* Category includes ratification, accession, or succession to the treaty

The Sri Lankan Constitution, adopted in 1978, guarantees the freedom of association, expression, and assembly, among other fundamental rights. However, these are not absolute rights and may be restricted in the interest of national security, public order, morality, racial and religious harmony, and in the due recognition and respect for the rights and freedom of others.

Article 14: Freedom of speech, assembly, association, movement, etc.

(1) Every citizen is entitled to –

(a) the freedom of speech and expression including publication;

(b) the freedom of peaceful assembly;

(c) the freedom of association;

(d) the freedom to form and join a trade union,

Restrictions on these rights are provided in Article 15:

Article 15(2) The exercise and operation of the fundamental right declared and recognized by Article 14(1)(a) shall be subject to such restrictions as may be prescribed by law in the interests of racial and religious harmony or in relation to parliamentary privilege, contempt of court, defamation, or incitement to an offence.

Article 15(3) The exercise and operation of the fundamental right declared and recognized by Article 14(1)(b) shall be subject to such restrictions as may be prescribed by law in the interests of racial and religious harmony.

Article 15(4) The exercise and operation of the fundamental right declared and recognized by Article 14(1)(c) shall be subject to such restrictions as may be prescribed by law in the interests of racial and religious harmony or national economy.

Article 15(7) The exercise and operation of all the fundamental rights declared and recognized by Articles 12, 13(1), 13(2) and 14 shall be subject to such restrictions as may be prescribed by law in the interests of national security, public order and the protection of public health or morality, or for the purpose of securing due recognition and respect for the rights and freedoms of others, or of meeting the just requirements of the general welfare of a democratic society. For the purposes of this paragraph ” law ” includes regulations made under the law for the time being relating to public security.

Article 15(8) The exercise and operation of the fundamental rights declared and recognized by Articles 12(1), 13 and 14 shall, in their application to the members of the Armed Forces, Police Force and other Forces charged with the maintenance of public order, be subject to such restrictions as may be prescribed by law in the interests of the proper discharge of their duties and the maintenance of discipline among them.

Key laws, policies and regulations affecting civil society include:

• Voluntary Social Services (Registration and Supervision) Act No 31 of 1980
• Companies Act No 7 of 2007
• Trusts Ordinance No 09 of 1917
• Societies Ordinance No 16 of 1891
• Inland Revenue Act No 45 of 2022
• Prevention of Money Laundering Act No. 5 of 2006
• Foreign Exchange Act No 12 of 2017
• Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act no 48 of 1979
• International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights Act No 56 of 2007
• Police Ordinance No 16 of 1865
• Computer Crimes Act No 24 of 2007
• Penal Code Ordinance No 2 of 1883
• Official Secrets Act No 32 of 1955
• Financial Transactions Reporting (Amendment) Act 17 of 2026
• Prevention of Money Laundering (Amendment) Act 16 of 2026
• Convention on the Suppression of Terrorist Financing (Amendment) Act 18 of 2026

Online Safety Act (OSA)
In February 2025, the Cabinet formally endorsed the OSA review process and authorized the committee to examine the the Act in its entirety, engage with stakeholders, and recommend revisions prior to re-submitting an amended Act to Parliament. A limited public consultation was initiated in August 2025 to invite submissions from civil society and media actors. Government officials subsequently indicated that the review is nearing completion and that a revised amendment bill is being finalized for Cabinet consideration. However, the original Act remains in force, and the proposed amendments have not yet been enacted or tested in practice, leaving ongoing concerns regarding enforcement and impact on digital civic space. The president announced in June 2026 that replacement legislation would be introduced, but the original OSA remains in force.

Draft Non-Governmental Organisations (Registration and Supervision) Act, L.D.-O. 6/2026

A newly numbered draft Non-Governmental Organisations (Registration and Supervision) Act (L.D.-O. 6/2026) was shared with the CSO-NGO Collective in July 2026. The draft proposes to repeal and replace the Voluntary Social Services Organisations Act No. 31 of 1980. It would subject all nonprofit-oriented organizations—including companies limited by guarantee that receive foreign funds, trusts, societies, and informal groups of five or more persons—to a Competent Authority appointed by and accountable to the Minister. The Authority would have powers to enter premises without a warrant, obtain financial and operational documents, and suspend or deregister organizations.

All registered NGOs would also be legally required to “align with the policies of the government” and would be prohibited from inducing “public disorder.” The 2026 draft further expands the Competent Authority’s AML/CFT supervisory responsibilities and introduces penalties of up to LKR 1,000,000 for general offences and LKR 100,000 (approx. USD 3,000 and USD 300 as of July 2026) for administrative non-compliance, imposed without recourse to a court. Civil society has criticized the draft for failing to address fundamental concerns, the absence of meaningful public consultation—with only 12 days provided for feedback and the draft available only in English—and its treatment of the entire nonprofit sector as an AML/CFT risk category without an evidentiary basis, contrary to FATF standards. As of July 2026, the bill had been approved by the Cabinet but had not been tabled in Parliament.

Protection of the State from Terrorism Act (PSTA)
The Protection of the State from Terrorism Bill (Gazette L.D.-O. 37/2026), published in September 2026, proposes to repeal and replace the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act No. 48 of 1979, which remains in force. Although the Bill excludes certain peaceful civic activities from its definition of terrorism, it creates broadly framed offenses concerning expression, association with proscribed organizations, and failure to report information. Particularly restrictive provisions include detention orders issued by the Defence Secretary rather than a court, police powers to direct the cessation of assemblies, and presidential powers to proscribe organizations. Civil society and human rights groups have criticized the bill as failing to provide a rights-compliant replacement for the PTA. As of October 2026, the bill had not been enacted.

Please help keep us informed; if you are aware of other pending initiatives, write to ICNL at ngomonitor@icnl.org.

CSOs can be formed as companies, societies, trusts, or associations. Therefore, CSOs can opt to register under the Companies Act, Societies Ordinance, Trust Ordinance, or an Act of Parliament, as applicable.

The Voluntary Social Services Organization Act (VSSO Act) was introduced in 1980 to govern limited categories of voluntary organizations – specifically, those engaged in relief for the poor, sick and the needy and those affected by natural disasters. Organizations could seek first-time registration under the VSSO Act to attain legal entity status. In addition, organizations already registered as companies, societies, trusts, or associations through applicable laws could seek additional registration under the VSSO Act. Subsequently, a 1999 regulation created confusion as it attempted to bring within the scope of the VSSO Act a range of other organizations including those promoting human rights, women and development, gender equity, protection of child rights, and the environment. In practice, some CSOs – particularly those interacting frequently with the government – have opted to register under the VSSO Act, while many other organizations have not.

