By:Staff Writer
August 19, Colombo (LNW): A new report from the United Nations Human Rights Office has called on Sri Lanka to take decisive steps to confront its history of conflict-related abuses, dismantle entrenched impunity, and implement long-overdue reforms. The report emphasizes that the country has a “historic opportunity” to deliver truth, justice, and accountability to victims while setting a new course for national unity.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk said the moment was critical. “Today, an opportunity presents itself for Sri Lanka to break from the past, with the leadership pledging a fresh direction on long-standing issues, including delivering justice to victims, restoring the rule of law, and eliminating discrimination and divisive politics. It now needs a comprehensive roadmap to translate these commitments into results,” he stated.
The report follows Türk’s recent official visit to Sri Lanka, during which he met government officials, civil society, victims’ groups, religious leaders, and political representatives. His tour included stops in Jaffna, Trincomalee, and Kandy, where he said he witnessed “the palpable pain and suffering” of victims and their ongoing demands for truth and justice.
Among its recommendations, the report calls for sweeping reforms of the security sector as well as constitutional, legal, and institutional changes in line with international human rights obligations. These, Türk noted, are essential to achieving the government’s stated goal of “national unity” and preventing any recurrence of past violations.
The UN welcomed Sri Lanka’s move to establish an independent Public Prosecutors Office but urged stronger measures, including a dedicated judicial mechanism with an independent special counsel to handle serious human rights cases and breaches of international humanitarian law. It also pressed for the release of military-occupied land in the north and east, repeal of the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), and the release of long-term detainees held under the law.
While recognizing some progress in creating space for dialogue and memorialisation, the report expressed concern over ongoing intimidation of activists, particularly those advocating for accountability over enforced disappearances, land disputes, and environmental issues. Families of the disappeared, it noted, continue to face harassment and surveillance.
The document criticized the government’s continued reliance on the PTA despite pledges to repeal it. It highlighted reports of arbitrary arrests, torture, and deaths in custody, urging an immediate moratorium on the law’s use. The report also flagged other legislation—including the Online Safety Act, the ICCPR Act, and proposed laws on NGOs and personal data—that it said risk undermining fundamental freedoms of expression, association, and peaceful assembly.
Beyond civil and political rights, the UN drew attention to Sri Lanka’s economic crisis and its impact on vulnerable groups, including plantation workers from the Malaiyahar Tamil community. Türk urged international financial institutions and creditors to give Sri Lanka fiscal space to meet social and economic rights obligations and ensure austerity measures do not erode human rights.
The report concludes by calling on both Sri Lanka’s government and the international community to work together in pursuit of accountability, reconciliation, and reform. “The responsibility lies first with Sri Lanka,” Türk stressed, “but international support can and must play a vital role.”
