CHAPTER 01 PROTECTION OF HUMAN RIGHTS 1.1 Handling of Complaints 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. In year 2014, those tasks were fulfilled mainly by the Inquiry and Investigation Division and the regional offices. Any person can lodge a complaint with the Commission either by way of a written petition or by calling at the Head-Office or at any regional office in person. The Commission then investigates these complaints in the following manner. Initially, the complaints are registered with the Commission and subsequently a reference number and a receipt will be issued to the plaintiff. Then, the complaint is assessed to check whether it comes under the purview of the Commission. Complaints relating to infringement of Fundamental Rights or proximate infringement of rights are directed to the relevant officer where a decision will be made whether such complaints can be preceded with. Thereafter reports and observations of relevant respondents are obtained and an initial inquiry is carried out on the matter. After that, summons will be issued to the plaintiff and respondent parties in order to proceed with investigations. 1