• Slams unlawful appeals made by State entities for non-implementation 

The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) has issued an official statement to all heads of State institutions, reaffirming their legal obligation to implement the commission’s recommendations following its investigations.

The statement has been formally communicated to all secretaries of ministries, provincial and chief secretaries, and heads of departments, corporations, and statutory boards, reminding them of this statutory duty.

Section 15(7) of the HRCSL Act empowers the commission to set deadlines by which State institutions must inform the Commission of the steps taken to implement the recommendations directed to them. The Commission emphasised that all state authorities are legally bound to comply with this requirement. Additionally, Public Administration Circular Number 17/2005, issued by the Ministry of Public Administration and Home Affairs, clearly directs State institutions to ensure the implementation of the HRCSL’s recommendations.

Despite these clear directives, the Commission has expressed concern over the failure of certain institutions and officials to comply, citing the existence of an ‘appeal’ against recommendations as justification for non-compliance. The HRCSL stated that the HRCSL Act provides no legal provision for appealing its recommendations. As such, citing an appeal as a reason for non-implementation is both baseless and unlawful.

The commission urged all State institutions and public officials to fulfil their legal responsibilities, respect the authority of the commission, and uphold the fundamental rights of all citizens.

Furthermore, the HRCSL has warned that it will be compelled to take appropriate action against institutions that fail to implement its recommendations.