Sri Lanka, 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 earlier this month, stating that the incident violated its legal powers to enter places of detention without prior notice.

The matter was discussed at a meeting held on July 14, chaired by HRCSL Chairman Justice L.T.B. Dehideniya, following an incident on July 7 in which Commission officers were denied entry to the prison.

According to the HRCSL, prison officials said access had been refused due to an unstable security situation within the prison. The officials expressed regret over not informing the Commission's officers of the circumstances and assured that such an incident ...