Reconciliation & Governance Tracker

Accountability

Easter Sunday Attacks

“According to the pledge announced by the National People’s Power on 17.04.2023, appropriate legal actions will be taken against the politicians and public officials who were found guilty by the verdicts of the Supreme Court for the Easter Sunday attack.”

• Under direct instructions from President Anura Kumara Disanayake, the final report and all accompanying volumes of the Presidential Commission of Inquiry into the Easter Sunday attacks were formally submitted on 20th April 2025 to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). (President’s Office)
• This process had also been carried out by the previous government, raising the question as to why it was repeated.
• Previous governments carried out numerous investigations similar to this but failed to provide any tangible outcome. In this context, it is unclear whether the present investigations will yield tangible progress or whether they will be a repeat of similar efforts in the past.
• On 30th March 2025, President Dissanayake claimed a “significant breakthrough”, stating that several responsible individuals would be exposed before the upcoming Easter. To date, no information has been provided as to what this breakthrough entailed. (Daily Mirror)
• The CID questioned the police intelligence officer under the alias ‘Sonic Sonic’. (Sri Lanka Brief)

Prevention of Terrorism Act

“Abolition of all oppressive acts, including the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) and ensuring civil rights of people in all parts of the country”

• Despite this promise, the state has continued to use the PTA multiple times since coming into power.
• The Government has appointed a committee, chaired by President’s Counsel Mr. Rienzie Arsekularatne, to examine the repeal of the PTA. However, details regarding the composition of this committee have not been made publicly available. (Cabinet Decisions taken at the Cabinet Meeting held on 19.02.2025)
• A timeline to repeal the PTA and replace it with new counter-terrorism legislation has also been set. Yet, no publicly available information regarding what this timeline entails has been released.
• The Ministry of Justice and National Integration has called for submissions from the public for the new Anti-Terrorism Bill. However, only 14 days were given to the public to submit feedback and provide recommendations. https://www.themorning.lk/articles/Ow1zoFeqSLu0u1QDWnOb
• Mohamed Rifai Mohamed Suhail who had been on remand for nine months under the Prevention of Terrorism Act for posting a video on Instagram showing the Israeli flag being trampled was released on bail on the 15th of July by Mount Lavinia Addl. Magistrate Hemali Halpathdeniya. The magistrate ordered the release of the suspect on personal bail in Rs. 500,000 each with two sureties and postponed the case for September 16th. dailymirror Young-suspect-finally-released-after-nine-months
• According to a statement made in Parliament by Minister Vijitha Herath, Sri Lanka is set to officially repeal the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) by the end of September.
• A statement issued by the Justice Ministry quoted Arsecularatne, the head of the committee, as having said that the proposed amendments to the new anti-terrorism law could be finalised soon. The committee tasked with reviewing the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) and proposing its repeal has officially submitted its report to Minister of Justice Harshana Nanayakkara.

Stolen Public Asset Recovery Agency

"Establishment of a stolen public asset recovery agency with the technical and advisory support of international organizations such as Stolen Asset Recovery (STAR) and United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to recover the stolen state assets."

• The Proceeds of Crime Act was passed unanimously as a strategic move to strengthen the country’s legal and institutional framework against financial crimes, corruption, and money laundering. It seeks to enhance asset recovery mechanisms and enables the government to identify, seize and recover illicit assets acquired through criminal conduct.
• However, there is potential for abuse, and without independent oversight, the law could be used to target political opponents or dissenters under the guise of anti-corruption.
• Instead of creating a new agency, it is moving forward with the Proceeds of Crime Act that grants existing institutions, such as the CIABOC and policy, the authority to recover stolen assets. (Economy next)

Investigating unsolved murder cases

“Promptly completing investigations into political killings and abductions of journalists, sportspersons and others that have not been solved for a long time and implementing the law against the criminals”

