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UN High Commissioner for Human Rights calls on Sri Lanka to protect civic freedoms and deliver justice

2025-06-27

Wrapping up his threeday visit to Sri Lanka, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk urged the government to protect civic freedoms and remove the deeprooted barriers that continue to limit space for civil society and justice for victims.

In Colombo, the High Commissioner for Human Rights welcomed signs of progress, including more space for memorialization and public recognition of past abuses, but warned that the same old patterns of surveillance of human rights defenders persist. He emphasized that civil society must be seen as an essential partner in rebuilding trust and shaping Sri Lankas future.

In meetings with political leaders, the judiciary, security officials, victims families, and human rights defenders, Volker Turk called for the repeal of the Prevention of Terrorism Act and the Online Safety Act, both widely criticized for restricting freedom of expression and peaceful dissent. He also pointed to the legacy of the 2022 Aragalaya protests as a reminder that peaceful civic action remains vital for demanding accountability for corruption and abuse.

Justice and accountability are not optionalthey are essential to heal the wounds of the past and to build lasting peace, the High Commissioner said. He added, A credible domestic process, backed by strong civic freedoms, is the only path to earn the trust of victims and communities.

The High Commissioner Volker Turk ended his visit with a message of cautious hope, saying Sri Lanka can still become a story of peaceful coexistence and reconciliationif the government works with its people to protect their rights and freedoms.