Opposition Appeals to International Bodies Over Safety and Justice Concerns in Sri Lanka

Opposition Appeals to International Bodies Over Safety and Justice Concerns in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka’s Opposition parties have jointly appealed to several international legal and human rights organizations, raising alarm over what they describe as growing threats to lawyers, the public, and the rule of law amid rising violence and politicization of key state institutions.

In a formal communication addressed to global bodies including the International Bar Association, Commonwealth Lawyers’ Association, International Commission of Jurists, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders, Opposition leaders warned of a deteriorating environment for legal professionals and democratic governance in the country.

The letter points to a pattern of escalating violence, noting that more than 60 people were killed last year, with at least nine deaths already reported in 2026. Particular concern was raised over the daylight killing of attorney-at-law Buddhika Mallawarachchi and his wife near a high-security zone, an incident that has deeply shaken the legal community.

Following the killing, the Bar Association of Sri Lanka took the rare step of convening a full membership meeting—its first such action in 14 years—where over 3,500 lawyers unanimously decided to boycott court proceedings nationwide. As a result, courts across all levels, from the Supreme Court to Magistrates’ Courts, were closed for a day, disrupting thousands of scheduled cases.

The Opposition accused law enforcement authorities of undermining the seriousness of the incident by linking the victim to criminal clients shortly after the murder. They argue that such actions reflect a broader erosion of judicial independence, with increasing political pressure allegedly being exerted on the Attorney-General’s Department.

Concerns were also raised about due process and the integrity of the justice system. The letter states that political interference, public attacks, and deviations from established legal norms are weakening confidence in the criminal justice process and compromising the constitutional right of accused individuals to fair legal representation.

The Opposition further warned that the police force has become highly politicized, affecting the impartiality of criminal investigations. They alleged that leadership within the police has failed to maintain professional neutrality, particularly in sensitive cases involving members of the legal profession.

Additionally, the proposed anti-terrorism legislation was criticized as a threat to democratic institutions and media freedom. The letter claims that the law, in its current form, could be used to suppress dissent and target journalists and media organizations, potentially violating Sri Lanka’s obligations under international agreements such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

The Opposition also argued that the government has failed in its duty to protect lawyers, citing obligations under international frameworks including the Luxembourg Convention on the protection of lawyers. They stressed that safeguarding legal professionals is essential to maintaining democracy and the rule of law.

Criticism was directed at Ananda Wijepala, Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs, with allegations that he has failed to ensure public safety and address the worsening law-and-order situation.

The letter was signed by several prominent Opposition figures, including Sajith Premadasa, Ranil Wickremesinghe, Namal Rajapaksa, Jeewan Thondaman, Nimal Siripala De Silva, Mano Ganesan, and Dilith Jayaweera, among others.

In their appeal, the Opposition urged international professional bodies to intervene and support efforts to protect the legal profession, uphold democratic values, and restore public confidence in Sri Lanka’s justice system.