HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION OF SRI LANKA, Annual Report 2019 Taking into consideration the right of every citizen to vote, to freely engage in political activities, and the right to free and fair elections under the Constitution of Sri Lanka, the HRCSL issued guidelines to be observed by all police officers during the run-up to the election, on the day of the election, and the period immediately following the election. The Commission monitored compliance with these guidelines issued under powers vested in the Commission under the Act of the Commission. The Commission also issued directives to public officers and public officers in the provincial public service in relation to the presidential election to ensure that the election is conducted freely and fairly. The Directives emphasized that the non-implementation of the law and the abuse of authority including the use of powers in a politically partial manner result in violation of fundamental rights, and that in addition to holding the state responsible, individual officers will also be held personally responsible for violations. 2.3. Other advocacy for reform ▪ Call for non-discrimination in measures in private institutions enforcing security Pursuant to receiving several complaints from women that they were prevented from entering public premises and public buildings following the Easter Sunday attacks, and that such wrongful refusal of entry had led to these women from being denied essential services, the Commission wrote to appeal to the Chambers of Commerce to ensure that no one is denied entry to public spaces unless they contravene the law. The Commission urged the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce to take immediate steps to ensure its members grant access to all persons who conform to the prohibition contained in Regulation 32A to all private institutions under its purview. The Commission also suggested that the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce provide clear guidelines to its members about the types of attire NOT prohibited so as to facilitate this process. 39