Chapter Four: Monitoring and Review Division (Research and Monitoring Division) The Monitoring and Review Division plays a very important role within the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka. The mandate of the Division is very broad and encompasses all issues recognized under the international human rights standards. The following activities were undertaken by the Monitoring and Review Division during the year 2015. 4.1. Establishment of the Research and Monitoring Division The newly appointed Commission re-named the Monitoring & Review Division as the Research and Monitoring Division.1 The purpose of this Division is to conduct research on human rights related issues in Sri Lanka in order to assist the Commission in making necessary policy interventions. 4.2. HRCSL Report on the Presidential Election 2015 The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka played an active role to ensure a free, fair and impartial election in the last Presidential election held on 8th January 2015. The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka dealt with government officers, members of Civil Society and Election Monitors to help the people of the country elect a President at a free and fair election. As a part of Commission’s activities, the Commission conducted meetings with the Elections Commissioner and other stakeholders, conducted inquiries, media monitoring, called for reports, and issued directives, guidelines and recommendations relating to all activities connected to the election. A report was prepared on the Human Rights Commission’s intervention in the Presidential election 2015. The recommendations to the Elections Department are as follow: 1. 1 From November 23, 2015 Monitoring and Review Division name changed as Research and Monitoring Division. 2. 29