• Cases remain largely unsolved, raising concerns about continuing impunity
• The government has signaled interest in solving the murders of journalists and other activists. However, no concrete action has been taken or made known publicly.
• Police teams have been re-assessing evidence from cases such as Lasantha Wickrematunge and Prageeth Eknaligoda, however, no new charges have been filed.
• Journalist Murugaiyah Thamilselvan was attacked on the A9 road in Kilinochchi town on the 26th December 2024, raising concerns as to whether the improved climate for journalists is a ground reality. (Daily FT)
• The Sri Lankan government has officially handed over the investigation into the disappearance of human rights activists Lalith Kumar Weeraraj and Kugan Muruganandan to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). The Homicide and Organized Crime Division of the CID has begun active investigations into the case.
• Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala has stated that the CID is currently investigating four other disappearance cases in the Northern and Eastern provinces, while the Colombo Crime Division is handling six additional cases. None of these investigations have yet been concluded.CID Reopens Lalith-Kugan Disappearance Case After 14 Years
• Kumaraswamy Pushpakumar, also known as ‘Iniya Bharathi’, the Ampara District organiser of the Tamil Makkal Viduthalai Pulikal and a former member of the Eastern Provincial Council, was arrested on the 6th of July 2025 , along with another individual who is an associate of his. The CID linked the suspects to the following serious crimes:

1. The murder of Tamil National Alliance (TNA) Parliamentarian Ariyanayagam Chandranehru and five others on 7 February 2005 in Pulliyankulam, Welikanda.
2. The killing of Johnson Jayakanthan, also known as ‘Sindhujan’, on 9 May 2007.
3. The assassination of Thirukkovil Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman Pillainayagam Udayakumar on 28 June 2007.
4. The abduction of Pavie Sivananthan Alagurasah in Thirukkovil on 27 July 2007.
5. The double murder of Grama Niladhari officers Nagarasa and Kanaga Anandhi in Pandiruppu, Kalmunai on 20 April 2008.
6. The abduction and murder of Pandith Thirumal Thiruvelvam in Vinayagapuram, Thirukkovil on 25 September 2008.
7. The shooting and killing of Pachchi Rasaiya Kopulan in Vinayagapuram, Thirukkovil, on 21 November 2008, during which his mother was also shot and seriously injured.
8. The arson attack on the Akkaraipattu Magistrate’s Court Complex on 21 December 2022. https://ceylontoday.lk/2025/07/07/former-ep-councillor-iniya-bharathi-arrested/

• Police say investigations into the death of former Havelock Sports Club rugby captain Wasim Thajudeen are continuing. Acting Police Spokesperson Minura Senarath and Justice Minister Nalinda Jayatissa both claim that authorities are pursuing fresh leads based on recent witness statements and overseas arrests. https://lankanewsweb.net/archives/131031/after-13-years-wasim-thajudeens-murder-case-reopens-new-leads-old-suspects-lingering-doubts/
• On the 15th of September 2025 the Supreme Court (SC) granted permission to hear an appeal petition filed by the parents of 11 youth who were allegedly abducted and disappeared, requesting that the decision made by the Attorney General to remove the former Navy Commander, Admiral of the Fleet Wasantha Karannagoda – who was named as a suspect in the related case – be declared invalid. The SC issued the order following a detailed review of the matter. SC also scheduled the hearing of the appeal petition for 30 January next year (2026). https://www.themorning.lk/articles/gJq9cfCwzR7KKnzvCCJZ

