Sri Lanka

Respect for fundamental human rights in Sri Lanka fell in serious jeopardy following Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s election as president in November 2019. Sri Lanka not only stalled on providing accountability and reconciliation 10 years after its civil war ended, but also withdrew from commitments made at the UN Human Rights Council. The draconian Prevention of Terrorism Act remains in effect, facilitating torture and other abuse. The government failed to initiate security sector or criminal justice reform. Human rights defenders and victims of past abuses are subjected to intimidation and surveillance. Muslims and other religious minorities face ongoing threats and violence. Government measures to control the Covid-19 pandemic discriminate against Islamic funeral practices.