Reconciliation & Governance Tracker

Human Rights

Rights of children, Women and People with Disabilities

“Broadening the constitutional law about the rights of children, women, and people with disabilities according to international conventions.”

• No information is publicly available on broadening the constitutional law about the rights of children, women and people with disabilities.

Recognizing the rights mentioned in the ICCPR

“Recognising and enacting the rights mentioned in the International Covenant on Civil and Political rights as basic rights.”

• No information is publicly available regarding enacting the rights mentioned in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights as basic rights.

Safeguarding the voting rights of immigrants within and outside of the country.

• No information is publicly available regarding safeguarding the voting rights of immigrants within and outside of the country.

Prisoners' Rights

“Preventing all forms of torture inside prisons, paying special attention to the welfare of prisoners and preventing all forms of violence against them in prisons”

• At least two custodial deaths have been publicly reported this year.
• The Nugegoda Division Criminal Investigation Unit has begun an inquiry on the death of 26-year-old M. Sathsara Nimesh, while in police custody at the Welikada Police Station. The Welikada Police

Commission against Discrimination

“A Commission Against Discrimination, with a legal mandate will be established”

• No information is publicly available on the establishment of the commission against discrimination.

Disappearances and Political Assassinations

“Investigating and serving justice to the political assassinations, disappearances and assaults that happened in the past in all areas including the North and East”

• Limited progress has been made in holding perpetrators accountable and providing justice for victims.
• The government has stated that it will support investigations into mass graves such as Chemmani, with required finances.

National Language Policy

“Implementation of the National Language Policy recognized under the 16th Amendment of the constitution by providing necessary resources and technical facilities”

• This has been a longstanding challenge, but there is no public information on any proposals by the government to address the full implementation of a language policy.
• No specific actions have been provided as to how the national language policy might be implemented.

Malaiyaha Tamil Community

“Taking steps to develop facilities such as land, housing, education, and health of the upcountry Tamil community by recognizing their identity and rights, as mentioned in the Hatton Declaration made on 2023.10.15 by the NPP.”

• Budget-2025 allocated funds under the title ‘Programmes to uplift the living standards of Malayagam Tamil people.
• Rs. 4,267 million allocated for the development of estate housing and infrastructure development.
• Current status of budget commitment: proposal, yet to be realized. (Budget 2025 : All Proposals)
• This promise has yet to be fully realized.

Labour Law Reforms

“Revising existing labor laws and introduce new regulations to address specific challenges faced by working women and ensure job security”

• Hon. Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development, (Dr.) Anil Jayantha, stated that steps have already been initiated to look into the ratification of the ILO Convention 190 on eliminating violence and harassment in the workplace.
• He made this statement while responding to the Motion at the Adjournment Time moved by Hon. Member of Parliament Rohini Kumari Wijerathna representing the Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus on March 8th, in line with International Women's Day. (Parliament of Sri Lanka)

Protection from Gender Based Violence

“Revising laws and procedures to guarantee protection from gender-based violence and harassment in work places, public transport, and other places”

• [December 20 2024] Government launches second Multi-Sectoral National Action Plan to address gender based violence. (Ministry of Women, Child Affairs & Social Empowerment)
• The Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women concluded its consideration of the ninth periodic report of Sri Lanka, with Committee Experts, raising questions about the Muslim Marriage and Divorce Act.
• On the Muslim Marriage and Divorce Act, the Minister of Women and Child Affairs, Hon. Mrs.) Saroja Savithri Paulraj, stated that the Women’s Parliamentary Caucus had suggested setting a minimum age for marriage and establishing a multi-sectoral committee to address this issue. However, further information on what the minimum age would be and when the committee will be appointed is not publicly available. (OHCHR)
• No information is publicly available on reforms of Sections 365 and 365A of the Penal Code.