GENEVA – Sri Lanka must strengthen its National Preventive Mechanism and take concrete action to address persistent risks faced by people deprived of liberty, the UN Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture (SPT) said after its second visit to the country, citing concerns over prolonged pre-trial detention, overcrowding and inadequate conditions in detention facilities and other places where people are deprived of liberty.
“More than seven years after our initial visit, several of our previous recommendations have yet to be fully implemented, and people deprived of their liberty have yet to see any meaningful improvement in their situation,” said Aisha Shujune Muhammad, head of the SPT delegation.
The SPT delegation visited Sri Lanka from 14 to 25 June 2026 to assess progress in implementing the recommendations issued by the SPT following its first visit in 2019. The mission also aimed to engage directly with the local monitoring body, the National Preventive Mechanism (NPM), and to examine the treatment of detainees and the safeguards in place against torture and ill-treatment.
During the visit, the delegation conducted unannounced visits to a range of detention facilities, including prisons, police stations, remand centres, rehabilitation facilities and other places of detention, and held meetings with State officials, NPM members, civil society representatives and other UN agencies.
The SPT reiterated concerns that, despite existing legal safeguards, people deprived of liberty do not always benefit from them in practice, pointing to broader challenges in the justice system. The delegation also underscored that the lack of an independent investigative mechanism fosters a climate of impunity.
“An independent, adequately resourced and effectively functioning NPM is essential for the prevention of torture and ill-treatment. Further concrete steps are required to strengthen the NPM, as the obligation under the Optional Protocol extends beyond its mere designation and includes ensuring its continued independence, effectiveness, and operational capacity,” Muhammad added.
Following the visit, the SPT will submit a confidential report to the Government of Sri Lanka setting out its observations and recommendations. The report will remain confidential unless the State Party decides to make it public. In line with its practice regarding all States Parties, the SPT encourages Sri Lanka to publish this report, as well as its previous one, to help promote transparency, accountability, and public discussion on preventing torture and ill-treatment.
The SPT delegation was composed of Aisha Shujune Muhammad, head of delegation (Maldives), Jakub Julian Czepek (Poland), Nika Kvaratskhelia (Georgia), Anica Tomsic (Croatia) and two human rights officers from the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.
