Politics · Sri Lanka Bureau
Sri Lanka's organised crime bill poses serious human rights risks
International human rights groups have raised alarm over proposed Sri Lankan legislation that could facilitate arbitrary detention and torture. The Prevention of Organised Crimes Bill, tabled in parliament in October, mirrors problematic provisions in existing counterterrorism laws.
LSN Sri Lanka ·
Human Rights Watch has warned that Sri Lanka's newly proposed Prevention of Organised Crimes Bill contains provisions that could enable systematic human rights abuses, including arbitrary detention and torture.
The bill was submitted to parliament on October 20, 2026, and comes alongside the Protection of the State from Terrorism Bill introduced earlier that month on October 6. Analysts say both pieces of legislation reproduce concerning measures already present in Sri Lanka's existing counterterrorism framework.
HRW's assessment suggests the organised crime bill fails to include adequate safeguards against state overreach and lacks sufficient checks on law enforcement authority. Rights groups have expressed particular concern about provisions that could expand the scope for indefinite detention without proper judicial oversight.
The bills arrive amid broader international scrutiny of Sri Lanka's human rights record. Civil society organisations and international bodies have previously documented concerns about the implementation of counterterrorism laws in the country.
The government has not yet responded to the human rights concerns raised about the proposed legislation. Parliamentary debate on the measures is expected in the coming months.