The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) met Commissioner General of Prisons Thusara Upuldeniya at the head office of the Human Rights Commission Sri Lanka and discussed a number of issues, including allegations of torture.
According to the HRCSL, recent torture allegation made by Sampath Asela and preventive measures of torture in prisons were discussed.
Sampath Asela, a consumer rights activist, had been arrested and remanded in connection with a case filed on the allegation of interrupting duties of Consumer Affairs Authority officials.
Commissioners Harsha Nawaratne, Ms. Anusuya Shanmuganathan and Nimal Karunasiri participated in the meeting. Ms. Sulari Liyanagama, Director – Inquiries and Investigations (Actg.), and Nihal Chandrasiri, Director – Research and Monitoring (Actg.) were also at the meeting.
Apart from allegations of torture, the officials also discussed the COVID-!9 pandemic situation, a treatment plan and control measures within the prison system.
They also discussed the availability and accessibility of information on COVID-19 positive detainees to their family members.
Strengthening the present communication system between detainees and their family members and a review of the riot control measures taken up after the Mahara Prison Riot in November 2020 were also discussed.
Courtesy: Colombo Gazette
