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Executive Summary

Context: The Ministry of Public Security plans to establish special criminal investigation bureaus in all provinces, supervised by the Inspector General of Police, focusing on unsolved cases, organized crime, drug trafficking, and region-specific offenses.

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has appointed Major General Lasantha Rodrigo as the 25th Army Commander and Rear Admiral Kanchana Banagoda as the Navy Commander.

The new Chief of the Department of Excise, U. L. Udaya Kumara Perera, has shifted the focus from minor offenders to large-scale raids on illicit liquor dens and narcotics operations, aiming to reduce the industry and improve law enforcement’s impact.

The Cabinet approves President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s proposal to amend the Anti-Corruption Act, addressing legal, interpretation, and technical challenges faced by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption.

The Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID) will be restructured into a fully-fledged investigative body, similar to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). The Central Crime Investigation Bureau will oversee all units, aiming to streamline operations and address inefficiencies. Special divisions will be established in each province to clear pending complaints.

Sri Lanka’s Human Rights Commission has requested President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to inspect the welfare and detention conditions of 115 Myanmar asylum seekers, including over 40 children, in line with Sri Lankan law and international human rights obligations.

MP T. Raviharan has criticized the Forest Department for seizing agricultural and residential land in the Vanni region, which was once Tamil-owned and protected by the LTTE. He called for immediate release of these seized lands, citing displacement and encroachment without informing local authorities or landowners. Raviharan urges the newly elected government to address this issue.

The Government plans to amend the Buddhist Temporalities Ordinance to address concerns about individuals and organizations distorting religious teachings and practices. The amendment aims to address issues caused by pseudo-monks and priests, such as Jerome Fernando, who self-proclaimed to be a ‘prophet’.

The Podujana Progressive Employees Union accuses the government of political retaliation in the trade union sector, with leaders transferred and offices closed. The union urges the government to engage in democratic dialogue and warns against taking action against the government if it intends to suppress trade unions.

Sri Lanka Police are investigating alleged misuse of the President’s Fund, led by Acting IGP Priyantha Weerasuriya, following a complaint from the Organisation of Lawyers to Protect Public Funds.

Health Minister Dr Nalinda Jayatissa announced the new Constitution will recognize healthcare access as a fundamental human right, allowing individuals to seek legal recourse if it is violated.

Dr Nalinda Jayatissa, Cabinet Spokesman, emphasized the government’s commitment to combating underworld activities and drug trafficking through systematic security forces’ long-term efforts.

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) held the first National Conference for Families of Missing Persons in Sri Lanka, involving 51 families from diverse communities. The conference aimed to share experiences, discuss challenges, and improving processes for missing persons.

Sri Lanka’s government, Central Bank, and Financial Intelligence Unit discussed preparations for APG’s Mutual Evaluation, focusing on preventing money laundering and countering terrorism financing. Key participants emphasized legal reforms, capacity building, and inter-agency cooperation.

The government has reduced tri-forces personnel from former presidents’ security, focusing on police officers, with reviews every six months, due to high costs.

The Asian Human Rights Commission has urged Sri Lanka’s President to implement urgent legal reforms, including daily criminal case hearings, legislation against bribery and corruption, and improved Attorney General’s Department.

The Coalition against Repressive Laws (CARL) has called on President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to repeal repressive laws, including the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) and the Online Safety Act, which they argue violate fundamental rights and freedoms. They argue that the NPP and JVP have historically opposed such laws, and that the government is using the PTA to restrict social media freedom.

The government continues to prohibit promoting banned organisations or glorifying acts of terrorism. Suspects are accused of inciting violence and spreading misleading content promoting a proscribed organisation’s activities. Investigations have revealed that seven individuals organized illegal celebrations promoting the LTTE organization in the Northern Province. Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijepala claimed photos from past LTTE celebrations were circulated on social media to create false narratives.

Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya mistakenly thanked the ‘Republic of China’ instead of the ‘People’s Republic of China’ during a school uniform consignment event, causing a diplomatic mishap. She arrived late, keeping the Chinese Ambassador waiting at Colombo Port. Amarasuriya apologised privately, but no public acknowledgement was made.

