Sri Lanka judicial and civic space challenges

Sri Lanka is experiencing a period of legislative developments that critics argue threaten judicial independence and civic freedoms. Initial concerns centered on the 22nd Amendment Bill, which proposes raising the retirement age for superior court judges. The Bar Association of Sri Lanka and UN Special Rapporteur Margaret Satterthwaite warned that such changes could undermine the rule of law and judicial autonomy.

This tension has expanded to include a broader suite of laws affecting speech, publication, and organization, such as the Online Safety Act and the Cybersecurity Bill. Further criticism has been directed at a new draft law targeting non-governmental organisations (NGOs), which watchdogs claim could suppress independent voices in human rights and governance.

Additionally, the People’s Action for Free and Fair Elections (PAFFREL) has called on President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to reconsider amendments to the Anti-Corruption Act. These amendments reportedly seek to limit public access to asset and liability declarations by removing requirements to declare the holdings of household members. Collectively, these legal shifts have contributed to reports of increased pressure on journalists, artists, and writers, signaling a shrinking space for dissent and independent oversight.