UN Praises Key Convictions, Flags Delays in Justice and Reforms

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka has made important progress in several high-profile criminal investigations, corruption-related reforms and human rights initiatives over the past year, but the momentum for deeper legal and institutional reforms appears to be slowing, the United Nations Human Rights Office has warned.

Delivering an update to the Human Rights Council, Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights Awa Dabo, said the government that came to power with a mandate for transformative change had taken a number of positive steps, including advancing investigations and prosecutions in several emblematic cases linked to alleged political killings and enforced disappearances.

Among the developments highlighted was the filing of indictments last month against a former politician and others over the 2006 murder of the Vice Chancellor of Eastern University. The UN also noted the arrest of a former intelligence chief, as well as the conviction of a former Police Chief and a senior defence official in connection with the Easter Sunday attacks.

The Deputy High Commissioner further welcomed measures taken by the Government to address corruption and praised Sri Lanka's recent ratification of the International Labour Organization Convention on freedom from violence and harassment in the workplace, including gender-based abuse.

She also acknowledged repeated calls by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake against racism and sectarian politics, as well as efforts to promote national unity during a period marked by significant challenges, including the devastating cyclone of November 2025 and rising global energy costs.

However, the United Nations warned that despite these developments, progress on broader accountability and reconciliation efforts remains limited.

According to the Deputy High Commissioner, there has been no meaningful progress towards wider accountability for crimes under international law and serious human rights violations allegedly committed by both State security forces and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam during Sri Lanka's decades-long armed conflict.

The UN said intimidation of victims and witnesses continues, while existing protection mechanisms remain inadequate.

The Human Rights Office also expressed concern that a large number of criminal investigations involving serious violations continue to face prolonged delays despite substantial documentation and evidence already being available.

The Government was also criticized for failing to fulfill its commitment to establish an independent public prosecutor operating separately from the Attorney General's Department.

Awa Dabo further noted that meaningful security sector reform remains absent and alleged that personnel suspected of serious violations continue to serve within military and police structures.

The Deputy High Commissioner said reports of torture and deaths in custody continue to emerge, raising further concerns about accountability and institutional reform.

The United Nations also criticized the Government's continued reliance on the Prevention of Terrorism Act, while expressing concern over provisions contained in the proposed law on the protection of the State from terrorism.

According to the Human Rights Office, several provisions in the draft legislation continue to pose risks to fundamental freedoms, due process protections, fair trial guarantees and effective judicial oversight.

The report further alleged that human rights defenders and victims continue to face surveillance and intimidation by intelligence services, particularly in the Northern and Eastern Provinces.

Concerns were also raised regarding the proposed framework governing the registration and supervision of non-governmental organizations.

The UN said the draft proposals grant disproportionate executive powers, impose excessive requirements and risk undermining the independence, autonomy and access to funding of civil society organizations.

On enforced disappearances, the UN acknowledged the reopening of several mass grave investigations but noted that public confidence in the Office on Missing Persons remains limited.

Although the Office has reportedly resolved 32 cases, the fate and whereabouts of tens of thousands of disappeared persons remain unknown.

The Human Rights Office called for reforms to strengthen the institution's independence, capacity, witness protection mechanisms and cooperation from state agencies and security forces.

It also expressed disappointment over the Government's rejection of UN findings and recommendations relating to accountability for conflict-related sexual violence.

At the same time, the UN acknowledged the severe economic constraints faced by Sri Lanka, describing the country's debt burden as a significant human rights concern.

According to the Deputy High Commissioner, approximately 82 percent of Government revenue in the 2026 Budget has been allocated to debt interest and loan repayments, more than double the amount spent on health, education and social protection combined.

The United Nations said Sri Lanka urgently requires greater development assistance, including support for post-cyclone reconstruction efforts, particularly for vulnerable communities such as the Malayaga Tamil population.

The Deputy High Commissioner stressed that the public demand for change that emerged two years ago should not be allowed to fade.

She said the UN Human Rights Office remains ready to support Sri Lanka's legal and institutional reform agenda, including efforts to strengthen accountability, justice and reconciliation.

Calling for continued engagement by the Human Rights Council, the Deputy High Commissioner said individuals responsible for serious crimes must face prosecution and accountability, including through universal jurisdiction and other international legal mechanisms where necessary.

She also called for closer vetting of security force personnel, including those participating in peacekeeping and other international operations, while emphasizing that sustained international attention will remain essential to advancing accountability, national reconciliation and lasting peace in Sri Lanka.