The United Nations has confirmed that over 105,000 items of evidence have been gathered as part of ongoing efforts to investigate and prosecute alleged human rights violations, war crimes, and abuses committed in Sri Lanka over past decades. This announcement was made by UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk during an interactive dialogue on the OHCHR Report on Sri Lanka, where he outlined both the progress made and the challenges that remain in the country’s path towards justice, reconciliation, and reform.
Mr Türk stated that Sri Lanka stands at a historic crossroads. The government, he said, has a clear mandate from across the nation to pursue transformative reforms aimed at delivering accountability, truth, justice, and healing after years of violence and impunity. During his recent visit to the country, he met victims and families still searching for missing relatives, some grieving for decades without answers. He warned that without credible and independent investigations, trust in the state cannot be restored and cycles of harm will continue. He also urged the government to formally acknowledge past violations and abuses, including those perpetrated by state security forces and armed groups such as the LTTE, in order to build a shared understanding of the facts and lay the groundwork for national healing.
The report also raised serious concerns about systemic issues that persist in Sri Lanka. Despite government pledges, arbitrary arrests and detentions under the Prevention of Terrorism Act remain common. Mr Türk called for an immediate moratorium on its use and recommended legislative reform, including the repeal or amendment of laws that curtail fundamental freedoms, such as the Online Safety Act, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights Act, the draft NGO Bill, and the draft Personal Data Protection Act. He highlighted ongoing patterns of intimidation and harassment by security agencies against human rights defenders, victims’ groups and independent journalists, warning that those working on enforced disappearances, land disputes, and environmental issues face particular risks. He further underscored the need for comprehensive security sector reform, including the demilitarisation of the north and east, the return of land to displaced communities, and greater devolution of power at all levels of governance.
Mr Türk also drew attention to Sri Lanka’s deep economic crisis, which has exacerbated social inequalities and suffering. Poverty rates and food prices have nearly doubled over the past five years, while malnutrition and childhood stunting have increased by almost a third, especially among vulnerable communities such as the Malaiyahar Tamil population. He warned that debt repayments now consume nearly 60% of government revenue, and that new tariffs imposed by the United States could have severe repercussions for the garment industry, a cornerstone of the economy. He welcomed efforts by the government to strengthen the social safety net and tackle corruption but urged international creditors to offer fiscal space so that Sri Lanka can invest in its people and promote economic, social and cultural rights.
The High Commissioner’s report called for the establishment of an independent Public Prosecution Office with impartial investigators, as well as a dedicated judicial mechanism with an independent special counsel to examine violations of international human rights and humanitarian law. He urged sustained action to end torture and deaths in custody and emphasised the need for meaningful inclusion of civil society in reform processes. Mr Türk also welcomed the government’s increased openness to memorialisation initiatives by victims, as well as statements by the President acknowledging the importance of accountability, but he warned that real change must be backed by concrete and time-bound action.
The UN has called on member states to support Sri Lanka’s accountability process, including by cooperating in investigations and prosecutions under principles of universal jurisdiction and considering sanctions against individuals credibly accused of serious human rights violations. The High Commissioner also encouraged the government to seek international assistance in exhuming mass graves and conducting other investigations that are critical to truth-seeking and justice.
Mr Türk concluded by stressing that the international community must stand united in supporting Sri Lanka as it strives to break free from entrenched cycles of impunity and inequality. The repository of more than 105,000 pieces of evidence secured by the UN represents a significant step towards ensuring that victims receive justice and that past crimes are never repeated. With sustained political will and international cooperation, he expressed hope that Sri Lanka can embark on a new era defined by the rule of law, human rights, and lasting peace.
