Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka
HRCSL
Summary
The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) is established under Act No. 21 of 1996. The Commission consists of a Chairman and not fewer than two other members, appointed by the President on the recommendation of the Constitutional Council; all must be civilians with legal or human rights qualifications. Members serve 5-year terms and are removable only for cause after inquiry. Under Section 11, the HRCSL may investigate complaints of violations of fundamental rights, including torture, arbitrary arrest, custodial violence, and inhuman treatment in police custody or prisons. Under Section 14, the Commission may summon witnesses, examine witnesses under oath, and require production of documents — giving it investigative powers independent of the LE agency under review. Under Section 24, it may recommend remedies, compensation, and referral for prosecution; it has no binding discipline authority of its own. The HRCSL may visit any place of detention, including police cells and prisons, under Section 11(b). Annual reports are submitted to Parliament.
Independence Scorecard
| Appointment | Independent commission |
|---|---|
| Term length | 5 years |
| Removal standard | For cause only |
| Budget independence | Legislative line item |
| Subpoena power | Yes |
| Compel testimony | Yes |
| Records access | Restricted |
| Public reports required | Yes |
| Pre-publication review | None — reports published directly |
Statute
- Name
- Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka Act No. 21 of 1996
- Citation
- Act No. 21 of 1996
- Full text
- Full text of law →
Jurisdiction scope
All government departments and agencies including police and prison authorities; investigates complaints of violations of fundamental rights including arbitrary arrest, torture, custodial violence, and inhumane treatment in detention; may recommend remedies and refer cases for prosecution.