) of the HRCSL Act, No. 21 of 1996, the Commission called on the Government to take urgent measures to improve resource allocation, training, performance evaluation systems, and administrative reforms within the Police Department.

HRCSL's key observations

The HRCSL recognises that the Sri Lanka Police play a vital role in maintaining law and order and safeguarding public security. Over the past year, the Commission has engaged in constructive dialogue with the present Inspector General of Police (IGP) and other senior officers, resulting in several positive institutional developments.

These include the issuance of internal circulars based on HRCSL’s recommendations, covering areas such as:

• Prevention of custodial and encounter deaths.

• Protection of human rights defenders.

• Safeguarding the rights of transgender persons.

The Commission has also conducted district-level capacity-building programs for senior Police officers on critical themes, including the prevention of torture, the protection of detainees’ rights, and community policing approaches. Officers’ responses have been positive, indicating an institutional willingness for reform.