The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has voiced his concern over Sri Lanka’s confirmation of Deshbandu Tennakoon as the new Inspector General of Police despite revelations of his involvement in a torture case in 2010.
According to BBC news service reports, Türk emphasized the need for a change in the security forces based on this situation, highlighting the importance of upholding human rights standards.
Speaking at the 55th session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva, Türk called on the Government of Sri Lanka to take action on credible accountability measures, including investigating and prosecuting past and present human rights violations and economic crimes.
The High Commissioner expressed deep concern over reports of alleged sexual violence, kidnapping, illegal detention, and torture committed by the police, particularly in the North East of the country in 2023.
While acknowledging the introduction of a draft law for a Commission for Unity and Reconciliation by the government, Türk noted that there is currently no conducive environment for a credible fact-finding process.
Furthermore, Türk highlighted concerns regarding new Acts, including the Online Safety Act, the revised Anti-Terrorism Bill, and the Sri Lankan Non-Governmental Organizations Registration and Monitoring Act, which are perceived to limit public rights to freedom of speech and expression while granting expanded powers to security forces.
In response to these accusations, Himali Arunathilaka, Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the United Nations Office in Geneva, emphasized the country’s focus on economic recovery and reconciliation objectives while maintaining stable democratic traditions and institutions.
