Allow Human Rights Commission access to prisons - United Nations Human Rights Office

Fatal violence at the Negombo prison and alleged guard reprisals against inmates in other facilities warrant deep alarm, the United Nations human rights office stated.

UN Human Rights Office spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani stressed that families of the dozens of deceased and injured inmates and officers deserve truth and accountability.

The recent unrest highlights an urgent need to resolve structural deficiencies within the Sri Lankan penal system, particularly overcrowding, poor facility conditions, and lengthy pre-trial detention.

A disproportionate number of individuals face incarceration for drug offences when health-centred interventions would be more appropriate.

The international body welcomed official promises for investigations, noting that these inquiries must remain prompt, transparent, and independent.

Sri Lankan authorities must allow the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka complete and unrestricted entry to the Negombo facility and all other prisons, including locations where transferred inmates reportedly endured torture and ill-treatment.