Sri Lanka's Human Rights Commission (HRCSL) launched an Anti-Torture Campaign with a public march today to eradicate torture, especially in police custody.
"The HRCSL will conduct a public march today to kick off the anti -torture campaign with participation of President Maithripala Sirisena, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, and IGP," HRCSL chairperson Dr Deepika Udagama said.
The HRCSL chairperson said the complaints regarding torture, especially under the police custody, have increased even after seven years since the war ended and added that 413 complaints regarding torture in government institutions had been received by them during 2015.
Dr Udagama further said 53 complaints have been received so far this year.
UN Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, Juan E. Mendez, who concluded a visit to Sri Lanka last month, said unfortunately the practice of torture during investigations and interrogations is still present in the country, reports Colombo Page.
Dr Udagama said the police are using torture as a tool to elicit information from suspects but it is not effective for crime prevention and suggested that the police should be educated on alternative methods to obtain information.
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The HRCSL last month issued a set of directives to be followed by designated officials arresting persons under the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act.
Following the measure, President Sirisena issued a series of new directives to the police and security forces to not physically harass, torture or humiliate suspects in a disrespectful manner when arresting and detaining suspects of terrorism related offences.
Udagama also said the Commission will strictly exercise its powers to eradicate torture, especially in police custody.