Following the end of the war in 2009, successive governments have been accused of enabling extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, and the suppression of dissent through draconian laws.

Non-governmental organization, Justice for All, has called upon the Sri Lankan government to take immediate action in response to a recent wave of killings, raising concerns about the rule of law, national security, and the efficiency of key institutions responsible for maintaining law and order.

In a statement released on Wednesday, Justice for All expressed alarm over the deteriorating law and order situation, particularly as the nation undergoes significant political transition. The organization pointed to a series of brutal murders in recent weeks, including an unprecedented killing inside a Colombo Magistrate Court while a suspect was in the custody of prison authorities. This was followed by the shooting deaths of two other suspects under police custody in Kotahena and the tragic killing of three individuals, including two children, in Middeniya.

“These murders speak to the deteriorating law and order situation in the country, a condition which is becoming exposed in the context of political change in Sri Lanka,” the statement read.

The organization further highlighted the responsibility of law enforcement agencies in preventing such violent incidents, emphasizing that institutions such as the police and prison authorities have failed to ensure protection for those in their custody. The apparent inability to prevent extrajudicial killings raises serious questions regarding impunity within the country’s security apparatus.

A Call for Accountability and Reform

The recent killings have sparked concerns that despite the election of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and the National People’s Power (NPP) in 2024, some individuals and institutions within the state continue to act with impunity. Justice for All urged the government to take immediate steps to curb the abuse of power within law enforcement agencies and hold perpetrators accountable.

“The recent killings, including the murder within a court premises, indicate that individuals and institutions of state power continue to act with impunity, believing that they can continue to do so despite the change of government,” the statement continued.

The NGO also warned against the misuse of extraordinary police powers such as the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), arguing that such measures could further enable state abuse rather than serve justice. Instead, they called for transparent investigations, regular public communication regarding these crimes, and strengthened institutions to uphold the rule of law.

“The government bears the responsibility of taking prompt action against those involved, especially the individuals exercising state power and are linked to these instances of violence,” Justice for All emphasized.

Historical Patterns of Violence and Impunity

The recent killings are not isolated incidents but rather part of a long-standing pattern of state-linked violence in Sri Lanka. Over the past four decades, the island nation has witnessed multiple cycles of political unrest, civil war, and human rights violations. The 26-year-long conflict between the Sinhalese-majority government and the Tamil separatist Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) left tens of thousands dead and entrenched a culture of impunity within the security forces.

Following the end of the war in 2009, successive governments have been accused of enabling extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, and the suppression of dissent through draconian laws. More recently, the country has been gripped by an economic collapse, further exacerbating social tensions and leading to widespread protests against political corruption.

The French newspaper Le Monde recently described Sri Lanka’s grim history of violence and political instability, stating: “Travellers may call it the ‘Pearl of the Indian Ocean,’ but Sri Lanka also has a sad reputation as a terror capital… This country of 22 million inhabitants was the envy of its South Asian neighbours for its relative prosperity and unspeakable beauty. However, decades of conflict, terrorism, and corrupt governance have tarnished its image.”

The report also referenced the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings, which killed 268 people and injured 500 others, underscoring the continued threats to security in the nation.

Public Reaction and the Path Forward

Amidst the rising concerns, civil society groups and activists have urged Sri Lankans to remain vigilant and hold the government accountable. The signatories of Justice for All‘s statement include legal experts, politicians, and human rights activists, such as President’s Counsel M.A. Sumanthiran, Shanakiyan Rasamanickam M.P, and human rights lawyer Bhavani Fonseka.

Their statement stressed that public engagement is crucial in ensuring that political leaders and law enforcement agencies uphold democratic principles and protect citizens from further violence. “While the government must take responsibility for all failures to ensure law and order and the rule of law, in view of the current context, it also falls on all citizens to respond to these developments with political maturity.”

In response to mounting pressure, government officials have acknowledged the urgency of the situation. However, concrete actions to address the crisis remain unclear. Analysts warn that without meaningful reforms in law enforcement and judiciary systems, Sri Lanka risks further eroding public trust in its institutions.

As the nation watches closely, Justice for All and other advocacy groups continue to demand transparency, independent investigations, and accountability for those responsible for the recent violence. The government’s response in the coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether Sri Lanka can break free from its historical cycles of impunity and establish a more just and democratic society.