The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) issued recommendations on regularising the imposition of curfew.
The HRCSL noted that a large number of persons have been arrested and vehicles confiscated for the violation of curfew imposed from March 2020 and thereafter in view of the COVID-19 pandemic.
However the Commission has recognized the need to restrict the freedom of movement in the interest of public health and public order during an extraordinary health emergency such as that facing the country at present.
The Commission observed that the recent exercise of such powers in relation to specific localities where persons infected with COVID-19 had been located.
It is doubtful whether these powers relating to specific localities (in which diseased persons have already been located) could be extended to declare curfew for the entire country or several Districts for preventive purposes.
Police declarations pertaining to the announcements of the President’s/Presidential Media Division are not available in the public domain.
(LIN)