In practice, NGOs are sometimes required to register with multiple entities including relevant line ministries to obtain relevant approvals and for ease of operations. However, there is no legal requirement to do so.

Approximate Numbers

There is no recorded data on the number of organisations within each category. In an email interview in 2021, the Director General of the NGO Secretariat noted that Sri Lanka has over 37,000 registered NGOs operating across the country. However, the exact numbers are unknown, since not all CSOs register with the NGO Secretariat and there are many unregistered groups operating in Sri Lanka.

NGOs are subject to taxation under the Inland Revenue Act. As per the Inland Revenue (Amendment) Act, No. 45 of 2022, the applicable tax rate for NGOs as of April 2023 is 30% of their taxable income. However, NGOs may be eligible for tax exemptions under certain circumstances, including where they engage in rehabilitation, provide infrastructure facilities and livelihood support to displaced persons, or carry out other humanitarian activities approved by the Minister. In such cases, the Commissioner-General may reduce or waive the tax payable if it is deemed just and equitable to do so.

Civic participation is generally not protected or institutionalized by national laws. Furthermore, there are no laws that specifically protect and enhance the participation of marginalized groups. At times and on an ad hoc basis, public input is sought prior to enacting or amending laws. For example, drafts maybe shared in newspapers or on websites of relevant ministries and institutions, calling for input from civil society and the public. However, it is unclear how much of that input is taken into consideration.

The National Environmental (Amendment) Act No 56 of 1988 and Amendment Act of 2000 makes environmental impact assessments (EIAs) mandatory for projects that have significant environmental impacts. The law requires that EIAs be made available to the public for their comments and that project proponents respond to these comments.

The law in Sri Lanka does not prohibit the operation of unregistered groups. There are informal and unregistered groups that convene on priority areas. However, there are practical challenges, such as when opening bank accounts and receiving funds. In addition, on December 12, 2024, the NGO Secretariat issued a directive requiring all foreign and domestic NGOs to register exclusively with the Secretariat. This directive included a re-registration process for NGOs under the Companies Act No. 07 of 2007 and mandatory registration for those operating without it. As part of the registration process, NGOs must submit relevant documentation to the Secretariat, which will then forward it to the Ministry of Defence, Ministry of External Affairs, and other relevant line ministries for clearance. While this was framed as a move toward financial transparency, it has been difficult to view it as anything other than an attempt to expand surveillance and control.

The legal requirements for registration depend upon the regulatory regime. The varying requirements are outlined here below:

Under the Companies Act

The Companies Act No. 7 of 2007 is the primary legislation that regulates all types of companies in Sri Lanka, including overseas companies that have established a place of business in the country, as well as offshore companies and associations and their subsidiaries. The Act outlines the procedures for incorporating companies and associations, including those that are limited by guarantee. It also prescribes the rules for their administration, reporting, and other related matters.

Registration under the Companies Act is straightforward and therefore many organizations opt for this regime. CSOs registering under this Act typically register as a private company or a company limited by guarantee. Any person or legal entity can serve as a founder of a CSO; there are no restrictions on who can serve as a founder. At least two persons are required to incorporate a company in Sri Lanka. There is no minimum amount of assets required to establish a CSO under the Companies Act.

Under the Societies Ordinance

There are two types of societies that can be formed as outlined in the Ordinance (Section 3). The first type, called “mutual provident societies,” are created to encourage saving, provide support during times of illness or hardship, help members with financial troubles, and provide for the needs of their widows and children. The second type, known as “specially authorised societies,” are societies approved by the Minister through a notification in the Gazette. They are allowed to use the powers and resources provided by the Ordinance for any purpose that the Minister authorizes.

Any individual or legal entity can be a founder under the Societies Ordinance. There is no minimum number of founders required to establish a society in Sri Lanka. However, Section 5 of the Societies Ordinance stipulates that at least seven persons sign the Memorandum of Association to register the society and must have a prescribed capital of 10,000 Sri Lankan Rupees. Additionally, the society must have a clear purpose, objectives, and rules and regulations that conform to the requirements of the Societies Ordinance. When registering a society, its name must be unique and different from other similar associations. Changing the name of a society requires approval from the Registrar or must be done as prescribed by law. Additionally, every society seeking registration must end their name with the words “Society Limited.” If the Registrar denies registration to a society, an appeal can be made to the Court of Appeal.

Under the Trusts Ordinance

The Trusts Ordinance outlines the process for creating trusts in Sri Lanka. Section 4(1) states that a trust can be established for any lawful purpose, as long as the purpose does not fall under any of the following categories: (a) Prohibited by law, (b) Has the potential to defeat provisions of any law, (c) Is fraudulent, (d) Involves harm to another person or their property, (e) Is immoral or against public policy.

The Ordinance provides comprehensive guidance on express trusts, implied trusts, charitable trusts, the responsibilities and powers of trustees, the rights and obligations of beneficiaries, and trust administration. Although the Trusts Ordinance does not require trusts to be registered, CSOs generally register their trust deeds with the relevant ministry to provide reassurance to banks before opening accounts.

As an Act of Parliament

Typically used for CSOs established for religious, educational, social, and cultural purposes and presented by a member of Parliament, this approach of forming associations through Acts of Parliament is less common. Once enacted, associations are granted the right to open organizational bank accounts for receiving local and foreign funds. CSOs working in areas such as human rights, governance, and policy advocacy usually do not opt for this method.

The Voluntary Social Services Organisation (VSSO) Act of 1980 was enacted to govern limited categories of voluntary organizations – specifically, those engaged in relief for the poor, sick and the needy and those affected by natural disasters. The National Secretariat for Non-Governmental Organisations was established in 1996 under the Ministry of Social Services to implement the VSSO Act. Over time, the NGO Secretariat has been placed under various authorities, including the Office of the Prime Minister and the Ministry of Defence. Currently, the NGO Secretariat falls under the purview of the Ministry of Public Security.

The VSSO Act allows for direct state intervention in the affairs of organizations registered under the Act. Under Section 9 of the Act, the Registrar or any other authorized personnel can, among other powers, enter and inspect the premises of the organization to ascertain whether satisfactory standards of services are maintained, notify the Minister of any allegation of fraud or misappropriation, and attend any meeting of the organization upon the request of the Minister, etc. Moreover, where an allegation of fraud or misappropriation is made against an organization by any person, the government may appoint a Board of inquiry to investigate the allegation(s).

