Sri Lanka’s Broken Promises: How Counterterrorism is Silencing Justice and Fueling Instability
Nearly 30 years after the end of its civil war, Sri Lanka remains haunted by its past. While President Anura Kumara Dissanayake promised a new era of accountability, a recent Human Rights Watch report reveals a disturbing reality: the systematic harassment of victims’ families continues, and the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) – a relic of a brutal past – is still weaponized against dissent. This isn’t simply a matter of historical justice; it’s a growing threat to stability, potentially undermining Sri Lanka’s fragile economic recovery and international standing.
The Weight of Disappearance: A Continuing Crisis
Tens of thousands remain unaccounted for, many last seen in military custody. The pain of these enforced disappearances is compounded by ongoing intimidation. Families who dare to seek answers, particularly by engaging with the UN’s Sri Lanka Accountability Project, face increased surveillance and questioning. A mother interviewed by Human Rights Watch reported escalating monitoring by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), even extending to her children – a chilling tactic designed to isolate and silence.
The PTA: A Tool for Repression, Not Security
The Prevention of Terrorism Act, initially intended as a temporary measure in 1979, has become a cornerstone of repression. Despite repeated pledges to repeal it, the PTA remains in force, allowing for arbitrary detention and torture. Recent arrests, like that of Mohamad Liyaudeen Mohamed Rusdi for simply pasting a sticker criticizing Israeli policy, demonstrate the law’s broad and abusive application. The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka itself found “a total lack of evidence” in Rusdi’s case, highlighting the PTA’s inherent dangers.
The Impact on Civil Society and Economic Stability
The misuse of counterterrorism powers extends beyond individual cases. Administrators of non-governmental organizations report difficulties receiving funding due to the overzealous application of rules intended to combat terrorist financing. This isn’t just a bureaucratic hurdle; it’s a deliberate constriction of civil society, hindering crucial work on transparency and accountability. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has even noted that this broad application of counter-terrorism rules restricts scrutiny of official corruption – a critical issue for a nation striving for economic recovery. IMF Sri Lanka
The FATF Scrutiny: A Potential Turning Point
Sri Lanka is currently under evaluation by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), the global standard-setter for combating money laundering and terrorist financing. Activists fear the government is violating FATF’s principles by unduly disrupting legitimate NGO work. This scrutiny presents a crucial opportunity. If Sri Lanka fails to demonstrate a commitment to proportionate and risk-based measures, it risks facing international sanctions, further damaging its economy and isolating it from the global financial system.
Mass Graves and the Search for Truth
The discovery of over 20 mass grave sites, including the Chemmani mass grave near Jaffna containing the remains of over 100 people, underscores the scale of past atrocities. The UN Human Rights Chief, Volker Türk, rightly called for “robust investigations by independent experts.” However, these sites remain largely uninvestigated, hindering the pursuit of justice and perpetuating a cycle of impunity. The involvement of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), now a key component of the ruling coalition, adds a complex political dimension to these investigations.
The UN’s Role and the Upcoming Human Rights Council Session
The UN Human Rights Council’s Accountability Project remains a vital lifeline for victims and their families. Renewing the project’s mandate, along with continued monitoring and reporting, is essential. The upcoming UN Human Rights Council session in September will be a critical test of international resolve. Strong support for a resolution renewing the Accountability Project will send a clear message to the Sri Lankan government that the world is watching.
The situation in Sri Lanka is a stark reminder that promises of reform are meaningless without concrete action. The continued use of draconian laws, the harassment of victims’ families, and the lack of accountability for past abuses are not merely human rights concerns; they are fundamental obstacles to lasting peace, stability, and economic progress. What steps will the international community take to ensure Sri Lanka finally confronts its past and builds a future based on justice and the rule of law? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
