Sri Lanka

Security force abuses committed with impunity and an economic crisis that threatens the living standards of millions has placed human rights in Sri Lanka at serious risk. Protests led to the resignation of the president and the prime minister in 2002. However, the new president, Ranil Wickremesinghe, since taking office has persisted with blocking accountability for atrocities linked to the 26-year armed conflict that ended in 2009, and ordered security forces to suppress new demonstrations. The UN Human Rights Council has renewed and strengthened a mandate for the UN collect and analyze evidence of international crimes for future prosecutions. Despite repeated promises of repeal, the draconian Prevention of Terrorism Act remains in force, facilitating abuse, while victims of past abuses and human rights defenders are subjected to surveillance and intimidation.