At the same time, the VSSO Act is loosely drafted, and the state has taken advantage of the gaps in the law to impose constraints on CSOs through regulations and circulars that go beyond the scope of the law. Two legal measures are notable. First, the government issued a circular in 1999 requiring all international and national-level foreign-funded NGOs to re-register with the NGO Secretariat. As part of the re-registration process, organizations were required to submit action plans in a specific format provided by the Director General of the NGO Secretariat. These action plans had to include details about the type of activities proposed, the operational area, the beneficiaries, the number of local and foreign employees, the sources of funding, annual expenditure, annual funds received, an annual report and an annual audited statement of accounts. The rationale provided in the circular was that “these organizations are registered at different institutions under various laws and as a result it has become difficult to obtain information on their activities.” This 1999 circular remains in force, but there are no penalties for non-compliance.

Second, and in the same year, regulations were issued under the VSSO Act that expanded the scope of the Act to encompass organizations working on the environment, human rights, child rights, and gender equity. These 1999 regulations also required every registered VSSO to maintain 13 specific documents related to financial, administrative, and internal governance matters. These documents include cash books, ledgers, receipt books, and assets register, as well as minutes of meetings, a register of members, and details of staff including their letters of appointment. Additionally, organizations must maintain files with relevant acts and regulations. Despite being registered with the NGO Secretariat, many organizations fail to submit required reports or fail to submit them regularly. There are no formal penalties or sanctions in place for non-compliance with these reporting requirements.

Civil society in Sri Lanka, particularly those from the war affected northern and eastern parts of Sri Lanka as well as those organizations working on human rights, peace and reconciliation, and media freedom etc., are constantly subject to harassment and intimidation. These actions are often carried without a legal basis and go beyond the provisions outlined in the VSSO Act. Harassment may include monitoring of activities, restrictions placed on the types of activities CSOs can focus on, and/or restrictions on geographic locations of operation. Furthermore, military, and other intelligence officials have visited CSO offices, subjecting heads of organizations and other employees to questioning and requests for work plans, financial documents, reports, and other documents. Successive governments over the years have failed to provide adequate protection to CSO representatives in the face of threats and violence.

Barriers to International Contact

There are no legal restrictions on the ability of CSOs to contact and cooperate with colleagues in civil society, business, and government sectors within or outside the country. However, the Sri Lankan Foreign Ministry in February 2022 denounced testimony given by a prominent human rights lawyer to the Human Rights Sub-Committee of the European Parliament. Other civil society actors and victim groups have also faced harassment and intimidation for engaging with international human rights mechanisms.

There are no specific legal restrictions preventing domestic CSOs in Sri Lanka from receiving foreign funding. However, under the Foreign Exchange Act, organisations receiving foreign funds must deposit them in a designated bank account and report the transactions to the Central Bank of Sri Lanka.

The Central Bank’s Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) has instructed all licensed banks to exercise due diligence with respect to NGOs and to monitor and report on organisations receiving foreign funds directly into their accounts, with reference to Rule 51 of the Financial Institutions (Customer Due Diligence) Rules, No. 1 of 2016. The directive provides that “every financial institution shall conduct enhanced CDD measures when entering into a relationship with an NGO, Not-for-Profit Organization, or Charity to ensure that their accounts are used for legitimate purposes and the transactions are commensurate with the declared objectives and purposes.” The same circular also instructs banks to monitor and report any NGO that is not registered with the NGO Secretariat or another relevant institution.

In November 2024, the Central Bank of Sri Lanka signed an agreement with the National Secretariat for NGOs to facilitate the exchange of information concerning investigations and prosecutions relating to money laundering, terrorist financing, and related offences involving NGOs or persons connected with them. The Central Bank stated that NGOs “could be misused for money laundering, terrorism financing and related crimes, and thereby could threaten the stability of the national and global economic and financial systems.”

Registered CSOs may engage in income-generating activities, but any income generated must be used to advance the organisation’s mission and may not be distributed to its members. In other words, any profits must be reinvested in the organisation’s operations or social-service programmes. CSOs must also comply with applicable tax laws and regulations, including requirements to register for and pay taxes on income generated through commercial activities.

Sri Lanka’s framework governing civil society access to resources became significantly more restrictive through a series of measures introduced between 2024 and 2026. The November 2024 memorandum of understanding between the Central Bank’s FIU and the NGO Secretariat established a framework for sharing information on investigations involving NGOs. In February 2026, the NGO Secretariat issued AML/CFT Guidelines subjecting NGOs to heightened monitoring, registration scrutiny, and expanded financial reporting requirements. These measures were introduced administratively, without parliamentary oversight or public consultation.

The framework was further strengthened when Parliament enacted amendments to the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, the Financial Transactions Reporting Act, and the Convention on the Suppression of Terrorist Financing Act on 9–10 July 2026. Among the most significant provisions are powers allowing authorities to freeze assets for up to 14 working days without prior judicial approval, granting the FIU broad rule-making authority with legal effect and without parliamentary oversight, and permitting the extension of police-issued freezing orders without judicial supervision.

CSOs have raised concerns that the cumulative effect of these interlocking measures departs from FATF’s requirement that restrictions affecting the nonprofit sector be focused, proportionate, and risk-based, and risks stigmatising legitimate civil society activity.

Ahead of Sri Lanka’s third FATF mutual evaluation, scheduled for October 2026, the Sri Lanka Civil Society FATF Network submitted a shadow report raising concerns about the cumulative impact of the 2026 AML/CFT amendments, the NGO Secretariat’s AML/CFT Guidelines, and the proposed NGO legislation. The network argued that these measures risk imposing disproportionate surveillance and compliance burdens on CSOs, contrary to FATF’s risk-based approach.

The Sri Lankan Constitution protects freedom of expression under Article 14(1)(a), which states: “Every citizen is entitled to the freedom of speech and expression including publication.”

In addition to the Constitution, several laws and regulations affect freedom of expression in Sri Lanka. These include:

• The Press Council Act No. 5 of 1973, which establishes the Press Council to regulate newspapers, news agencies, and journalists.
• The Official Secrets Act No. 32 of 1955, which prohibits the disclosure of certain information deemed confidential by the government.
• The Prevention of Terrorism Act No. 48 of 1979 (PTA), which contains provisions that can be used to restrict freedom of expression and suppress dissent.
• The Computer Crimes Act No. 24 of 2007, which regulates computer-related offenses and has been invoked in cases involving online expression.
• The Parliamentary Privileges Act No. 21 of 1953, which has been used to restrict reporting on or criticism of parliamentarians.
• The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights Act No. 56 of 2007 (ICCPR Act), which has been used against critics of the government.
• Section 120 of the Penal Code, which has been applied in cases involving criticism of the government and allegedly inflammatory expression.
• Section 98 of the Police Ordinance, which authorizes police action concerning false reports that may alarm the public, alongside Sections 138–140 concerning public assemblies.
• The Online Safety Act No. 9 of 2024 (OSA), which regulates online communication and establishes offenses relating to prohibited online statements.

