Executive Summary:
Refugees: Sri Lanka’s Public Security Minister, Ananda Wijepala, has announced a plan to send 100,000 illegal migrants, including Rohingya refugees, to the country. The Rohingyas have been linked to human trafficking, and over 100 currently held in Mullaitivu will be deported if they are determined that they were victims of human trafficking. Protests against the government’s decision to deport Rohingya refugees have emphasized the potential harm to the country’s international reputation and the need for refugees to be relocated from the Keppapulavu Air Force Base. Activists have urge international refugee standards and laws, and the Batticaloa Farmers’ Federation has condemned deportation of Rohingya refugees in Sri Lanka. These protests have also call on UNHCR to put pressure on other nations to offer sanctuary.
Freedom of Assembly and Association: Recent events have demonstrated the government’s involvement in protests through legal actions, court orders, and police actions. The CID’s summons of Yartan Figurado in relation to the Rohingya asylum protest reveal a pattern of government efforts to suppress protests on controversial or sensitive issues.
The disruption of a Tamil political prisoners’ release campaign in Sri Lanka highlights tensions between ethnic groups and the state’s approach to curbing movements challenging laws. The police’s actions in Northern province indicate a push to suppress campaigns challenging the status quo, particularly those addressing controversial issues like ethnic minority rights.
The University of Peradeniya cancelled a lecture on IMF austerity, despite approval, indicating direct or indirect government influence over academic spaces. Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya denied involvement, stating she supports academic freedom and democratic engagement. However, the cancellation raises concerns about limitations on academic freedom.
The 2021 protest against the General Sir John Kotelawala National Defence University Bill, led by IUSF, CTU, and FSP, saw the release of 34 individuals, including Joseph Stalin, despite earlier arrests under quarantine regulations.
Former IUSF convener Lahiru Weerasekara and Bhikkhu Federation convener Tampitiye Sugathananda Thero were acquitted in a 2017 protest against SAITM University, indicating an improvement in dissent space and a judicial system’s protection of peaceful assembly rights.
Cabinet Spokesman Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa acknowledged challenges in cases against Aragalaya individuals and promised government intervention. Justice Minister is set to discuss with Attorney General, committed to equitable resolutions based on merits.
Legal Reforms: The Anti-Corruption Act No. 9 of 2023 faced challenges in enforcement due to legal, interpretative, and technical issues. The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption suggested amendments and new provisions. A committee was established to review the Act and make recommendations. The Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus of Sri Lanka addressed legislative reforms to establish a uniform legal minimum marriage age and redefining ‘child’ to meet international standards. The Ministry of Environment discussed a Bill protecting the rights of Sri Lanka’s indigenous community. The Cabinet of Ministers approved the publication of the Proceeds of Crime Draft Bill, aligning with the UN Convention against Corruption and the International Financial Action Task Force’s standards on asset recovery.
Political Prisoners: The call for the release of Tamil political prisoners has gained momentum among Tamil leaders, civil society, and activists. They have urged President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to address the issue of Tamil political prisoners, and Tamil political parties and civil society groups have demanded their release by the Sinhala Hindu New Year. Critics have criticized past leaders, governments, and MPs for failing to take action and addressing the long-standing issue of Tamil political prisoners.
A signature campaign has been launched to demand the release of around 400 Tamil political prisoners, many of whom have been held for over 15 years since the end of the war. The campaign aimed to collect 100,000 signatures from various districts, with protests and petitions taking place in various locations. The government’s slow action on the issue has sparked frustration.
Repression of Media and Journalists: Journalists in Sri Lanka face threats, including attacks and legal cases, for reporting sensitive topics like corruption and human rights abuses. The government has shown willingness to take punitive actions against media outlets, warning them of misleading the public. This highlights concerns over the use of legal tools to silence or control journalists, particularly in regions with ethnic minorities. Despite supporting media freedom, the government emphasizes the need for accountability and threats to take action against media outlets spreading malicious news.
Civil society organizations and international bodies have called for stronger protections for journalists and media outlets in Sri Lanka. They urge the police to swiftly investigate incidents of journalist assault, reopen investigations into past violence, cessation of harassment, and the establishment of an independent media commission. Ethical journalism is also a priority.
Land Rights of Tamils: President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has pledged to resolve a long-standing land dispute in the Northern Province, focusing on returning land to its rightful owners and ensuring alternative land for those affected by government acquisitions. He also promised projects that benefit local communities, such as repurposing the Jaffna President’s House. Trincomalee MP Kathiravelu Shanmugam Kukathasan requested the release of lands around Kaliamman Temple and raised concerns over land rights in the Fourth Continent. A petition demanding the release of land in Deravil, Kilinochchi, and the Martyrs’ homeland in Vishwamadu, as well as the release of agricultural land, has been successful.
Student-led Protests: In January 2025, student protests at Jaffna University and Sri Lanka Bhikkhu University highlighted their ongoing struggles for fair treatment, freedom of expression, dissent, and fundamental rights. Students at Jaffna University launched a hunger strike demanding an end to unjust investigations and the right to free expression. Sri Lanka Bhikkhu University students protested the Vice-Chancellor’s mismanagement and the government’s privatization plan of state hospitals. These protests demonstrate their demand for greater autonomy, transparency, and accountability in academic and administrative affairs.
