News
HRCSL urges President to facilitate access to Myanmar asylum seekers detained in Mullaitivu
The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) has formally called on President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to ensure unhindered access for its officials to inspect the welfare and detention conditions of 115 Myanmar asylum seekers currently held in Sri Lanka.
In a letter to the President, the HRCSL emphasized that among the asylum seekers are over 40 children, many of them infants, who arrived by sea off the coast of Mullaitivu a few days ago and rescued by Sri Lanka Navy.
The HRCSL further said that an inspection team from the HRCSL, including its Director of Research and Monitoring, attempted to visit the Mullaitivu detention site on December 26, 2024. However, access was denied by Air Force officials, citing instructions from the Controller General of Immigration and Emigration.
The letter noted that subsequent attempts to secure access through written and verbal communications with the Department of Immigration and Emigration and the Ministry of Public Security were also unsuccessful, with the Department indicating that ministerial approval was required.
In its letter to the President, the HRCSL underscored its statutory mandate under the Human Rights Act, No. 21 of 1996, to monitor the welfare of all detained persons, including asylum seekers. The Commission emphasized its powers to inspect places of detention and to make recommendations for the improvement of detention conditions.
“The Commission’s authority extends to all individuals within Sri Lanka’s jurisdiction, irrespective of their citizenship. It is imperative that the HRCSL is granted immediate access to the Mullaitivu Air Force Base to fulfill its statutory duty to assess the living conditions and welfare of these asylum seekers, particularly the children among them,” the letter stated.
The HRCSL has urged the President to direct relevant institutions, including the Department of Immigration and Emigration and the Ministry of Public Security, to facilitate access for its officers to conduct a thorough investigation.
The Commission highlighted the importance of safeguarding the rights of vulnerable individuals, including children, as enshrined in both Sri Lankan law and international human rights obligations.
Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya yesterday sad that the Executive Presidency would be abolished, in line with the NPP’s election manifesto.
Speaking in Parliament, in response to a question raised under Standing Order 27/2 by Opposition and SJB Leader Sajith Premadasa, the Prime Minister said the abolition would take place through a proposed new Constitution.
She added that preliminary work on drafting the new Constitution had already begun, with previous committee reports and other proposals being studied to guide the process.
“A concept paper on the draft will be presented to the Cabinet,” Amarasuriya said, noting that a formal study has been initiated on abolishing the Executive Presidency.
She said that the move cannot be implemented without introducing a new Constitution.
Leader Sajith Premadasa told Parliament yesterday that the suspension of duties imposed on Dr. Rukshan Bellana, Deputy Director of the National Hospital, amounted to a violation of his fundamental rights.
Raising the issue during parliamentary proceedings, Premadasa, who is also the SJB Leader, questioned the decision to suspend the senior medical officer for issuing a statement to the media, particularly on matters relating to children’s medicines.
He said health was a fundamental right and noted that two children had reportedly died, stressing that the focus should be on accountability over the incident rather than penalising a medical professional for speaking out.
Premadasa criticised the authorities for suspending Dr. Bellana solely for communicating with the media, asking whether such action constituted justice for families who had lost their children.The Opposition Leader said silencing officials, who raise concerns, undermines fundamental rights and does not address the underlying issues related to patient safety and public health.
Acting Deputy Director of the Colombo National Hospital Dr. Rukshan Bellana has been suspended.
A letter, issued by the Ministry of Health, says preliminary investigations by the Ministry of Health has revealed that Dr. Bellana, as a government medical officer holding a responsible position, made statements to the media, without approval, in a manner that created a controversial situation in the country and unrest among the public.
The letter further stated that formal disciplinary action will be taken in due course regarding this matter.
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