In January 2024, Parliament enacted the Online Safety Act despite opposition from civil society and human rights organizations. The Act establishes an Online Safety Commission with extensive powers relating to online content, including measures against vaguely defined prohibited or false statements. Offenses may carry substantial fines and imprisonment. Critics have raised concerns about the Act’s broad definitions, insufficient safeguards, and potential use to suppress legitimate criticism. In May 2024, the legislation was invoked in proceedings initiated by then-Army Commander Vikum Liyanage concerning allegedly defamatory social media content. Although the government announced in June 2026 that the OSA would be replaced with revised legislation, the Act remained in force as of September 2026. Media organizations continued to report a chilling effect on online expression, particularly among provincial journalists and Tamil community media.

Beyond the OSA, authorities have used the PTA, ICCPR Act, Penal Code, and other legislation against journalists, activists, artists, and individuals expressing criticism of the government. In May 2023, comedian Nathasha Edirisooriya was arrested following a performance alleged to have insulted Buddhism, while YouTuber Bruno Divakara was arrested for sharing a video of the performance. Both cases raised concerns about the criminalization of artistic expression and online commentary; the Attorney General subsequently dropped the charges. In December 2023, poet Ahnaf Jazeem was acquitted after being detained and prosecuted under the PTA over allegations concerning his literary work. These cases illustrate the potential consequences of broadly framed criminal provisions for artistic, religious, and political expression.

Restrictions have also disproportionately affected Tamil journalists, activists, and cultural expression, particularly in the Northern and Eastern provinces. In July 2024, authorities summoned Amalaraj Amalanayaki, a leader of the families of the disappeared in Batticaloa, for questioning, while in December 2024, several individuals were arrested for allegedly promoting the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) through commemorative social media content. In August 2025, counterterrorism officers summoned Tamil photojournalist Kanapathipillai Kumanan for questioning concerning social media posts documenting mass grave excavations. In December 2025, police also summoned investigative journalist Tharindu Jayawardena over reporting concerning alleged corruption.

In 2026, restrictions extended to additional forms of Tamil cultural expression. In March, Sri Lanka Customs withheld books by Tamil writer Theepachelvan Piratheepan on national security grounds. In June, Tamil rapper Sangeethsan Ganeskumar (“Hip-hop Sangee”) was detained under the PTA following a performance at a temple festival in Jaffna. The Attorney General subsequently moved to proceed under Section 120 of the Penal Code rather than the PTA, and Ganeskumar was released on bail. Police also summoned singer Gokulan for questioning following a performance in Urumpirai. These incidents illustrate how criminal and administrative measures may restrict artistic and cultural expression even when prosecutions do not result in convictions.

Concerns about surveillance and intimidation have persisted. In its September 2026 report on Sri Lanka, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) documented continuing surveillance, questioning, intimidation, and reprisals affecting activists, journalists, victims’ families, and civil society actors, particularly in the Northern and Eastern provinces. The threat of investigation or prosecution under security and online-speech legislation can contribute to self-censorship even where formal criminal charges are not ultimately pursued.

Consequently, despite commitments to reform restrictive legislation, journalists, activists, and civil society actors remain vulnerable to investigation, detention, and other interference with the exercise of freedom of expression.

According to Sri Lanka’s constitution, “every citizen is entitled to the freedom of peaceful assembly (Article 14 (b) and the freedom of association (article 14 (C).” These rights are not absolute, however, and can be restricted in the interest of national security, public order, morality, racial and religious harmony and in the due recognition and respect for the rights and freedom of others (refer to article 15 of the Constitution).

The following laws regulate assemblies in Sri Lanka:

• Police Ordinance
• Public Security Ordinance
• Penal Code

The laws and regulations governing public assembly in Sri Lanka are accessible to the general public, and electronic versions are available on the official websites of the Parliament and the Ministry of Justice. However, the language used in the laws and regulations can be complex and technical, which may make it difficult for the average citizen to understand the scope and implications of these regulations.

The laws and regulations on public assembly in Sri Lanka contain vague provisions that allow for excessive government discretion. For example, the Public Security Ordinance (PSO) grants the President broad powers to maintain public security and order, including the power to prohibit public gatherings and processions. The use of terms such as “public security” and “public order” are vague and subjective and has led to abuse of power and violations of freedom of assembly. Additionally, the requirement to notify the police prior to holding public gatherings or processions can also be used to restrict the right to assembly in an arbitrary and discriminatory manner.

Advance Notification

The Police Ordinance (Section 77) requires written notice to the area police at least six hours before the commencement of a procession in a public place. Failure to comply may result in penalties, including fines of up to Rs. 1,000 or imprisonment for up to three years. Although this is a notification requirement rather than an authorization procedure, authorities have sometimes treated it as requiring prior permission and disrupted demonstrations on the grounds that organizers lacked authorization. Sections 78 and 79 also impose obligations concerning the maintenance of public order during processions and gatherings.

Time, Place, and Manner Restrictions

Under Section 78 of the Police Ordinance, police have broad powers to regulate public assemblies and processions, including prescribing routes and times and dispersing gatherings where a breach of the peace is anticipated. Section 77(3) further permits police to prohibit processions or impose conditions deemed necessary to preserve public order, including restrictions on flags, banners, and emblems. Section 80 requires permits for the use of loudspeakers and other amplification equipment.

The Public Security Ordinance also permits significant restrictions on assemblies. Under Section 35, the President may declare a state of emergency and issue emergency regulations restricting or prohibiting public gatherings and processions. Section 16 provides for curfews, while Section 12 permits the deployment of the armed forces for public-order purposes. Although emergency regulations introduced following Cyclone Ditwah lapsed on June 28, 2026, the Government continued to issue notifications under Section 12 authorizing military deployments, raising concerns about the continuing militarization of public-order enforcement.

Provisions of the Official Secrets Act have also been used to designate areas around key government institutions as High Security Zones, restricting public access and assemblies without prior permission. Although Sri Lankan law does not categorically prohibit particular groups from organizing demonstrations, trade unions, student organizations, and Tamil political and civil society groups have faced heightened scrutiny, surveillance, and restrictions. Authorities have also monitored social media and other online communications associated with protests.

Policing / Enforcement

Sri Lankan authorities have a documented history of using unnecessary or disproportionate force against demonstrations, including tear gas, water cannons, physical force, and arrests. During the 2022 Aragalaya protests, approximately 4,000 people were arrested between May and September, according to a report by the International Federation for Human Rights. Several student leaders were detained for extended periods under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), although the charges were subsequently dropped. Similar enforcement practices continued during 2023 and 2024, including the use of tear gas and water cannons against university students, opposition supporters, and trade union demonstrators, as well as restrictions on Tamil commemorative events.

