We checked into the Haven of Love - Divisional Secretaries' Association

The Sri Lanka Divisional Secretaries' Association states that relevant state institutions had been informed in advance about the risky conditions and shortcomings that existed within the detention center named "Senehase Nawathena," which was maintained in an unsafe manner.

According to the President of that association, the Millaniya Divisional Secretariat had taken steps on several occasions to inform the institutions responsible for this center. Accordingly, last February, the Department of Social Services, state institutions responsible for persons with disabilities, and the police were informed about this, and at that time, many issues existing within the relevant center were presented.

This private detention center, operational since 2024, was initially used only for detaining women with mental disabilities. However, it is reported that steps were later taken to detain male residents there as well. Additionally, authorities' attention had been drawn to several issues such as the lack of a secure fence for the premises, inadequate hygienic conditions, and incidents of residents escaping. It is also mentioned that prior notifications had been made to the authorities regarding deaths that occurred at the facility.

Officials from the Divisional Secretariat have periodically inspected this facility, and during these inspections, instructions were given to control the number of residents, ensure the cleanliness of the facility, and maintain hygienic conditions. However, it has been revealed that these instructions have not been adequately implemented. For this reason, the Sri Lanka Divisional Secretaries' Association strongly emphasizes the need for a strict regulatory process for such private institutions that detain persons with mental disabilities, as well as the urgent implementation of related legal measures.