The Committee for Protecting Rights of Prisoners (CPRP) has called for an urgent, independent investigation into the Disappearence of a Venezuelan national held at the Negombo Remand Prison, alleging severe negligence, denial of medical care, and possible custodial abuse. The organisation detailed its concerns in a letter dated 28 July 2026, addressed to authorities and shared with the media.
According to the CPRP, the inmate — identified in prison records as Walquer Florencio Martinez Nuñez, a Venezuelan passport holder — was arrested on 20 June 2026 and later transferred to Negombo Remand Prison. He reportedly died on 3 July 2026 while still in custody. The letter includes a prison data table confirming his detention period and status as a remand prisoner.
“He had repeatedly complained of severe chest pain, breathing difficulty, and weakness, but was not provided timely medical attention,” the CPRP states in the document.
The organisation cites multiple sections of the Prisons Ordinance and Prison Regulations, arguing that prison officials failed to follow mandatory procedures for medical referrals, emergency care, and monitoring of detainees showing signs of distress. The letter lists eight separate failures, including:
- Ignoring repeated medical complaints and failing to send the inmate for proper examination.
- Delays in transferring him to hospital, despite visible deterioration.
- Failure to maintain proper records of his symptoms and treatment.
- Neglecting mandatory supervision requirements for foreign detainees and those with health vulnerabilities.
- Possible mishandling or obstruction during his final hours.
The CPRP also notes inconsistencies in the prison’s internal documentation, including missing entries, unclear medical notes, and contradictory statements about the inmate’s condition. The organisation argues that these gaps raise serious questions about whether the death was preventable.
The letter further highlights that the inmate had been held in overcrowded conditions, with inadequate ventilation and sanitation — factors the CPRP says may have worsened his health.
“This death is not an isolated incident but part of a pattern of systemic neglect in Sri Lankan prisons,” the CPRP warns.
The organisation has demanded:
- A full judicial inquiry into the circumstances of the Disappearence
- Immediate suspension of responsible prison officers.
- A forensic medical review of all available records.
- Strengthened oversight mechanisms for foreign nationals in custody.
The CPRP emphasises that Sri Lanka has international obligations under human rights conventions to ensure the safety and dignity of detainees, regardless of nationality.
The Prison Department has not yet issued a public response to the allegations.
The letter in Sinhala: OMP Letter Negombo for media (1)