- Recommendations issued to Govt, Archaeology Dept, IGP, CEA
The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) has called on the Government and key State institutions to address a range of human rights concerns in the Northern and Eastern Provinces, including enforced disappearances, mass graves, military occupation of land, religious freedom and alleged intimidation of activists and communities.
In a report on the human rights situation in the two provinces, the Commission has made recommendations to the Government, the Department of Archaeology, the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the Central Environmental Authority (CEA).
The HRCSL has recommended amending the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance Act to recognise widespread and systematic enforced disappearance as an offence. It has also called for a comprehensive list of those who surrendered, were detained or sent for rehabilitation at the end of the war, along with the military officers responsible for them.
The report calls for adequate and independent funding for the Office on Missing Persons to investigate the fate and whereabouts of disappeared persons. It also recommends establishing an independent institution with powers to investigate enforced disappearances and prosecute those responsible.
On mass graves, the Commission has urged the adoption of standard operating procedures for investigations, timely allocation of funds and the deployment of archaeological experts. It has also recommended obtaining international expertise and technology for DNA analysis and dating human remains, as well as establishing a voluntary DNA bank for families of disappeared persons.
The report calls for a commission of inquiry into the expulsion and long-term displacement of Northern Muslims, a State-supported resettlement programme and measures to address land ownership and voting rights.
On militarisation and land disputes, the HRCSL has recommended ending military occupation of private and community-owned land unless legally justified, expediting the return of occupied land and withdrawing military involvement from civilian economic sectors, particularly agriculture and education.
It has also urged authorities to protect religious freedom, prevent discriminatory enforcement of regulations and uphold court orders protecting religious rights. The report calls for a national memorialisation policy that distinguishes legitimate commemoration from incitement to violence.
The IGP has been urged to stop intimidation, harassment, surveillance and arbitrary arrests of people exercising their constitutional freedoms, investigate alleged misconduct by officers and take disciplinary action where necessary.
The CEA has been asked to scrutinise environmental impact assessments, ensure that permits and licences are valid before approving projects and take action against unauthorised developments, including the Kilinochchi Cement Plant and Mannar Sand Mining projects.
The Commission has also called for stronger protection of fishing and farming livelihoods, transparent development processes and accountability over alleged abuses involving State officials and private companies.