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Executive Summary
Media Freedom: M.T.T. Ruwan Kumara, Director of the Criminal Records Division of the Police, speaking at the 548th Meeting, 29th Session of UN Committee on Enforced Disappearances, claimed there was “reliable information” linking Tamil Journalist and Human Rights Defender Kanapathipillai Kumanan based in Mullaitivu to “terrorist activities and financial crime,” alleging that he had “provoked protestors against government forces for personal gain” and Police have found that “he has been using 31 sim cards and 16 or 17 mobile phones”. A statement issued by over 140 human rights activists and organisations condemned the claim made by the Director of the CID, as well as the ongoing surveillance, harassment, and intimidation of Kumanan Kanapathipillai.
Accountability:
Minister criticized after comments undermine victims’ advocacy: Minister Bimal Rathnayake faced criticism after remarks at an event marking the International Day of the Disappeared at Temple Trees, where he referred to victims’ campaigns as “dramas” staged to coincide with UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) sessions in Geneva.
UNHRC: Several international human rights organizations have urged the Member and Observer States of the United Nations Human Rights Council to support the renewal of the Sri Lanka Accountability Project at the UNHRC, calling for an immediate end to surveillance of victims’ families, a moratorium on the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), and the inclusion of international forensic experts in mass grave investigations (Amnesty International, 2025). Vijitha Herath, Minister of Foreign Affairs, addressed the UNHRC and emphasized strengthening domestic mechanisms for reconciliation and accountability, though victims’ groups have been advocating for greater international oversight. Civil society groups and political parties in the North and East remain skeptical about the government’s promises on accountability and justice, while expressing concern over insufficient expertise in mass grave investigations.
Forcefully Disappeared: The Cabinet of Ministers has approved a special project to complete investigations into 10,517 complaints received by the Office on Missing Persons and related duties by the end of 2027. The approval includes the appointment of 25 sub-committees consisting of 75 eligible individuals. The OMP, which issues reports based on investigations into missing or disappeared persons, has received a total of 16,966 complaints. Chairman Mahesh Katulanda stated that preliminary investigations into 6,700 of these cases have been completed, while inquiries into another 10,000 cases are ongoing to expedite justice for victims.
Mass Graves: Excavations at mass grave sites have intensified scrutiny over alleged extrajudicial killings during the civil war. The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka has raised concerns about the continued presence of regular Police officers at the sites, and highlighted the importance of ensuring credibility of the ongoing investigations. The commission noted that overseas expertise and advanced technology would be necessary to ensure a thorough investigation.
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Easter Sunday Attacks: Opposition Leader renewed calls for access to reports from the Cabinet Secretariat and the Attorney General’s Department, which formed the basis for rejecting a No-Confidence Motion against Deputy Defence Minister Aruna Jayasekara. A group of opposition MPs submitted the motion in August, citing serious concerns over Jayasekara’s alleged involvement in and potential conflict of interest with the investigations. Premadasa clarified that there were “no personal issues concerning Aruna Jayasekara,” stressing that his demand was for procedural transparency.
Calls for release of Batalanda Commission’s full report: Journalist Nandana Weeraratne has called on President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to release the full report, which implicates military officers, politicians, and business figures, noting that the full 6,780-page document has been sealed until 2030 by the order of a former President, though a more concise report has been released to the parliament and the public.
Custodial Abuse and Enforced Disappearances: Attorney-at-law Senaka Perera, head of a civil society organisation advocating for prisoners’ rights, has urged the NPP government to ensure the protection of individuals recently arrested in Indonesia and brought back to Colombo over the weekend. He urged Parliament to focus on the pattern of deaths in police custody and criticized both the government and opposition for failing to reform the police.
Legal Reforms and Developments:
Enactment of NGO Bill Delayed: The government has delayed the enactment of the proposed controversial legislation aimed at monitoring and supervising local and international NGOs, despite an existing draft prepared during the previous administration. The attempts to introduce similar bills in the past have been met with strong opposition from the civil society.
Press Council Act to be amended: The Cabinet of Ministers has granted approval to amend the Sri Lanka Press Council Act No. 5 of 1973 (PCA), broadening its scope to include electronic media. The proposed amendment stipulates that any order issued to a newspaper following a Press Council trial will apply to both the print newspaper and its electronically published versions, as well as its social media channels.
Unlicensed Cable and Satellite TV Operators given until November to register: The Ministry of Mass Media has announced a grace period extending until November 30, 2025, for all unlicensed cable and satellite (DTH) television operators to obtain proper authorization.
Committee Formed to Enable Overseas Voting for Sri Lankans: The Cabinet has approved the formation of a committee to study how to enable overseas Sri Lankans to vote in elections.
Capital Punishment: President Anura Kumara Dissanayake cautioned against hasty imposition of capital punishment, highlighting the moral weight of signing a death sentence and urging consideration of alternative solutions for crime prevention.
Opposition emerges from Teachers and Monks against Corporal Punishment Ban: The Ministry of Justice has inaugurated reforms for children in the justice system, including building child witness rooms with audiovisual equipment and other legal reforms. A proposed amendment to the Penal Code banning both physical and psychological punishment of children in schools, detention centers, and care institutions was subjected to controversy as it faced resistance from religious and teachers groups. A letter addressed to the President by leading monks claimed that the ban of corporal punishment could weaken traditional values, discipline, and societal morals, particularly citing concerns about child protection measures and perceived LGBTQ+ support. The Kalutara District Teachers’ Association fears that legal restrictions on punishment will discourage teachers from maintaining classroom discipline, potentially leading to disorder in schools.
Prevention of Terrorism Act: President’s Counsel Rienzie Arsekularatne, Chairman of the expert committee appointed to draft new anti-terror legislation, stated that the final draft of the proposed legislation would be handed over to Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara.
The new draft legislation is expected to be presented to the President and subsequently opened for public consultation. The Minister emphasized that the government aims to complete consultation and submit the legislation to the Cabinet and Parliament. This initiative comes amid pressure from the United Nations Human Rights Council, and the civil society groups to reform the current draconian law, with the government previously stating its intention to introduce the new law by September.
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Other Incidents
Threats of Legal action against lawyers by individuals: The Bar Association of Sri Lanka has expressed concern over recent instances where individuals have threatened legal action or complaints against Attorneys-at-Law for professional work carried out on behalf of clients, emphasizing that such actions undermine the independence of the legal profession and the administration of justice.
FSP Office: A serious dispute has erupted between the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna, and the Frontline Socialist Party over the alleged forcible takeover of the FSP’s district office in Yakkala, Gampaha. Allegedly, a group of ‘government-backed thugs’ stormed the office located, assaulted party members, and took control of the premises. Six members were reportedly injured and hospitalized. Also alleged that senior government figures, including Public Security Minister Ananda Wijayapala, had used state power and police assistance to secure the premises for the NPP.
Sri Lankan Football Player fined for displaying a pro-Palestine message: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has imposed a fine of USD 2,000 on Sri Lankan national footballer Mohamed Thilham for displaying a pro-Palestine message following a match in June.
Environmental Impact: Public opposition against the proposed Mannar Wind Farm project has intensified into a tense standoff between local communities and government authorities. Residents have been protesting against the project for over 55 consecutive days, citing concerns over flooding, destruction of farmland, disruption of fishing livelihoods, and environmental impact to one of the country’s most fragile ecosystems.
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