HRCSL writes to President AKD

Monday, 18 May 2026 00:05 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake

Updates and submits proposals on implementation of recommendations by GANHRI Sub-Committee on Accreditation

The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) has written to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake with updates on steps taken to implement eight recommendations on maintaining its ‘A’ status accreditation by the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions Sub-Committee on Accreditation (GANHRI SCA).

This reaccreditation recognised that the HRCSL’s current mandate, appointment process, and work adequately meet the standards reflected in the Paris Principles on the Status of National Human Rights Institutions. In its report, the SCA also made eight recommendations with respect to enhancing the effectiveness and independence of the HRCSL.

In its letter to President Dissanayake, the HRCSL provided updates on the steps taken by the HRCSL with respect to implementing the SCA’s recommendations and presented proposals to the Government of Sri Lanka on strengthening the HRCSL Act, No. 21 of 1996 in order to fully implement these recommendations.

The HRCSL provided updates on steps taken with respect to conducting unannounced visits to places of deprivation of liberty, interaction with the international human rights system, cooperation with other human rights bodies and civil society organisations, financial autonomy, pluralism and diversity of staff, term of office, selection and appointment, and addressing human rights violations including matters concerning violence, discrimination, custodial deaths, torture, and enforced disappearance.

The report also contained proposals on strengthening the HRCSL Act to enhance the autonomy of the Commission and enforcement of its recommendations.