Former Chairperson of the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka, Prof. Deepika Udagama, has called for urgent reforms to address long-standing institutional weaknesses within key commissions and departments of the country.
Speaking at a public dialogue held in Colombo, Prof. Udagama emphasized the critical need for strong leadership and accountability in Sri Lanka’s justice and governance systems. She underscored that human rights violations—including disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and other forms of abuse—cannot be treated as isolated incidents in the absence of proper investigations.
“If institutions such as the Police Commission and the Attorney General’s Department were functioning effectively,” she noted, “there would be no need for public discussion about their failures.”
Prof. Udagama highlighted the importance of institutional leadership, stating, “We must focus on strengthening institutions. And that begins with who we appoint to lead them. Leadership is critical. If those in charge possess the right knowledge, integrity, and commitment, even flawed institutions can be transformed.”
She also expressed concern over the current fragility in the governance structure, pointing to the presence of acting officials in key positions—such as the Inspector General of Police and the Commissioner of Prisons—as clear indicators of institutional instability.
In her concluding remarks, Prof. Udagama cautioned that unless these systemic issues are addressed, Sri Lanka will continue to face the same recurring challenges for years to come.
