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HRCSL warns state entities not implementing its advice
View(s):By S. Rubatheesan
With only about thirty percent of its recommendations implemented last year, the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) has warned state entities that its instructions cannot be appealed against and they are obliged to implement them.
In a circular issued to ministry secretaries, provincial chief secretaries, heads of departments, corporations, and statutory boards, the HRCSL informed them that “not implementing such recommendations under the guise of an appeal procedure is against the law of the country.” The commission also warned that action would be taken against officers or institutions if they did not implement HRCSL recommendations.
Drawing attention to a Public Administration Ministry directive issued by its then secretary, the Commission pointed out that state institutions were required under Section 15(7) of the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka Act to set a final date by which they must inform the Commission about the steps taken to implement its recommendations.
The Sri Lanka Navy is among the several state institutions that have failed to implement the HRCSL recommendations.
After hearing an application filed by a citizen who was barred from accessing the remote Iranathivu Island in Kilinochchi, the HRCSL directed the Navy on December 8, 2023, to refrain from imposing restrictions on citizens’ access to the island and to issue written instructions to Navy personnel stationed in the North Central Naval Area accordingly.
However, the Navy failed to implement those recommendations, citing ‘national security.’
HRCSL Commissioner Dr. Gehan Gunatilleke told the Sunday Times the Commission issued the fresh circular after it felt that the implementation level was not satisfactory. “Some of the state institutions lack diligence and awareness when it comes to implementing the Commission’s recommendations.”
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