Sri Lanka
APF Membership
Associate Member. The Commission was a Full Member of the APF until 2009. It became an Associate Member following an accreditation decision of the International Coordinating Committee of NHRIs in 2009.
Admitted
1997 (2nd Regional Workshop)
Establishment
The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka was established under the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka Act, No. 21 (1996). It began operating in September 1997.
Role and functions
The Commission has a wide mandate to deal with illegal detention, torture, disappearance and murder. It also has a responsibility to educate the public and armed forces and to advise on any administrative or other changes that may be necessary to avoid violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms.
The main functions of the Commission are to:
- inquire and investigate fundamental rights violations
- ensure that all State procedures comply with fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution of Sri Lanka
- advise and assist the government in drawing up legislations, administrative directives, and procedures in compliance with fundamental rights
- make recommendations to the government regarding how national laws and administrative practices can be brought in line with international human rights obligations of Sri Lanka
- advise the government on acceding to international human rights treaties and other international instruments in the field of human rights
- promote human rights awareness in the country.
Commission Members
Justice Priyantha R P Perera
Chairperson
Dr. M A J Mendis
Commmissioner
Mrs. Jezima Ismail
Commissioner
Dr. Bernard De Zoysa
Commissioner
Mr. T E Anandarajah
Commissioner
