From 14 – 15 July 2025, the Max Planck Foundation held the second in a series of workshops on draft Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL). The workshop took place in Colombo and brought together Commission staff from both the headquarters and regional offices.
Drafted by the Commission, with technical comments from Foundation staff, the SOP focused on HRCSL’s mandate as Sri Lanka’s National Preventive Mechanism (NPM) under the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (OPCAT). All five Commissioners and the Commission Secretary attended the workshop. The Chairperson underscored the importance of the NPM mandate and the value of standardised procedures in strengthening the Commission’s preventive efforts. The other Commissioners also shared valuable insights during the sessions, drawing from their varied expertise and experience.
Mr Nihal Chandrasiri, Director, Research and Monitoring, introduced the draft SOP on the NPM. He explained its relevance to the Commission’s responsibility to monitor places of detention and prevent torture and other forms of ill-treatment through regular visits, reporting, and follow-up. Staff members from regional offices reflected on the practices and challenges they encounter in implementing the NPM mandate and actively contributed feedback on the draft procedures. Discussions highlighted the diversity of regional experiences, and many of the suggestions shared were welcomed for incorporation into the final version of the SOP.
The workshop also featured technical sessions delivered by staff of the Max Planck Foundation. One session introduced the international framework of OPCAT, highlighting the rationale for independent monitoring of detention facilities, the obligations of States Parties, and the roles of the Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture and National Preventive Mechanisms. Another session drew on comparative experience from New Zealand’s NPM, covering inspection procedures, report writing, special investigations, and engagement with authorities.
A hands-on exercise invited participants to apply the draft SOP to hypothetical scenarios. This session enabled staff to explore how the procedures could be adapted to different regional contexts and practical challenges. Reflections from the exercise informed further discussions and reinforced the relevance of the SOP for effective implementation.
This workshop forms part of a broader effort to support the institutional strengthening of the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka under the German Federal Foreign Office-funded project,‘Consolidating the Rule of Law in Sri Lanka: Strengthening the Resilience of Democratic Institutions to Promote Stability in the Face of Crises.’