HRW raises serious concerns over Sri Lanka’s proposed organised crime law

Lanka Business Online, Sri Lanka Mirror and Daily Mirror report that the Sri Lankan government presented the Prevention of Organised Crimes Bill to Parliament on October 20, 2026. Lanka Business Online reports that a separate Protection of the State from Terrorism Bill was presented on October 6.

Lanka Business Online and Sri Lanka Mirror report that Human Rights Watch cautioned that the organised-crime proposal could enable detention without adequate grounds, torture and other rights violations.

Lanka Business Online reports that the bill is intended to address organised crime and facilitate cooperation among international law enforcement agencies, and is presented as implementing a United Nations convention on transnational organised crime. The outlet says Human Rights Watch considers the proposal insufficiently precise and says it removes procedural protections available under ordinary Sri Lankan criminal law.

Lanka Business Online reports that the two October proposals repeat some elements of the Prevention of Terrorism Act, setting up parallel legal arrangements beyond ordinary criminal law. The outlet also says President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s National People’s Power alliance promised in its 2024 election platform to repeal laws it regards as oppressive, including the PTA.

Daily Mirror reports that the UN human rights office warned the anti-terrorism proposal could increase risks for journalists and civil society groups, and hinder monitoring and recording of military and other activities. Newswire reports that OHCHR sought major changes to the proposal, while Ada Derana reports that the office issued nine recommendations.

Written automatically by AI from the outlets’ own reports, and not reviewed by an editor. It can be wrong — the original report is the authority.