Srilanka, July 16 -- The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) has expressed serious concern over the denial of access to its officers at Welikada Prison on 7 July 2026, describing it as a violation of the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka Act, No. 21 of 1996, which empowers the Commission to enter places of detention at any time without prior notice.



At a meeting held on 14 July 2026, chaired by HRCSL Chairman Justice L.T.B. Dehideniya, prison officials explained that access had been denied due to an unstable security situation within the prison, the statement said.



While the officials had expressed regret over the failure to communicate the circumstances to the Commission's officers and assured that similar incidents ...