The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka National Human Rights Institutions are State bodies with a constitutional and legislative mandate to protect and promote human rights. They are part of the State apparatus and are funded by the State. However, they operate and function independently from government. As an independent state body with a broad mandate to protect and promote human rights, the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka was established under Act, No 21 of 1996. This is the National Human Rights Institution in Sri Lanka. This Commission has been incorporated in line with the United Nations’ Paris Principles, affirming obligations of Sri Lanka as a member of the United Nations. HRCSL vision is to ensure human rights for all and promote and protect Rule of Law. The Commission shall consist of five members chosen from persons having knowledge of, or practical experience in, matters relating to human rights. All members are appointed by the president on the recommendation of the Constitutional Council. One of the members so appointed shall be nominated by the Chairman of the Commission. the Commission shall hold office for a period of three years. The HRCSL work is focused mainly under four areas. Investigation and Inquiries, Monitoring, Education and Advocacy. Investigation and Inquiries The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka has the mandate to receive complaints of fundamental rights and investigate their validity and details and, if appropriate, ensure that the case is effectively brought to court, following established procedures. According to the functions set out under section 10(a) and (b) of the Human Rights Commission Act No 21 of 1996, the Commission is assigned to carry out two special tasks in relation to the protection of rights. 10 (a) closely monitor executive and administrative practices and procedures in order to assure that the provisions of the Constitution relating to Fundamental Rights are adhered to. 10 (b) Inquire and investigate into complaints relating to infringement of Fundamental Rights and subsequently settle them or take measures to resolve them. Section 11 provides for powers conferred upon the Commission to enforce such functions. The section relatively suggests that the Commission has the power to investigate any infringement or imminent infringement of fundamental rights. Article 14 of the Commission Act suggests that the Commission may, on its own motion or on a complaint made to it by an aggrieved person or group of persons or a person acting on behalf of an aggrieved person or a group of persons, investigate an allegation of the infringement or imminent infringement of a fundamental right of such a person or a group of persons. 04