A new report titled “The Illusion of Reform: The Continuing Erosion of Civic Space in the North-East 2026” by Adayaalam Centre for Policy Research details how civic space in Sri Lanka’s North-East continues to face significant restrictions despite promises of reform by the National People’s Power (NPP) government. According to the report, journalists, activists, political mobilizers, and communities engaged in memorialization activities remain subject to surveillance, intimidation, interrogations, and arrests. The authors argue that while the administration pledged to depart from previous governance practices after taking office in 2024, documented incidents suggest many of these concerns persist.
The report, covering January 2025 to June 2026, says its findings are based on documented incidents of surveillance and intimidation across the North-East. It identifies recurring patterns that include routine monitoring, harassment, targeted interrogations, and restrictions on civil and political activity. The study concludes that these practices continue to affect civil society members and activists throughout the region, raising concerns about the state of civic freedoms and democratic participation.
Read the full report as a PDF:The-Illusion-of-Reform-The-Continuing-Erosion-of-Civic-Space-in-the-North-East-2026