Srilanka, May 20 -- The Sri Lanka Human Rights Commission (HRCSL) has reported that 49 custodial deaths occurred between 2020 and May 1 of this year.

Speaking at a press conference in Colombo yesterday to raise awareness about guidelines and recommendations issued to the police to prevent such deaths, HRCSL Chairman, retired Supreme Court Justice L.T.B. Dehideniya, noted that 30 deaths were also observed during confrontations with the police within the same period.

He highlighted that the majority of custodial deaths took place within police stations or divisions in the Western Province.

Consequently, the HRCSL has presented several recommendations to the police aimed at minimising these fatalities.

These recommendations include the ...