The Hind Rajab Foundation accuses Israeli soldier Gal Ferenbook of war crimes, including killing a Palestinian civilian and degrading the body. Ferenbook, nicknamed the “Terminator” is in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The Foundation urges Sri Lankan authorities to arrest him and cooperate with the International Criminal Court.

The Sri Lankan Ministry of Defence has mandated all firearm licensees to return their firearms for inspection by January 2025, with 85% complied with thus far. Those wishing to retain firearms must submit appeals by October 2024.

Sri Lanka Navy and Police reported over 100 Myanmar refugees arriving at Mullivaikkal due to illegal transportation and food and water shortages.

The Parliamentary Opposition in Sri Lanka has called for an inquiry into forced cremation of bodies, particularly Muslim ones, during the Covid-19 pandemic, despite Dr Nalinda Jayatissa’s refusal due to medical ethics and Right to Information Act provisions.

The Child Protection Alliance has submitted a proposal to the Sri Lankan government, urging them to protect children, who make up 25% of the population and are ranked among the top five crimes.

The Supreme Court dismissed a petition by attorney Sarith Maheeputhra Pathirathne, challenging the Constitutional Council’s rejection of her nomination as a Supreme Court judge. The court found the council did not infringe on the petitioner’s Fundamental Rights and ordered him to pay Rs. 2 million in costs.

Former Colombo Crimes Division Director, ASP Neville Silva, has been arrested and is placed in custody. The CID is investigating his alleged partial behavior towards a complainant.

Deputy Minister Muneer Mulaffar plans to introduce an inclusive mechanism to strengthen national unity, focusing on involving all groups in decision-making processes and continuing the truth and reconciliation commission.

Jaffna Police are investigating a complaint from Jaffna Hospital officials accusing Independent MP Archchuna Ramanathan of disrupting hospital operations and blocking an investigation into a pregnant woman’s death.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has called for public disclosure of the reasons behind withdrawing 40 out of 69 Bribery or Corruption Commission cases in 2021 and 45 out of 89 cases in 2022.

In December 2023, Welikada Prison prisoners were sent to improve prison officers’ homes 233 times, with 62 trips made using nine vehicles. Despite Budget Circular No. 1/2023 requiring strict overtime control, the Department of Prisons still spent Rs. 982 million on overtime and holiday allowances, an increase of Rs. 106 million from the previous year.

Cabinet approval was granted to publish the Proceeds of Crime Bill in the Government Gazette and present it in Parliament. The International Monetary Fund submitted observations, which were referred to a committee appointed by the Minister of Justice, Prison Reforms and Constitutional Reforms. The committee recommended amending the bill, and the proposal was approved by the Cabinet.

The NPP government plans to introduce a new constitution within three years, aiming to facilitate public discourse on key issues like Provincial Councils and power distribution.

The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the establishment of a ‘Clean Sri Lanka’ Fund and appointed a Presidential Task Force to tackle Sri Lanka’s economic, political, social, spiritual, and environmental issues.

Opposition SJB Parliamentarian Mujibur Rahman criticizes the government for excluding Tamil and Muslim representatives from the ‘Clean Sri Lanka’ Presidential Task Force, arguing that it would have failed to effectively address the needs of Tamil-speaking communities.

Archchuna Ramanathan, an Independent Member of Parliament from Jaffna District, was attacked by MP Sujith Sanjaya Perera at the Opposition Leader’s Office. Perera had recommended consulting with party leaders or the Speaker, but Perera dismissed such criticism as inappropriate.

The military has not complied with a Cabinet decision to vacate a camp in Karkovalam, Jaffna, despite the land’s supposed return to Tamil owners.

Tamil families of the disappeared have protested in Jaffna, demanding an international investigation into their enforced disappearances. They have sought justice for over a decade, but Sri Lankan governments have not addressed the issue. They call on the international community for intervention.

The Ministry of Women and Child Affairs is set to open a new shelter in Nuwara Eliya in January 2025, providing additional support for women and children affected by gender-based violence.

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Case Updates: Arjuna Aloysius, owner of Mendis Company and son-in-law of former Central Bank Governor Arjuna Mahendran, was presented before the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court to address deficiencies in the 2015 Central Bank Treasury Bonds case file, including irregularities in his bail signing.

