The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) has raised concerns over several complaints received concerning torture, cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment, and arbitrary arrests and detention associated with the ‘Yukithiya’ islandwide special Police operation.

Issuing a statement, the HRCSL said it acknowledges that preventing organised crime and the trafficking of dangerous narcotics is an important objective, but concerns have been raised as the operation has become associated with reports of widespread injustice.

“Police officers responsible for investigating crimes and apprehending suspects must, at all times, respect this right, which requires that suspects be treated with dignity. The Commission is disturbed to learn of reports of cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment of persons, including young persons, during search operations conducted by the police. The Commission is accordingly taking steps to inquire into such reports,” it added.

Pointing out the recent study on the prison system in Sri Lanka and its recommendations for addressing the problem of overcrowding in prisons, the HRCSL said the spate of arrests and detentions under the said ‘Yukthiya’ Operation will no doubt exacerbate this problem.

The HRCSL further noted that the continued implementation of the ‘Yukthiya’ Operation with the professed object of advancing ‘justice’ remains incongruous, given the systemic failure of law enforcement authorities in Sri Lanka to uphold justice and to respect the fundamental rights of the People.

The HRCSL, therefore, called on the President, the Minister of Public Security, and the Government of Sri Lanka to pay more attention to the current approach to law enforcement and focus instead on meaningfully reforming law enforcement institutions to enable them to ensure public security while maintaining the Rule of Law and respecting the fundamental rights of the People.