In 2025 and 2026, restrictions increasingly included targeted arrests, court orders against named individuals, police surveillance, and interference with participation in demonstrations. In September 2025, police reportedly used batons and tear gas against protesters in Mannar opposing a large-scale wind power project, injuring several participants. In December 2025, police allegedly assaulted and arrested Tamil demonstrators protesting the construction of the Thaiyiddy Buddhist temple in Jaffna, including civil society leader Velan Swamigal. The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka subsequently opened an inquiry. Demonstrations continued in January 2026, with police enforcing a court order restricting the participation of 29 named individuals, removing protest tents, and recording information about vehicles arriving at the protest site.

Restrictions on Tamil political and commemorative gatherings also persisted. In February 2026, students and relatives of the forcibly disappeared organized Black Day demonstrations across the Northern and Eastern provinces. Following a protest at the University of Jaffna, during which students lowered the national flag and raised a black flag, police summoned three student leaders for questioning. Relatives of the disappeared traveling to a protest in Batticaloa were also reportedly stopped and questioned. In June 2026, police intervened in demonstrations concerning the detention of Tamil rapper Sangeethsan Ganeskumar under the PTA, interrupting a rally in Mannar and reportedly issuing threats ahead of a demonstration in Valvettithurai.

More recently, in October 2026, six participants in a cost-of-living protest organized by the People’s Struggle Movement in Colombo were arrested on allegations of unlawful assembly and using loudspeakers without a permit. All six were granted bail the following day. The incident illustrates the continued use of public-order and permit requirements against demonstrations even after the expiration of the emergency regulations.

The proposed Protection of the State from Terrorism Bill, published in September 2026, raises additional concerns for freedom of peaceful assembly. Although the bill excludes certain peaceful activities from constituting terrorism by themselves, it would grant police powers to order the cessation of assemblies and establish broadly framed terrorism-related offenses. Civil society organizations have warned that these provisions could enable further restrictions on otherwise lawful demonstrations. The bill remained pending as of October 2026, while the existing PTA and public-order legislation continued to apply.

Sri Lanka Gazettes New Protection of the State from Terrorism Bill (September 2026)
The Sri Lankan government published the Protection of the State from Terrorism Bill (PSTA), proposing to replace the Prevention of Terrorism Act of 1979. Although the proposed legislation includes certain safeguards and exclusions for peaceful activities, civil society organizations have raised concerns about its broad terrorism-related offenses, executive detention powers, restrictions on assemblies, and provisions allowing the proscription of organizations. The bill had not been enacted as of October 2026.

Tepid Progress on Justice for Past Abuses (September 2026)
Human Rights Watch reported that the Sri Lankan government had made limited progress toward accountability for past human rights violations. It highlighted continuing concerns about surveillance and intimidation of victims’ families and activists, particularly in the Northern and Eastern provinces, and called for stronger measures to ensure accountability and protect civic freedoms.

Sri Lanka’s Proposed NGO Law Draws Sharp Criticism Over Civil Society Crackdown Fears (August 2026)
CSOs raised concerns about the proposed Non-Governmental Organisations (Registration and Supervision) Act, which would expand state oversight of NGOs and introduce extensive registration, monitoring, inspection, and enforcement powers. Critics warned that the legislation could restrict organizational independence, impose disproportionate administrative burdens, and enable government interference in legitimate civil society activities.

Justice Minister Says the PTA Is Going. Critics Fear It Is Old Toddy in a New Glass (August 2026)
The Sri Lankan government’s plans to repeal and replace the Prevention of Terrorism Act drew renewed criticism from civil society and human rights advocates. Although government officials presented the proposed reforms as a means of addressing longstanding concerns about the PTA, critics warned that the replacement legislation could preserve broadly defined offenses and extensive executive powers, undermining meaningful reform of the country’s counterterrorism framework.

Dissanayake Vows to Repeal PTA, Again (June 2026)
Sri Lankan president Anura Kumara Dissanayake has once again pledged to repeal the Prevention of Terrorism Act, claiming the law will be abolished before the end of the year, even as his government prepares new legislation on organized crime. Addressing parliament, Dissanayake said the draconian law, first introduced as a temporary measure in 1979, had remained in force for 46 years despite sustained calls for its repeal.

How Sri Lanka’s PTA was Turned on a Tamil Rapper (June 2026)
When officers of the Jaffna District Crime Prevention Division arrested a 24-year-old rapper from Kilinochchi on June 2 over videos of a music performance, they invoked one of the most feared pieces of legislation on the island: the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA). Within days, the case of Sangeethsan Ganeskumar, known to his audience as Hiphop Sangee, had grown from a local arrest into an international controversy, drawing in parliamentarians, lawyers before the Supreme Court, organizations across continents, the mayor of a Canadian city, Amnesty International and the European Union. It became, in the space of a fortnight, the latest and one of the clearest illustrations of how a law that successive Sri Lankan governments have promised to repeal continues to be turned against Tamil cultural and political expression.

Concerns around Crackdown on the Media, Harassment and Criminalization of Activists, and New Anti-terrorism Bill (June 2026)
The state of civic space in Sri Lanka is rated as ‘repressed’ by the CIVICUS Monitor. Ongoing concerns include restrictions and disruption of peaceful protests – at times with excessive use of force – and the stifling of journalists. Activists have also been targeted and criminalized using defamation and counter-terror laws, and there has been a systematic failure to address past crimes against them.

New Policy Report Warns of Legal Risks and Calls for Reform (February 2026)
A new policy report released in Colombo warns that Sri Lanka’s current legal framework governing online and digital publications is exposing journalists, content creators, and ordinary social media users to arbitrary arrests, legal harassment, and severe restrictions on freedom of expression. The report, produced by Factum with support from the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI), calls for urgent reforms to protect both online publishers and individuals harmed by digital content.

State of Public Emergency extended in Sri Lanka (February 2026)
The State of Public Emergency in Sri Lanka has been extended from January 28, according to an extraordinary gazette signed by the Secretary to the President. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake issued the proclamation under the Public Security Ordinance, bringing Part II of the Ordinance into effect nationwide. The gazette noted the extension is aimed at ensuring public safety and maintaining essential services. The President also introduced amended regulations titled the Emergency (Miscellaneous Provisions and Powers) Regulations No. 1 of 2026.

Sri Lanka’s authorities must stop harassing Tamil photojournalist Kumanan Kanapathipillai (October 2025)
A freelancer whose photographs have been published in local and international media, Kanapathipillai Kumanan, is one of Sri Lanka’s most persecuted journalists. Since the end of Sri Lanka’s 25-year civil war in May 2009, he has covered sensitive issues affecting the Tamil population in the northeast of the country, such as the exhumations of mass graves in Chemmani (in the Jaffna Peninsula) in the summer of 2025, the enforced disappearance of Tamils, the military’s land grab in the northeast, environmental crimes and the fight for justice led by civil war victims. Clearly in reprisal for his work, which has drawn international attention to the persecution of the Tamil minority, a Sri Lankan government representative publicly claimed, during a session of the United Nations Committee on Enforced Disappearances in Geneva on September 26, to have “reliable information” linking him to “terrorist activities” and “financial crime.” He also alleged that Kanapathipillai Kumanan had “provoked protestors against government forces for personal gain.” These claims were obviously designed to discredit him.