The government plans to reopen the investigation into rugby player Wasim Thajudeen’s murder, but has not yet contacted his family or their lawyer. Concerns have been raised over Dr. Hans Wijesuriya’s appointment as Chief Advisor to the President, who was accused of suppressing evidence.

A petition has been filed in the Court of Appeal to reopen legal action over the deaths of 11 inmates during the 2020 Mahara Prison riots. The petition challenges the Attorney General’s Department’s decision to close the case, citing gunshot wounds as evidence of excessive force and a previous order from the Welisara Magistrate’s Court.

The Colombo High Court accepted Kalib Sameer’s confession as government evidence in the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks, despite his lawyers arguing it was not voluntary, and plans to appeal.

Sri Lanka’s government mandates NGOs to register with the National Secretariat, despite existing legal compliance, requiring scrutiny from multiple ministries. Temporary certificates will be issued.

The Supreme Court ruled that former Governor Azath Salley’s 2021 arrest under the Prevention of Terrorism Act was illegal and ordered his compensation of Rs. 75,000.

The Committee for Protecting Prisoners (CPRP) protested against the Attorney General’s interference in the 2020 Mahara prison massacre and plans to file a complaint with the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka.

The Committee for Protecting Prisoners (CPRP) protested against the Attorney General’s interference in the 2020 Mahara prison massacre and plans to file a complaint with the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka.

Investigations into high-profile journalist killings, including editor Lasantha Wickrematunge, are stalled due to missing documents, initial investigators’ retirement, or threats causing them to flee overseas.

Investigations into high-profile journalist killings, including editor Lasantha Wickrematunge, are stalled due to missing documents, initial investigators’ retirement, or threats causing them to flee overseas.

The Kokkuthoduvai mass grave case, involving LTTE fighter remains, has been adjourned until February 27, 2025, due to setbacks and legal challenges. The case began in June 2023 and has faced delays, funding issues, and evidence mishandling concerns.

Renuka Perera, Administrative Secretary of SLPP, was arrested by CID for spreading false information about Northern ‘Mahaviru’ commemorations on social media.

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Repression of Media and Journalists: Sri Lanka Police’s CID has obtained a statement from journalist S. Aslam, following a Ministry of Public Security complaint (The Morning, 2024).

A Tamil journalist and author, Murugaiyah Thamilselvan known for his coverage of illegal drug trafficking, was assaulted in Kilinochchi by a van-attacking group, who then escaped.

Freedom of Assembly and Association: Ananda Wijepala, Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs, reported that 10 of 244 Maaveerar Naal commemoration events in Northern Province featured LTTE-related symbols, prompting police action.
Four individuals were arrested during a protest in Battaramulla demanding permanent teaching positions for school development officers. The protest, organised by around 500 members, led to traffic disruption and injuries to three police officers. The Education Ministry has emphasised the need for recruitment to follow Public Service Commission recommendations and a Supreme Court directive.

Repressive Legal and Policy Action: President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has ordered the armed forces to maintain public order in all administrative districts of Sri Lanka, in accordance with Section 12 of the Public Security Ordinance.

Other Incidents: HRCSL Commissioner Nimal G. Punchihewa reported 8,000 pending human rights violations since COVID-19, with 70 daily complaints. Complaints mainly come from education, police, and health sectors. Women arrested during massage parlour raids are particularly prevalent.

A garment factory worker in Kotmale has been protesting for five days, demanding a salary increase of Rs. 5,000 to cope with rising living costs. The management offered Rs. 2,000 due to financial constraints and the need to reduce welfare benefits if more are provided. Protestors also accused the Labour Office of favouring the management.

A Gothatuwa Police Station constable was arrested for allegedly using obscene language to sexually harass the OIC of the Children and Women’s Bureau over the phone.

Five Excise Department officers were released on bail after being arrested by Gothatuwa Police for allegedly harassing residents. The incident involved a house attack, a woman’s tattered clothes, and a child’s hospitalisation.

The Ministry of Public Security has granted full authority to investigate and take action against police officers involved in misconduct, with 30-40 officers suspended and ongoing investigations. Officers involved in bribery and corruption will face equal treatment.
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