Following the Presidential and Parliamentary elections, the National People’s Power (NPP) has been entrusted with a significant mandate by the people of Sri Lanka, presenting you with the opportunity to drive key reforms to restore public trust, transparent governance, justice, and accountability. On behalf of the Centre for Policy Alternatives (CPA), I am writing to you to urge immediate attention to the law and policy reforms within the areas of justice and national integration.
The Aragalaya highlighted the critical need for comprehensive governance reforms, drawing attention to long-standing public demands for decisive measures against corruption and the pervasive lack of accountability that have severely undermined trust in state institutions. In this context, CPA and other stakeholders have repeatedly underscored the urgent need to address issues such as greater transparency and accountability, executive overreach, the politicisation of institutions, and the entrenched culture of impunity.
Moreover, the inability and unwillingness of successive governments to address the underlying causes of conflict has further entrenched societal divisions, intensified surveillance, and increased the risk of both reigniting existing conflicts and sparking new tensions. Of particular concern is the use of the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) on several occasions, between October and December 2024, which raises questions about the NPP’s campaign pledge to repeal oppressive legislation, including the PTA.
Considering the promises made during the campaign period and the massive mandate for reforms, CPA believes it is critical to initiate progressive reforms. CPA emphasises the importance of engaging with diverse stakeholders in a transparent manner in shaping reform processes. Collaborative approaches that take into account diverse perspectives can significantly enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of reform initiatives.
In this regard, annexed to this letter are several areas where CPA believes intervention is required. These areas have been categorised under a four-fold framework of (1) Governance and Accountability, (2) Law-Making, (3) Reconciliation, and (4) Legal reforms and addressing Structural Inequalities.
CPA urges your ministry to prioritise these areas for intervention in the upcoming legislative and policy agenda and hope that immediate steps will be taken to build a system of justice that reflects the aspirations of all citizens. CPA also welcomes an opportunity to discuss these matters further and offers our continued support in implementing the necessary reforms.