Protests Erupt In Sri Lankan Capital Over Ex-President Wickremesinghe’s Arrest (August 2025)
More than 1,000 supporters of Sri Lanka’s former president Ranil Wickremesinghe protested his arrest in Colombo ahead of a crucial hearing to decide whether to grant bail to the senior opposition politician accused of misusing public funds during his presidency. Mr Wickremesinghe, who was president from 2022 to 2024, was arrested over accusations of using public funds to attend his wife’s graduation ceremony in London after an official visit to the United States in 2023. The court ordered him to be detained until Tuesday’s hearing.

Protest in front of Education Ministry leads to clash (December 2024)
A tense situation unfolded in front of the Education Ministry in Isurupaya, Battaramulla, as approximately 500 members of the Joint School Development Officers’ Union staged a protest demanding immediate permanent positions in the teaching service. Police intervened to disperse the protesters who had obstructed the ‘174’ bus route on the Kottawa-Borella road. The protest led to clashes between the protesters and the police; three police officers sustained injuries during the clashes, and one police officer was transferred to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Colombo National Hospital for treatment.

Prevention of Terrorism Act Govt. toughens up against communalism and extremism (December 2024)
Asserting that it is committed to scrap the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), Cabinet spokesman Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said that the government will not hesitate no matter what to repeal existing laws and regulations to prevent any attempt to fuel communalism. In response to a question at the weekly Cabinet briefing regarding repealing of the PTA against some social media users, he said that the government is committed to repeal the PTA to replace it with another. He said that the government must continue with existing laws, such as the PTA, to address individuals promoting communalism and extremism in the country.

Recent detentions raise concerns over government stance on repealing PTA (December 2024)
Since the new government came to power, ten people have been arrested through the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), a controversial law that the National People’s Power (NPP) promised to eliminate. According to the police media division, six individuals were arrested in connection with the Arugam Bay incident and President Anura Kumara Dissanayake signed their detention orders. Four more were arrested for social media posts during Maaveerar Day, of which three were granted bail and one was further remanded. Notably, all four were charged under the penal code, not the PTA.

Landslide win for new Sri Lankan president’s left-leaning coalition (November 2024)
The left-leaning alliance of Sri Lanka’s new leader has secured a landslide victory in the country’s snap parliamentary elections. Official results show President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s National People’s Power (NPP) coalition scored a two-thirds majority in parliament, with 159 seats. President Dissanayake’s coalition got nearly 62% of the vote, winning even in the Tamil-dominated Jaffna Peninsula for the first time since independence from Britain in 1948.

Central Bank to monitor NGOs for money laundering and terrorism financing crimes (November 2024)
Sri Lanka’s Central Bank signed an agreement to obtain and exchange information on investigations and prosecutions of money laundering, terrorist financing and related crimes in NGO and of any persons connected with such bodies. The Central Bank’s Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) and the National Secretariat for NGOs entered into the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with this regard. “Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) could be misused for money laundering, terrorism financing and related crimes, and thereby could threaten the stability of the national and global economic and financial systems,” the Central Bank said in a statement.

Sri Lanka’s JVP government drops election promise to abolish terrorism law (October 2024)
A little over a month since it came to power, Sri Lanka’s Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP)/National People’s Power (NPP) administration has abandoned its pledge to abolish the notorious Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA). The JVP/NPP presidential election manifesto explicitly promised the “Abolition of all oppressive acts, including the PTA, and ensuring civil rights of people in all parts of the country” (A Thriving Nation, A Beautiful Life, page 129). Along with dumping its commitment to remove the PTA, the the JVP/NPP administration is maintaining the wide-ranging and anti-democratic executive powers of the presidency, which it also pledged to abolish.

IUSF convener arrested and others dispersed in protest (September 2024)
Inter-University Student Federation (IUSF) convener Madhushan Chandrajith was arrested by police for violating the election law during a protest held in Colombo together with ten others. The protest had been organized to object to several issues including the establishment of private medical colleges. The police and the police anti-riot unit were also called to the venue.

Sri Lanka swears in new left-leaning president (September 2024)
Sri Lanka’s new president Anura Kumara Dissanayake has been sworn into office, promising “clean” politics as the country recovers from its worst economic crisis. The left-leaning Dissanayake has cast himself as a disruptor of the status quo, and analysts see his victory as a rejection of corruption and cronyism that has long plagued the country. The election was the first since 2022, when discontent over the economy fueled mass protests and chased former president Gotabaya Rajapaksa from power.

Sri Lanka’s TID summons Tamil families of the disappeared leader in Batticaloa (July 2024)
Sri Lanka’s Terrorism Investigation Division (TID) has summoned the leader of the Tamil families of the disappeared in Batticaloa as surveillance of Tamil activists continues in the northeast. Batticaloa Association of Relatives of the Enforced Disappeared leader Amalaraj Amalanayaki has been instructed to go to the TID office in Kallady, Batticaloa. In 2017, Tamil families of the disappeared launched protests across the homeland, demanding to know the fate of their loved ones who were forcibly disappeared by Sri Lanka. Throughout their campaign, the Tamil families of the disappeared have been constantly subjected to threats, surveillance even violence by Sri Lanka’s security forces.

Government Proposes a Law to Control NGO Activity (May 2024)
On January 30, 2024, the Director General of the National Secretariat for Non-Government Organizations shared with a collective of civil society organizations a draft law to repeal and replace the Voluntary Social Services Act of 1980 (VSSO). The draft law, entitled the Non-Governmental Organizations (Registration and Supervision) Act, raises multiple concerns. For example, the draft law was only made available in English and only three weeks given to respond. In fact, the informality with which the draft was shared fails to amount to an official or public release of the draft law. No commitment has been given to publicly engage in consultations over the draft law. To date, no government policy on the rationale for the new law, the anticipated harm it seeks to prevent or evidence of existing harm it is responding to has been made public to justify the proposed law. This is merely the latest in a series of state attempts to regulate non-governmental organizations in Sri Lanka.

