In a letter addressed to Commissioner General of Prison, HRCSL has said that “the health and security of all prisoners including remandees, remain the responsibility of the Commissioner-General of Prisons. Given the concerns already conveyed to you regarding security issues, we ask you to take immediate steps to secure Mr Abeysereka and ensure the best possible treatment. It may be best to transfer Mr Abeyskera to the Welikanda Treatment Hospital.”
The letter follows:
Mr. Thushara Upuldeniya,
Commissioner General of Prison,
Prison Head Quarters,
Colombo 10.
Re: Remandee G. S Abeysekera
We refer to our letter of 25 November drawing your attention to the concerns regarding health and threats to the life of Remandee, G.S. Abeysekera who has apparently contracted the COVID-19 virus while at the Mahara Prison in your custody.
We are surprised to be informed that Mr. Abeysekera, with multiple health issues, has been transferred to the Treatment Centre for prisoners at Gallella. We have been made to understand, the better treatment is available at the Welikanda Treatment Hospital.
Mr. Upuldeniya, as you are aware, the health and security of all prisoners including remandees, remain the responsibility of the Commissioner-General of Prisons. Given the concerns already conveyed to you regarding security issues, we ask you to take immediate steps to secure Mr Abeysereka and ensure the best possible treatment. It may be best to transfer Mr Abeyskera to the Welikanda Treatment Hospital.
Further, his family has informed us that they have no information regarding Mr beysekera’s health situation or his whereabouts. We urge you to immediately keep families of all prisoners infected by the COVID-19 virus informed of his whereabouts and provide them with the results of their PCR Test.
We are also receiving many complaints from family members desperate for information regarding their loved ones in custody. Therefore, we suggest that you provide us with an updated list of all prisoners affected by the virus and their current location and treatment. We would welcome the appointment of a contact person in each treatment in case further information is required by family members.
This letter is sent under the power vested under the HRCSL Act, No. 21 of 1996, SS. 10 (b), 11 (d), 28(2) where the Commission is specially mandated to ensure the welfare of those deprived of liberty.
Ramani Muttettuwegama
Commissioner in charge of Investigations and Inquiries
Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka
PDF of 26th letter: HRCSL-letter-to-Commissioner-General-of-Prisons-_-26-November-2020
PDF of 25th letter: HRCSL-Letter-to-Commissioner-General-of-Prions-25-Nov-2020-1