The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) has announced that strict action will be taken against public officers who fail to implement the Commission’s recommendations.

In an official statement, the HRCSL emphasised that all individuals and institutions are legally bound to comply with the recommendations issued by the Commission.

Accordingly, the Commission has taken steps to inform all Ministry Secretaries, Provincial Chief Secretaries, Secretaries of Provincial Councils, Department Heads, and heads of statutory bodies and institutions regarding this obligation.

The HRCSL further stated that officials must also inform the Commission of the steps they have taken—or intend to take—within the time frame specified in the recommendation, as mandated under the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka Act.

However, the Commission noted that in some cases, certain officials and institutions have failed to implement the recommendations, citing pending appeals as the reason for inaction.

In response, the Commission clarified that there is no legal provision to appeal or challenge recommendations issued under the HRCSL Act. 

Therefore, submitting appeals cannot be used as a basis to delay or disregard implementation.

The Commission further stressed that if any official or institution fails to implement the recommendations, they will be held accountable for the consequences of the Commission’s forthcoming legal or administrative actions.