News
HRCSL recommends improved treatment of detained Rohingya asylum seekers
The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL), on Friday (31), called for urgent measures to address the conditions of 116 Rohingya asylum seekers, including 57 children, currently detained at the Mullaitivu Air Force Camp. The group arrived on 19 December, 2024, after a multi-day journey on a trawler that drifted towards the coast near Mullivaikkal. Several asylum seekers had perished during the journey before local fishermen provided humanitarian aid and the Sri Lanka Navy escorted the vessel to Trincomalee. The survivors were later detained following an order by the Trincomalee Magistrate.
Following a visit to the Mullaitivu Air Force Camp on 9 January 2025, the HRCSL issued a report highlighting legal obligations, under both domestic and international law, to protect the asylum seekers. It emphasised the principle of non-refoulement, which prevents the return of individuals to a country where they may face grave risks, such as enforced disappearance. The HRCSL referred to the UN Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Myanmar, which documented the dangers faced by the Rohingya community, urging the government to meaningfully consider these risks when making decisions about potential repatriation.
The report cited section 5(2) of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights Act, No. 56 of 2007, which mandates that the best interests of the child must be prioritised in all matters involving children, regardless of their nationality. The HRCSL stressed that this protection must extend to the Rohingya children
currently detained in Sri Lanka. It recommended that state authorities grant regular access to child protection experts to ensure the children’s welfare is safeguarded.
The Commission also recommended that the Department of Immigration and Emigration, along with the Sri Lanka Air Force, appoint focal points to ensure the timely delivery of essential aid, such as clothing, sanitary products, and food for the asylum seekers, especially for children. Additionally, it urged the authorities to provide access to specialised UN agencies, including UNHCR, to properly vet and register the asylum seekers as needed.
Concerns over the treatment of female asylum seekers were also raised, with the HRCSL calling for adequate sanitary facilities and security provided by trained women police officers. The Commission further recommended transferring the asylum seekers to a more appropriate facility, equipped to meet the needs of men, women, and children. Any detention, it stated, should be strictly temporary and limited to the time required to make informed decisions on their status. Those registered as asylum seekers should be promptly released from custody.
The HRCSL expressed alarm over reports that human rights defenders (HRDs) advocating for the Rohingya had been subjected to harassment by law enforcement officials. Complaints forwarded to the Commission highlighted intimidation of HRDs engaged in legitimate activities, including organising peaceful protests against government policy on repatriation. The HRCSL urged state institutions to respect the right to peaceful assembly and refrain from threatening or harassing activists. It warned that it would summon relevant parties for inquiries if these issues persist.
The Commission also recommended that Sri Lanka ratify key international conventions, including the 1951 Refugee Convention, the 1954 Convention Relating to the Status of Stateless Persons, and the 1961 Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness. These conventions, it noted, would help establish comprehensive legal protections for refugees and stateless individuals, within the country’s domestic legal framework.
The HRCSL’s report underscored the need for immediate action and long-term reforms, stressing that Sri Lanka’s obligations, under international law, demand a compassionate and lawful response to those fleeing persecution and seeking refuge on its shores.
As part of the official visit to London for the 43rd Commonwealth of Learning (COL) Board of Governors Meeting 2026, the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, held discussions with academic experts from the British Council on Wednesday [20 May 2026].
The discussions focused on strengthening cooperation in education, particularly in the areas of teacher training, English language programmes, education frameworks, and language acquisition skills.
The British Council shared international experience and highlighted its ongoing engagement in Sri Lanka, while expressing readiness to support the country through technical assistance, teacher development initiatives, and policy collaboration.
Discussions also included views on improving quality assurance, expanding research collaboration, and enhancing learning opportunities.
The Prime Minister appreciated the British Council’s continued engagement in Sri Lanka and reiterated the importance of deepening partnerships.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division’
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, who is currently on an official visit to the United Kingdom, met with members of the Sri Lankan community living in London on Wednesday [20th] and engaged in cordial discussions.
Despite the event being held on a weekday, it was notable that nearly one thousand Sri Lankans representing the Sinhala, Tamil, and Muslim communities attended with great enthusiasm.
Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that despite natural disasters and international crises, the present government has succeeded in stabilizing the country’s economy while providing relief to the people. She further noted that Sri Lanka’s political culture has now undergone a positive transformation that is irreversible.
Minister of Women and Child Affairs Saroja Paulraj, addressing the event, stated that a governance system has now been established in the country where all communities are treated equally and the benefits of economic development are shared fairly among all citizens.
Moving away from the traditional method of political gatherings, the event also provided an open platform for members of the Sri Lankan community to directly raise questions and express their views to the Prime Minister and the Minister.
Commenting on the organization of the event, the organizing committee stated that all expenses, including dinner, were borne by the participants themselves. The organizers further remarked that it is unsurprising that opposition groups, accustomed to organizing such events through the misuse of public funds, appear unsettled by this transparent process.
The occasion was attended by the Minister of Women and Child Affairs Saroja Paulraj and Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Nimal Senadheera.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya currently undertaking an official visit to London, United Kingdom, to participate in the 43rd Commonwealth of Learning (COL) Board of Governors Meeting 2026 held a bilateral meeting with the Yvette Cooper MP, Foreign Secretary of the United Kingdom ON Wednesday [20]. The Prime Minister was accompanied by Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Nimal Senadheera, along with officials from the Sri Lankan High Commission.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister conveyed Sri Lanka’s appreciation to the United Kingdom for the support extended in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwa, including ongoing rebuilding and recovery assistance. The Prime Minister also commended the United Kingdom’s support in facilitating increased bilateral trade and exports for Sri Lanka.
The Prime Minister briefed the UK delegation on Sri Lanka’s recent economic developments and policy priorities, the Government’s commitment to advancing human rights and reconciliation, as well as Sri Lanka’s positive growth trajectory.
The two sides also exchanged views on current global geopolitical developments, challenges in the energy sector, and the importance of enhancing regional connectivity and long-term energy security.
Both sides also emphasised the importance of strengthening structured academic mobility frameworks while ensuring fairness, clarity, and integrity within migration systems.
They also reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening bilateral cooperation between the two countries in areas of mutual interest.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
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