4. Circulars Circulars issued by the DOP were also examined during the course of the study. These documents relate to the daily functioning of the prison system and provide directions for both prison officers and prisoners. Circulars address issues ranging from the visitation rights of prisoners, salary increments of prison guards, and procedures in transferring prisoners to rehabilitation centres, such as Kandarkadu. 5. Penal Code No. 2 of 1883 The Penal Code defines criminal offences in Sri Lanka and stipulates their respective punishments. 6. Code of Criminal Procedure Act, No. 15 of 1979 The Criminal Procedure Code provides the legal procedure to be followed when prosecuting offenders under the Sri Lankan criminal justice system. 7. Civil Procedure Code Ordinance, No. 12 of 1985 This Ordinance contains all laws relating to the procedure of the civil courts in Sri Lanka. 8. Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act No. 48 of 1979 This Act forms the basis of national security laws and therefore contains derogations from fundamental due process safeguards, including, detention without charge for up to eighteen months. 9. International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights Act No. 56 of 2007 The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights Act No. 56 of 2007 is the law which Sri Lanka, as a state party to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, has enacted to give effect to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. 10. Convention against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment Act No. 24 of 1994. The Convention Against Torture was ratified and introduced into domestic law through this statutory instrument, highlighting the absolute non-derogability of the right against torture. 26