Prisoners’ Rights Committee Raises Concerns Over Alleged Threats to Detainees at Welisara Naval Detention Facility

The Committee for the Protection of Prisoners’ Rights has raised concerns over the safety and welfare of detainees reportedly being held at a detention facility operated by the Sri Lanka Navy in Welisara.

Speaking at a media briefing, committee representative Nadimal Silva said the organisation had received information that several individuals accused of serious crimes were being held at the facility.

He alleged that one detainee had been threatened by another individual, who had reportedly warned that they would be killed. Silva said this had raised concerns among the committee over the safety of the detainees.

He claimed that Navy personnel were responsible for escorting the detainees whenever they were taken out of their cells. He also said the mother of one detainee had lodged a complaint with the Mahabage Police after her son was allegedly threatened.

Silva further claimed that the detainees were allowed outside their cells for only around 20 minutes and that concerns had been raised regarding their rights and conditions of detention.

He stressed that all authorities must act in accordance with the law and should not operate outside established legal procedures.

Silva also alleged that although the detainees had requested to meet an officer and had discussed making a complaint to the police, no formal complaint had yet been lodged regarding the alleged incidents.

He further raised concerns about surveillance cameras at the facility, alleging that changes had been made to the camera system. He referred to events that had allegedly taken place on the 23rd and said a military officer had contacted the relevant parties on the 28th.

The committee also referred to the deaths of prisoners in Negombo approximately three months earlier, expressing concern that a similar incident could occur at the Welisara facility.

Another committee representative, Anura Piyasena, said the organisation had received information concerning alleged incidents involving prisoners at the Welisara facility.

He said reports of threats against detainees were a serious concern and claimed that more than 20 detainees had died after being shot in recent incidents.

Piyasena also criticised the conduct of prison officials and questioned whether proper procedures were being followed at the Welisara facility.

The representatives called for the authorities to look into the allegations and ensure the safety and rights of detainees.