Press Notice on Draft Non-Governmental Organisations (Registration and Supervision) Bill (May 2024)
The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) has written to the Director General-National Secretariat for Non-Governmental Organizations requesting Copy of Draft Non-Governmental Organisations (Registration and Supervision) Bill. The HRCSL understands that the said Bill aims to provide for the registration and supervision of non-governmental organisations and repeal the Voluntary Social Services Organisations (Registration and Supervision) Act, No. 31 of 1980. The purpose of the requesting a copy of the latest version of the draft Bill is to enable the Commission to fulfil its mandate in terms of section 10(c) of the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka Act, No. 21of 1996. The said provision empowers the Commission to ‘advise and assist the government in formulating legislation…in furtherance of the promotion and protection of fundamental rights’.

Protesting Students Tear-gassed Near J’pura Uni (April 2024)
Police have used tear gas and water cannons to disperse protesting university students near the University of Sri Jayewardenepura. The demonstration had been organized by the students in protest over a Cabinet decision pertaining to private medical universities. Meanwhile, tear gas and water cannons have also been used to disperse a group of protesting university students near Moratuwa University. Students of Moratuwa University had reportedly staged the protest march over the same demands.

Authorities Continue to Stifle Protests (March 2024)
The CIVICUS Monitor downgraded Sri Lanka’s civic space rating to ‘repressed,’ with authorities clamping down on protesters, stifling journalists and targeting activists amid mounting public frustration with poor governance and a lack of accountability. In January 2024, Human Rights Watch said that President Ranil Wickremesinghe had sought to suppress dissent over the year and continued to target civil society groups and activists, including human rights defenders and victims of past human rights violations.

Sri Lanka cabinet nod for draft amendment bill for Online Safety Act (January 2024)
Sri Lanka’s cabinet of ministers has approved a proposal to formulate a draft amendment bill to incorporate revisions to the controversial Online Safety Act. A statement from the Government Information Department said that the proposed draft bill will based on “revisions recognised through further discussions with eminencies in the field who had forwarded with proposals for relevant amendments” (sic).

Sri Lanka must withdraw the Online Safety Bill (January 2024)
Sri Lankan authorities must not undermine the rights of people in Sri Lanka in its race to control online platforms. Through an open letter, Access Now and Hashtag Generation, along with more than 50 organizations, are demanding the Sri Lankan government withdraw the rights-violating Online Safety Bill.

Sri Lanka Unveils Revised Anti-Terror Bill After Backlash (January 2024)
Sri Lanka’s Minister of Justice, Dr. Wijeyadasa Rajapakse, presented to parliament the controversial draft of a new anti-terrorism bill. The legislation has drawn sharp criticism over the alleged attempts to restrict the people’s rights to information and expression under the guise of a crackdown on terrorism. Defending the draft of a new anti-terrorism bill, Dr. Rajapakshe told the house that multiple areas that drew criticism have been amended.

Sri Lanka’s main opposition files petition against anti-terrorism bill (January 2024)
Sri Lanka’s main opposition party, the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), has filed a petition against a proposed Anti-Terrorism bill, which the party claims is being introduced in an election year to repress opposition parties. The petition was filed by SJB general secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara at the Supreme Court. Speaking to reporters, the MP said the proposed bill is a threat to Sri Lanka’s opposition parties and to democracy itself.

Sri Lanka Passes New Law to Regulate Online Content (January 2024)
Sri Lankan lawmakers passed a bill to regulate online content, the speaker of the parliament announced, but opposition politicians and activists allege will muzzle free speech. The Online Safety Bill proposes jail terms for content that a five-member commission considers illegal and makes social media platforms liable for such content on their platforms.

Competing Narratives of the Online Safety Bill (December 2023)
In Sri Lanka, after prolonged discussions to introduce a regulatory framework addressing online hate speech and fake news, particularly in the aftermath of the Easter Sunday Attacks in 2019, the Online Safety Bill was tabled in Parliament on the October 3, 2023. On a positive note, the bill adeptly identified and addressed various concerns within the internet space, effectively bridging the gaps left by the previous Computer Crimes Act. However, the definitions provided in the bill for certain terminologies are vague, and they pose a risk of subjective interpretation, especially within the context of stifling online discussions.

‘Online Safety Bill’ Can be Passed with Simple Majority Subject to 31 Amendments (December 2023)
Sri Lanka’s Supreme Court has determined that a controversial ‘Online Safety Bill’ is not inconsistent with the constitution and can be passed in parliament by a simple majority subject to amendments made to 31 of its provisions. Chief Opposition Whip Lakshman Kiriella speaking after the reading of the ruling chastised the government for presenting the Bill in a hurry.

Poet Ahnaf Jazeem Arrested Under PTA and then Acquitted (December 2023)
Ahnaf Jazeem, a poet and teacher from Silavathurai, Mannar, who was arrested and detained by the Terrorism Investigations Division (TID) in May 2020 under the controversial Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), was acquitted by the Puttalam High Court due to a lack of evidence. The TID had accused 27-year-old Jazeem of including extremist messaging in his book of Tamil poetry “Navarasam,” a claim refuted by Tamil scholars and academics alike. Additionally, he was accused of imparting extremist ideologies to his students.

Police Fire Water on Protest Led by MP Harini Amarasuriya (December 2023)
The Police fired water on a protest led by National Peoples Power (NPP) MP Dr. Harini Amarasuriya near Parliament. A number of women took part in the protest on women’s rights when it was attacked. MP Dr. Harini Amarasuriya later told Parliament that the protesters were attacked just when the protest was about to end. She accused Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP) Deshabandu Tennakoon of ordering the attack to show what he can do over the next three months of his term in office.

Sri Lanka Detains Tamils for Honouring War Dead (December 2023)
Sri Lankan authorities have detained nine ethnic Tamils under the country’s abusive counterterrorism law for commemorating those who died in the 1983-2009 civil war, Human Rights Watch said. The Sri Lankan government has repeatedly assured international allies, trading partners, and the United Nations that it would replace the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), which has long been used to arbitrarily detain and torture minority community members and civil society activists.

Supreme Court dismisses petitions challenging Anti-Terrorism Bill (November 2023)
The Supreme Court has dismissed the petitions filed against the Anti-Terrorism Bill. Deputy Speaker Ajith Rajapaksa announced in Parliament that the Supreme Court has informed that it cannot examine the Bill because it has not yet been included in the order book.

Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka Letter to Hon. Tiran Alles (October 2023)
The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) sent a letter on 2 October 2023 to Hon. Tiran Alles, Minister of Public Security, containing the preliminary observations and recommendations of the HRCSL on the Online Safety Bill published in the Official Gazette on 18 September 2023. The HRCSL acknowledges that making online spaces in Sri Lanka safer for its citizens is a valuable legislative objective. However, the HRCSL is of the opinion that strengthening the institutional capacity of law enforcement authorities to interpret and apply the existing criminal law in good faith should precede any proposals to introduce new legislation with criminal offences pertaining to online activity. See also “Sri Lanka’s CPA Urges Government to Withdraw Controversial ‘Online Safety’ Bill“, “BASL calls upon the government to immediately withdraw the Anti-Terrorism Bill and the Online Safety Bill,” and “Another petition filed challenging Online Safety Bill.”

