Human Rights Hot line

The Public could access the hot line on 011-2676513 and 060-2119246

A 24 hour rapid response hotline to clarify queries regarding arrests, detention, suspected abduction and disappearances will be launched today by the Ministry of Disaster Management and Human Rights.

Ministry sources said persons who seek information would be able to clarify matters in all three languages - Sinhala, Tamil and English.

The objective of creating this hotline is to enable the public to obtain information whether a person is or is not in official custody.

Operators can also direct callers to access law-enforcement Authorities to initiate investigations into such cases, sources said.

The hot line is to be in operation for eight months initially until December, with the initiative to be assessed after that on the basis of the need. The Ministry said this step was taken to ensure that laws on arrest and detention are fully implemented - particularly where emergency regulations are invoked- especially the implementation of the Presidential direction on arrest and detention.

It also said that the Ministry had received information that in the context of ongoing security operations aimed at preventing and investigating acts of terrorism people have been taken into custody with subsequent investigations as to their bona fides.

Others have been allegedly abducted for collateral purposes such as demanding of a ransom and family members were anxious to clarify their whereabouts and safety, it said. According to Ministry sources, the Minister for Disaster Management and Human Rights, Mahinda Samarasinghe had consulted senior officers of the AG department, the Police, Armed services, HR commission and Ministry officials before finalising matters pertaining to the proposed hot line.

The proposed hotline accessible to people through out the country is to be housed in the Disaster Management Centre under the purview of the Ministry.