The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) has decided to summon the heads of all relevant institutions for a discussion on the recent unrest reported at several prisons.

A Commissioner of the Human Rights Commission Attorney Nimal G. Punchihewa said the meeting is being held to discuss measures necessary to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.

Accordingly, senior officials of the Department of Prisons, the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and Secretaries of the relevant ministries have been summoned to appear before the Commission on August 18, 2026. 

Punchihewa further said the incidents reported at prisons were deeply concerning and that the Commission is paying special attention to the situation.

He said the Commission has already commenced investigations into the incident at the Negombo Prison and that the inquiry has progressed considerably. Investigations are also underway into the incident at Mahara Prison and other incidents reported thereafter.

Meanwhile, the International Human Rights Organization (IHRO) Sri Lanka has warned that it may have to take the matter before the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva if the government fails to establish an effective mechanism to address the problems faced by prisoners.

Speaking at a media briefing today, its Director General Chandana Weerathunga said the fundamental rights of prisoners are currently being violated and urged the government to ensure that inmates receive their basic rights.

He also pointed out that a large number of suspects remain in remand custody for years due to delays in receiving Government Analyst reports, despite being eligible for bail.

Weerathunga called on the government to rectify the existing mechanisms and take steps to prevent similar situations from occurring in prisons across the country.

He warned that if the necessary measures are not taken, the organisation would be compelled to take the matter to the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva.