HRCSL writes to IGP on PTA detentions & obtaining 'confessions'

The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) wrote to the Inspector General of Police (IGP) seeking details on detentions under the Prevention of Terrorism Act and expressed concerns on the procedures followed by police when ‘obtaining confessions’. 

Stressing  that under Section 11(d)of the HRCSL Act No. 21 of 1996 that requires the Commission to continuously monitor the conditions of persons in custody, the Commission urged the Acting IGP to provide the details of persons detained under the PTA.

The Commission also noted that many detainees have complained of pressure in relation to self-incriminating statements. “These include frequent trips to police headquarters where pre-prepared statements are proffered to detainees in Sinhala for their signature, inducements such as promises of release if statements are signed and threats such as charges based on falsehoods if they are not signed,” letter signed by Ramani Muttettuwegama, Commissioner in charge of Investigations & Inquiry added. 

“We are attaching here, the letter provided by your Department were some element of these practices is clearly demonstrated – you will note the language of “advised to provide confessions” in relation to several detainees. As you are aware, the admissibility of self incriminating statements, even under the PTA, is based on the test of voluntariness as required by Section 24 of the Evidence Ordinance. Please let us know what steps have been taken in this regard to ensure validity of statements made to the police since our discussion.”