Anti-corruption Commission

• Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, was arrested by the Criminal Investigations Department on Friday the 22nd of August 2025 for allegedly misusing state funds. Following his arrest, the court ordered that former President Wickremesinghe be remanded until the 26th of August. However, considering his health condition, he was first admitted to the Prison Hospital, and later transferred to the Intensive Care Unit of the Colombo National Hospital based on medical advice.
• Wickremesinghe was taken into custody for allegedly “misusing government funds” after being questioned about a September 2023 visit to London to attend a ceremony for his wife at a British university while he was head of state.
• On the 26th of August Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe was ordered released on three surety bails of Rs. 5 million each. The order was issued by Colombo Fort Magistrate Nilupuli Lankapura.
• https://www.adaderana.lk/news.php?nid=111875
• Former Member of Parliament Ven. Athuraliye Rathana Thero has been remanded until September 12 after appearing before the Nugegoda Magistrate’s Court on the 29th of August 2025. The hearing is being conducted in connection with investigations into the alleged abduction and detention of the General Secretary of the ‘Ape Jana Bala’ party, Venerable Wedinigama Wimalatissa Thero, reportedly to secure the party’s national list seat in the 2020 general election. https://www.adaderana.lk/news.php?nid=111979
• Former Minister Rajitha Senaratne was ordered to be remanded by the Colombo High Court, following a hearing on the 29th of August 2025 related to a case filed by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption. The case is tied to a sand dredging project at the Kirinda Fisheries Harbour, which was awarded to a Korean company. The Bribery Commission maintains that the deal caused a financial loss of more than Rs. 20 million to the state.
• https://www.newswire.lk/2025/08/29/missing-rajitha-senaratne-appears-in-court/
• https://www.newsfirst.lk/2025/08/29/rajitha-senaratne-remanded-by-colombo-high-court
• In accordance with Section 17 of the Removal of Officers (Procedure) Act, No. 5 of 2002, the Resolution presented for the removal of Mr. T.M.W. Deshabandu Tennakoon from the post of Inspector-General of Police was passed by a majority vote in Parliament on the 5th of August 2025. His dismissal was based on findings of serious misconduct, abuse of power, and criminal complicity.
• According to the report of the Committee of Inquiry for the removal of Inspector-General of Police Mr. Deshabandu Tennakoon, out of the total 23 charges levelled against the Inspector-General of Police, he was found guilty of Charges No. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 22, and 23.
• https://www.parliament.lk/en/news-en/view/4706?category=6
• Former Member of Parliament Nimal Lanza was arrested on the 29th of August after surrendering to the Kochchikade Police. The Attorney General has filed charges against the former State Minister in connection with an assault and trespassing incident that occurred during a protest in 2006. https://www.adaderana.lk/news.php?nid=111977
• Legal action was instituted against former Minister of Media and Health Keheliya Rambukwella and five of his family members in the Colombo High Court on 26th June 2025 under charges of money laundering.
• Former MP of the Moneragala district, Shasheendra Rajapaksa, was arrested by the Commission’s Investigation Officers on 06th August, 2025 for committing the offence of corruption by influencing officials of the Office for Compensations, abusing his official powers and obtaining compensation for damages caused by riots on 9th May 2022 to an unauthorized building constructed on land in Sevanagala, Kiri Ibbanwewa area. He has been remanded until 30th September 2025
• Former Finance Ministry Secretary Charitha Ratwatte, who was arrested by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) was released on bail over allegations of causing a financial loss of Rs. 99.6 million to the government by importing 50 temporary paddy storage units in violation of due procedures during his tenure as a senior advisor to former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe. https://www.dailymirror.lk/breaking-news/Former-Finance-Secretary-Charitha-Ratwatte-granted-bail/108-324106
• In the latest development, a former General Manager of Sri Lanka Railways and a former Executive Director of the Sri Lanka State Engineering Corporation were arrested on the 3rd of November 2025 by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption on alleged corruption charges. https://www.dailymirror.lk/breaking_news/High-profile-corruption-arrests-continue-across-public-sector/108-324052
• On October 31, former Chairman of the Sri Lanka State Trading (General) Corporation (STC), Hussain Ahamed Bhaila, was arrested over allegations of importing 50 temporary storage units (Cocoon) to the Corporation in 2015 without necessity, and in violation of the prescribed procurement procedures, thereby causing a loss of Rs. 99,679,799.70 to the Corporation and an equivalent gain to external parties. https://www.dailymirror.lk/breaking_news/High-profile-corruption-arrests-continue-across-public-sector/108-324052
• Former Acting Director General of the Office for Reparations and present Additional Secretary to the Ministry of Justice, Sepalika Samankumari, was arrested by the Bribery Commission on charges of corruption and criminal misappropriation of funds on October 8. https://www.dailymirror.lk/breaking_news/High-profile-corruption-arrests-continue-across-public-sector/108-324052
• In September, the CIABOC arrested former Director General of the Urban Development Authority (UDA), Sampath Sumeda Pujitha Ratnayake and former Director (Lands) and Internal Assessment Committee Chairman (retired), Koswatta Liyanage Weerawansha Perera, over corruption allegations committed by causing a loss of Rs. 29,519,666.16 to the UDA during the leasing of a 55.5 perch land at Mayura Place, Colombo 05, belonging to UDA. https://www.dailymirror.lk/breaking_news/High-profile-corruption-arrests-continue-across-public-sector/108-324052
• Former Minister Prasanna Ranatunga, who was arrested on the 12th of November 2025 by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption, was released on bail following an order by the Colombo Magistrate’s Court on the same day.