By: Isuru Parakrama
May 20, Colombo (LNW): The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) has formally released a set of directives aimed at reducing deaths occurring in police custody and during police confrontations, citing growing concern over the persistent incidence of such fatalities.
Labelled as General Guidelines and Recommendations No. 1 of 2025, the document has been issued to the Sri Lanka Police as a preventive framework.
The Commission’s initiative follows its analysis of a series of disturbing cases, in which a total of 79 deaths were recorded between January 2020 and the end of March 2025—49 of which occurred in custody, and 30 during police encounters.
Justice L.T.B. Dehideniya, Chair of the HRCSL, stated that the recommendations were drafted following a thorough examination of complaints submitted by the public, and reflect a pressing need for reform in police conduct and accountability.
He stressed that the effective enforcement of these measures requires a proactive commitment from law enforcement agencies.
The recommendations are said to advocate for improved training for officers on human rights standards and the lawful use of force.
The HRCSL has urged the police to treat these guidelines not as optional protocols but as essential standards for lawful conduct.
Read General Guidelines and Recommendations: https://www.hrcsl.lk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/General-Guidelines-and-Recommendations-No-01-of-2025-_-English.pdf
