Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka demands withdrawal of proposed Prevention of Organised Crime Bill

Lanka Business Online and Hiru News report that the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka has asked the government to withdraw the proposed Prevention of Organised Crime Bill. Lanka Business Online says it also called for substantial changes to the draft.

Lanka Business Online reports that the commission sent its position to Justice and National Integration Minister Harshana Nanayakkara in a letter dated October 21, 2026. WhatNews (සිංහල) and Lanka Business Online say the commission found the draft inconsistent with constitutional fundamental-rights safeguards and international human rights agreements to which Sri Lanka is a party.

Lanka Business Online reports that the commission recognised organised crime as a threat to human rights, especially for women, children, victims and witnesses, but said responses must respect constitutional protections. The outlet says the commission warned that the proposal could be more restrictive than the 1979 Prevention of Terrorism Act.

Lanka Business Online reports that the commission objected to Section 47, which would allow confessions to police officers of at least Assistant Superintendent rank to be used as evidence, warning that the provision could encourage torture and other ill-treatment. The outlet also reports concerns about Clause 21: senior police officials could seek detention orders from the Public Security Ministry’s secretary for an initial two months, with extensions of up to twelve months requiring High Court orders. The commission further questioned Clause 3’s broad definition of serious crime.

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.