Sri Lanka faces criticism over proposed NGO and anti-corruption laws

Sri Lanka is facing significant criticism over proposed legislative changes that advocates claim will restrict civil liberties and transparency. A new draft law targeting non-governmental organisations (NGOs) has drawn condemnation from watchdogs, who warn the measures could be used to suppress independent voices working on human rights, governance, and social justice.

Simultaneously, the People’s Action for Free and Fair Elections (PAFFREL) has urged President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to reconsider amendments to the Anti-Corruption Act. PAFFREL expressed concern that the proposed changes would limit public access to asset and liability declarations, potentially allowing officials to hide assets by removing requirements to declare the holdings of household members. The organization also noted that the amendments seek to increase the state-ownership threshold for certain companies and restrict how redacted public declarations can be utilized.

These legislative moves coincide with reports of increased pressure on journalists, artists, and writers in the country, contributing to concerns regarding a shrinking space for dissent and independent oversight.