Repressive Laws: Leader of the House, Bimal Ratnayake, has urged the government to repeal the controversial PTA law and replace it with a new Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) that aligns with international human rights standards. Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara is preparing a cabinet paper for reform. The European Union’s Election Observation Mission has praised Sri Lanka’s 2024 Presidential Election for transparency and democratic process, but urged for the repeal of restrictive laws. The EU EOM also recognized reforms in campaign finance and youth inclusion.
Police Brutality: The 1997 Tip Line, introduced by the Sri Lanka Police, aims to report crimes like drug trafficking and organized crime, but faces trust issues due to police abuse and corruption. Reports show misconduct by officers, such as sexual harassment, suspensions, and negligence. Physical abuse and unlawful detentions have also been reported, highlighting the need for improved crime prevention and national security.
Officers in Sri Lanka are often accused of impunity, leading to detainee abuse and critical reporting omissions. The Weligama man’s case highlights the vulnerability of citizens under police authority, reflecting public dissatisfaction and a desire for accountability.
Families of the Forcefully Disappeared: The Mullaitivu District Association of Relatives of the Enforced Disappeared in Sri Lanka is urging for justice. They plan a protest in Kilinochchi for Independence Day and held a protest in Vavuniya demanding justice for their loved ones. Protesters call on the United Nations and the US administration to address their concerns and raise awareness for Tamil sovereignty.
Local Government Elections: Sri Lanka’s Local Government Elections, delayed since 2018, are set to take place in April 2025. The government, led by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, has announced the election, with the Supreme Court’s verdict expected to be announced in Parliament. The Provincial Council Elections will be decided after the elections. The Supreme Court has reviewed petitions challenging the constitutionality of the Local Authorities Elections Special Provisions Bill, which proposed fresh nominations for local authorities.
Easter Sunday Attacks: The Supreme Court has overturned the acquittal of former IGP Pujith Jayasundara and former Defence Secretary Hemasiri Fernando in the Easter Sunday attacks case, annulling the previous judgment due to insufficient evidence and lack of defense witnesses.
The Catholic Church of Sri Lanka has urged for a thorough investigation into the alleged hand grenade incident at All Saints Church in Borella, marking its third anniversary.
Accountability for Past War Crimes: Human Rights Watch reported Sri Lanka’s crises are linked to persistent rights violations, discrimination against minority communities, and silencing critics. President Dissanayake has the opportunity to make progress, but must address past conflicts and abuses.
Mass Graves: Sri Lanka’s largest mass grave investigations in Mannar and Thiruketheeswaram have yielded over 150 boxes of skeletal remains, with 27 skeletons identified and further reports expected within six months. Exhumation work has been resumed at Colombo port site as well.
Questionable Appointments: The President appointed Ruwan Wanigasooriya as Chief of National Intelligence, despite his history of denying war crimes despite evidence of mass civilian casualties and sexual violence. As the Army spokesperson has dismissed allegations of cluster bombing, child execution, and opposes Tamil remembrance activities, justifying military land occupation, and supporting nationalist narratives.
Protest against Sinhalization: Residents of Verugal, Trincomalee are protesting against the Department of Archaeology’s designation of the “1 KM Vattavan Archaeological Zone,” fearing it could lead to Sinhalization, land displacement, and increased militarization. They have submitted a memorandum demanding transparency, bans on Buddha statues and temple construction, and protection of agricultural lands.
Digital NIC: Sri Lanka is set to launch a Digital ID Project with India, modeled after India’s Aadhaar Card system. The project aims to introduce electronic national identity cards for administrative and financial purposes. Critics argue that this could threaten national security, public safety, and sovereignty. Sri Lankan Minister Eranga Weeraratne assures Indian personnel and companies no access to biometric data. Activists remain skeptical, as India is funding half of the project.
State Accountability: The government has approved compensation for 17 patients who lost their vision after cataract surgeries at Nuwara Eliya Hospital due to substandard drug use, and is pursuing legal action against the supplier.
Other: Bodu Bala Sena General Secretary Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thero was sentenced to nine months of simple imprisonment and a Rs. 1,500 fine for a 2016 defamatory statement, deemed to incite ethnic disharmony, and reportedly he plans to appeal.
The Sri Lankan Supreme Court has ended proceedings in a Fundamental Rights petition against Pastor Jerome Fernando, alleging hate speech and money laundering. The petitioners filed a lawsuit under the ICCPR Act, but the court assured that further complaints could be considered before a final determination. The petitioners also expressed dissatisfaction with the Criminal Investigation Department’s handling of the case.
Members of the Association of Leasing and Debt Instalment Payers protested outside Colombo Police Headquarters, accusing the police of enabling illegal vehicle seizures. Held on January 31, the demonstration called for presidential intervention to stop the confiscations (Daily Mirror , 2025).
