By Sri Lanka’s New President Anura Kumara Dissanayake: A Turning Point for Human Rights?
The Human rights watch optimistically points inits 2025 global repor that the newly elected president has much do to restore he human rights record of Sri Lanka.
An Agenda for Change
Sri Lanka’s political landscape took a dramatic turn in September 2024, as Anura Kumara Dissanayake, leader of the left-wing National People’s Power (NPP), was elected president, replacing Ranil Wickremesinghe. His election heralded promises of economic reform and a shift toward more equitable policies. Dissanayake’s administration now stands at a critical crossroads, with the potential to make significant strides in human rights, but also the challenge of addressing deep-rooted systemic issues that have plagued the nation for decades.
Promises of Reform
Dissanayake has vowed to prioritize the fight against corruption and to address long-standing human rights concerns that have plagued Sri Lanka. Among his key promises is the abolition of the controversial Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), a law that has been widely criticized for enabling arbitrary detention, torture, and a lack of judicial oversight. The PTA has been used primarily to target Tamil and Muslim communities, with numerous reports of abuse and unlawful detentions, and has been a tool of repression for successive Sri Lankan governments since its introduction in 1979.Human Rights Watch and other international organizations have long called for the repeal of the PTA, viewing it as emblematic of Sri Lanka’s broader issues with human rights. Dissanayake’s pledge to abolish the law signals a potential shift toward more progressive policies, but the question remains: Will he follow through on this commitment?
Economic Crisis
Sri Lanka’s economic crisis, which worsened in 2022 after the government defaulted on its foreign debt, has exacerbated the country’s human rights situation. The economic collapse pushed millions of Sri Lankans into extreme poverty, doubling the number of people living below the World Bank’s poverty line of US$2.15 per day to nearly 26 percent of the population. Access to basic services like education and healthcare became increasingly difficult as inflation skyrocketed and public spending was slashed.In response to these challenges, Dissanayake’s NPP has promised to implement more equitable economic policies. However, critics, including Human Rights Watch, have warned that the government’s reliance on IMF loans—linked to structural reforms—could disproportionately affect vulnerable populations. The IMF bailout program includes a “social spending floor” which mandates a minimum spending on social security programs. However, at only 0.6 percent of GDP, this figure falls well short of the 1.6 percent average for developing countries. The question remains whether Dissanayake’s government will be able to balance economic recovery with social justice, ensuring that the rights of Sri Lanka’s most vulnerable citizens are protected.
Accountability for Wartime Abuses
One of the most significant challenges facing Dissanayake’s presidency is the issue of accountability for past human rights violations during Sri Lanka’s 1983-2009 civil war. The war, fought between the government and the Tamil Tigers (LTTE), was marked by widespread atrocities, including mass killings, enforced disappearances, and sexual violence. Both sides of the conflict were responsible for grave violations, yet successive governments have failed to pursue accountability for these crimes.The United Nations and human rights organizations have repeatedly called for international investigations into these abuses. In response, Dissanayake’s government has not yet demonstrated the political will to address this dark chapter in the nation’s history. Although he has promised to prioritize human rights, his track record regarding wartime accountability remains ambiguous. His administration’s handling of the issue will likely be scrutinized on the international stage, with many questioning whether Dissanayake will be able to break the cycle of impunity that has plagued Sri Lanka for decades.
Restrictions on Civil Liberties
While Dissanayake has promised a more inclusive and transparent government, his administration must also contend with the growing trend of repression and restrictions on civil liberties in the country. Under the previous administration of Ranil Wickremesinghe, civil society organizations were heavily monitored and harassed, particularly in Tamil-majority areas in the north and east. Human rights defenders faced increasing threats, and peaceful protests were met with violence and arbitrary detention.The introduction of the Online Safety Act in January 2024, which allows the government to regulate online speech, has sparked widespread concern among free speech advocates. The law provides broad and vague definitions of “false” or “harmful” speech and carries heavy penalties, including up to five years in prison. While the law was presented as a means to combat online harassment and abuse, it has been widely criticized as a tool to stifle dissent. Dissanayake has pledged to amend the law, but whether his administration will take the necessary steps to preserve freedoms of expression and assembly remains to be seen.
A Shifting Landscape for Religious Freedom
Another key area where Dissanayake’s government faces significant challenges is religious freedom. Throughout the years, government agencies have been accused of appropriating religious sites, particularly Hindu and Muslim temples, in an effort to promote Buddhism and undermine religious minorities. In particular, Hindu worshippers in the north and east have faced discrimination, with several incidents of forced conversions of temples into Buddhist sites.In March 2024, police arrested eight Hindu worshippers who were engaging in religious rituals, and they were reportedly subjected to abuse while in custody. This highlights the ongoing struggle for religious freedom in Sri Lanka, particularly for the Tamil and Muslim populations. Dissanayake’s promises of human rights reform will need to address these religious freedoms in order to foster true reconciliation among Sri Lanka’s diverse communities.
A Long Road Ahead
Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s presidency represents a potential turning point for Sri Lanka, with the opportunity to address long-standing human rights issues. His promises of economic reform, human rights protections, and efforts to address wartime accountability are commendable, but the road ahead remains fraught with challenges. Whether he can dismantle the repressive systems entrenched by previous administrations and deliver on his pledges will be crucial not only for Sri Lanka’s future but also for its standing on the global stage.The international community will be watching closely, and it will be up to Dissanayake to demonstrate that he can lead Sri Lanka toward a more just and equitable future—one where human rights are upheld, the scars of the past are acknowledged, and the suffering of millions of Sri Lankans is finally addressed.
