The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) stated that a special programme will be put in place to ascertain whether human rights violations are taking place during the Presidential Election period.

In view of the Presidential Election scheduled for 21 September, The Daily Morning queried HRCSL Commissioner Nimal G. Punchihewa as to whether there will be any special programme to tackle human rights violations during the Election period. In response he said: "We anyway look into human rights violations, whether it is an Election period or not. However, there will be a special programme to look into potential human rights violations by public officials during the Election period."

The HRCSL had recently issued a set of guidelines to public servants and Police officers, emphasising their responsibilities in upholding the relevant constitutional provisions and ensuring the protection of fundamental rights (FRs) during the Presidential Election period. In relation to public servants, the HRCSL noted that according to the Constitution, the misuse of legal obligations by public officials, acting beyond legal limits, failing to perform the required duties, and causing unnecessary delays in performing their duties constitute violations of FRs, and added that the HRCSL is empowered to conduct investigations and inquiries into such violations.

Issuing guidelines to Police officers, the HRCSL asserted that during the Election period, on the day of the Election, and after the Election, complaints and investigations should be conducted in a manner that does not violate the relevant constitutional provisions that affirm that all persons are equal before the law. The HRCSL emphasised that any failure or omission to take appropriate action in relation to any complaint will render the Police liable for the violation of FRs. Furthermore, the HRCSL stressed that the Police must not allow the public to be subjected to any form of violence, including torture or cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment or punishment, whether initiated by the Police or instigated by other parties.

The Presidential Election to elect the ninth President of Sri Lanka is scheduled to be held on 21 September. During elections in Sri Lanka, there is potential for human rights violations, particularly in areas like voter suppression, intimidation, and violence. Vulnerable groups, including ethnic minorities and females, may face discriminatory practices, and there is also the risk of the misuse of State resources to influence voting outcomes, HRCSL noted.