HUMAN RIGHT COMMISSION OF SRI LANKA - Annual report 2020 Secretariat of Ratmalana, Geological Survey and Mines Bureau, Central Environmental Authority, Municipal Council of Dehiwala and Mount Lavinia, Urban Development Authority, and the National Aquatic Resources Research anation submitted by the above authorities.  Deduction of employee wages as contributions towards the COVID-19 relief fund (HRC/SUO/MOTU/11/20) All public sector employees were given an opportunity to voluntarily contribute a certain amount of their daily or monthly wages to the COVID19 relief fund set up by the Government. HRCSL observed that various departments and institutions have, in their correspondence to staff, erroneously mentioned that such contribution to the relief fund is mandatory. It also observed that certain employees had to face direct or indirect intimidation over contributions to the fund. As this is an infringement of Article 12 of the Constitution, the Commission made a recommendation in writing to the secretary of the Ministry of Public Administration that the most prudent course of action is to directly communicate with the employees and to strictly respect their consent regarding this matter, without leaving the decision to the discretion of the heads of departments or institutions.  Assaulting of a minor by Police Officers (HRC/SUO/MOTU/12/20) An investigation was initiated pursuant to news reports in to the incident of police officers assaulting a mentally disabled child aged 15 at the ‘Ambagaha Handiya’ road barricade in Aluthgama in May 2020. The Commission directed a letter to the Senior Superintendent of Police of the Kalutara Division requesting a detailed report to be submitted on the incident to the Commission. It also took the necessary steps to refer the he chief judicial medical officer of the Institute of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology. The medical report stated that the wounds and abrasions observed on the victim’s body were compatible with the allegations of torture. By the power vested under section 20(3) of the Act, the OIC of the Aluthgama Police station was summoned to the Commission thrice, but failed to appear before the Commission on each occasion. The inquiry into the incident continues. 57