The United Nations Human Rights Office has called on the Sri Lankan Government to strengthen accountability for human rights violations, advance reconciliation and impose a moratorium on the use of the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) pending its repeal.
The call forms part of a new UN Human Rights assessment of developments in Sri Lanka.
UN Human Rights spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani said the Office recognised steps taken by the authorities in several areas, including efforts to address corruption and investigations connected with political killings, enforced disappearances and the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks.
However, the UN Human Rights Office said further action was required to address what it describes as Sri Lanka's continuing legacy of impunity.
The Office also raised concerns about the continuing use of the PTA.
According to the UN assessment, use of the legislation has resulted in cases of alleged arbitrary arrest and prolonged detention without charge.
The Office also raised concerns relating to alleged torture, deaths in custody, prison overcrowding and violence.
It further said civil-society actors, activists and journalists continue to face surveillance, while disputes involving land and religious sites remain sources of tension.
The UN Human Rights Office therefore called on Sri Lanka to:
- intensify reconciliation and accountability efforts;
- impose a moratorium on the use of the PTA pending its repeal; and
- address the position of long-term detainees and prisoners held under the legislation.
These statements represent assessments, concerns and recommendations made by the UN Human Rights Office.
They are not findings by a Sri Lankan court that particular officials or institutions have committed the alleged violations.
Sri Lanka has for several years faced international calls to repeal or substantially reform the PTA.
The present Government has also taken steps relating to the country's wider human-rights framework.
In August, Cabinet approved the establishment of an Inter-Ministerial Standing Committee on Human Rights intended to provide a national mechanism for follow-up and reporting on Sri Lanka's international human-rights obligations.
The new UN intervention nevertheless indicates that accountability, detention law and reconciliation will remain major issues in Sri Lanka's engagement with the UN Human Rights system.