Lawyers and Civil Society Support Judge who Fled Sri Lanka (October 2023)
Lawyers have decided to boycott court proceedings as protesters took to the streets in support of a judge who fled Sri Lanka after an order on a disputed religious site. Rallies have been taking place in Northern and Eastern provinces almost all days this week, demanding independence of the judiciary after district judge T Saravanarajah quit and fled the nation. He was handling the case of a disputed archaeological site, claimed by both Buddhists and minority Tamil Hindus as their place of worship with historical importance.

Anti-Terrorism Bill Version 2.0: Still Worse Than the PTA (September 2023)
On September 15, the government published an Anti-Terrorism Bill, referred to as the ATA. The Bill is presented as a revision of an earlier version that was gazetted in March 2023, when it received widespread public criticism, including from local and international human rights groups. An analysis of the revised Bill reveals that although minor changes have been made, the ATA continues to be an unprecedented expansion of executive power, both in form and in its potential for the repression of citizens. It also constitutes a usurping of the judiciary’s authority to safeguard citizens’ fundamental rights.

Sinhala Mob Attack Memorial Dedicated to Lt Col Thileepan (September 2023)
A Sinhala mob attacked and destroyed a memorial float dedicated to Lt Col Thileepan as it travelled through Trincomalee today. To mark 37 years since Thileepan’s fast unto death, the Tamil National People’s Front (TNPF) organised a memorial rally with a commemorative vehicle dedicated to Lt Col Thileepan, a political wing leader of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).

US Envoy Meets Civil Society to Discuss Core Anti-corruption Issues (September 2023)
The U.S ambassador posted on X that governance and economic reforms must go hand-in-hand in Sri Lanka. Julie Chung met with a coalition of civil society members, including representatives of Transparency International, Sri Lanka and the Centre for Policy Alternatives. The Ambassador said they discussed the results of their research on the core anti-corruption issues that must be prioritized and tackled.

High-Level APG Delegation’s Insights to Bolster Sri Lanka’s AML/CFT Framework Ahead of 2025 Mutual Evaluation (September 2023)
In response to an invitation from Sri Lanka’s Financial Intelligence Unit, a high-level delegation from the Asia Pacific Group on Money Laundering (APG) visited Sri Lanka. The aim was to provide crucial insights ahead of the upcoming mutual evaluation of Sri Lanka’s Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Framework. Sri Lanka has faced the “Grey List” designation twice by Financial Action Task Force (FATF), in 2011 and 2017, with the European Union also blacklisting the nation in 2017 due to non-compliance. Sri Lanka’s 3rd Mutual Evaluation is set for March 2025.

First ever Civil Society Governance Diagnostic Report on Sri Lanka debuts (September 2023)
The Civil Society Governance Diagnostic Report on the Anti-Corruption Landscape of Sri Lanka was launched at a high level forum. The report introduces a comprehensive set of governance reform recommendations designed to address the root causes to the current corruption crisis in Sri Lanka. The collaborative effort was led by Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) in partnership with a core group consisting of Verité Research, the Centre for Policy Alternatives (CPA), Sarvodaya, People’s Action for Free and Fair Elections (PAFFREL), and the National Peace Council (NPC).

Arrested Sri Lanka Comedian Natasha Edirisooriya Granted Bail (July 2023)
Sri Lankan standup comic Natasha Edirisooriya was released on 100,000-rupee ($US320) bail in Colombo, following the intervention of a high court judge. She was arrested on May 28 at Katunayaka International Airport and spent more than one month in remand prison after being accused of having “defamed Buddhism” during her performance on the “Modabhimanaya” (Fool’s Pride) comedy program in April. (See also the CPA Statement).

Sinhala Extremists Disrupt Black July Commemoration in Colombo (July 2023)
The Sinhala extremist group, Sinhala Ravaya, disrupted a Black July commemoration event in Colombo. Video footage from the commemoration shows a member of Sinhala Ravaya calling those participating in the commemoration ‘kottiya’ – a Sinhala term used to describe the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). Sri Lankan riot police then violently pushed the crowd to the floor in an attempt to disperse the protest. Sinhala Ravaya is known to be an extreme Sinhala Buddhist nationalist group that strongly aligns itself with the Bodu Bala Sena, founded and headed by the extremist Galagoda Aththe Gnasara Thera.

Inquiry over those who spoke against Nathasha’s arrest (June 2023)
Five individuals who had commented on the arrest of Sri Lankan stand-up comedian Nathasha Edirisooriya during a press conference have been accused of contempt of court. The allegations were made when the case against Edirisooriya, who made derogatory statements on Buddhism, was taken up for hearing before the Fort Magistrate’s Court.

Sri Lankan Minister calls for NGOs to be monitored closely (June 2023)
Sri Lanka’s Public Security Minister, Tiran Alles, has called for the mandatory registration of non-governmental organisations, “so that we can monitor them closely”. The Minister’s call for closer monitoring follows a speech in which Milan Jayathilake MP decried NGOs as a “threat to national security”. The Sri Lankan government has frequently lashed out at NGO human rights organisations and placed proscriptions on several Tamil and Muslim diaspora organisations, under the pretext of national security.

Sri Lankan military obstructs Mullivaikkal memorial float as commemorations continue (May 2023)
The solemn remembrance of the final stages of the armed conflict in Mullivaikkal remains at the forefront of collective memory in the North-East. Numerous organizations and groups have organized various initiatives, including traveling floats and the distribution of Mullivaikkal kanji, to honour the lives lost and ensure the transmission of the massacre’s history to future generations. However, an unidentified soldier intimidated Tamil activists by Chavakachcheri bus stand as a float travelled through Jaffna and headed towards Kilinochchi.

Authorities continue to crack down on protests and detain online critics (February 2023)
The state of civic space in Sri Lanka is rated as ‘obstructed’ by the CIVICUS Monitor. In 2022, civil society documented a range of issues related to fundamental freedoms in Sri Lanka, especially around the crackdown on mass anti-government protests linked to the worst economic crisis in decades. They include the targeting of civil society groups, human rights defenders and the families of victims of past violations. There were also restrictions and excessive use of force around the protests, arrests of protesters and the use of the draconian Prevention of Terrorism Act. Journalists have also been targeted.

N/A

The 4th Universal Periodic Review (UPR) of Sri Lanka was carried out at the 42nd session of the UN UPR Working Group in January and February 2023. The so-called “pre-sessions” were organized by the UPR-info as a preparation for the 42nd session. Several civil society representatives from Sri Lanka participated and presented issues, such as disabilities, gender based violence, the situation in the North and East and LGBTQI rights.