Sri Lanka's National Peace Council (NPC) has raised serious concerns over a proposed new law governing non-governmental organisations, warning that the legislation contains sweeping provisions that could place civil society organisations under extensive state oversight and control. The NPC's warning comes at a critical moment for Sri Lanka, as the country attempts to consolidate hard-won political and economic stability following years of turbulence. Critics argue that rather than nurturing a democratic recovery, the proposed NGO law risks undermining the very civic freedoms that are essential to lasting peace and genuine reconciliation.
What the Proposed NGO Law Contains
The draft legislation has alarmed civil society actors across Sri Lanka due to its broad and far-reaching provisions. According to the NPC, the proposed law would grant the state significant authority to monitor, regulate, and potentially interfere with the operations of civil society organisations. These provisions reportedly include stringent registration requirements, enhanced government oversight of funding sources — particularly foreign funding — and mechanisms that could allow authorities to dissolve or suspend organisations deemed to be acting against national interests.
Such measures, critics argue, are characteristic of legislation seen in countries where governments have systematically curtailed civic space. The vague language embedded within several clauses raises particular concern, as it could be interpreted broadly to target organisations engaged in human rights monitoring, conflict-related advocacy, or accountability work — all of which are vital functions in a post-conflict society like Sri Lanka.
NPC's Call for Accountability and Civic Freedoms
The National Peace Council, in a statement coinciding with the International Day of Peace, urged the Sri Lankan government to convert the country's improved stability into a foundation for lasting and inclusive peace. Central to this appeal is the protection of civic freedoms, including the right of civil society organisations to operate independently and without undue interference from the state.
The NPC stressed that genuine reconciliation cannot be achieved through legislation that silences or weakens the organisations working to address unresolved grievances stemming from Sri Lanka's decades-long armed conflict. Civil society groups have played an indispensable role in documenting human rights violations, supporting affected communities, advocating for transitional justice, and holding institutions accountable — roles that require operational independence and freedom from political pressure.
By introducing sweeping state oversight mechanisms, the proposed NGO law threatens to create a chilling effect on these activities. Organisations may self-censor or withdraw from sensitive but necessary work out of fear of regulatory punishment or forced closure.
The Broader Context: Civic Space Under Pressure
Sri Lanka's civil society has historically operated in a challenging environment. During and after the civil war, which concluded in 2009, numerous organisations faced surveillance, harassment, and restrictions on their activities. The years that followed saw periodic crackdowns on dissent, freedom of expression, and independent media. While recent political changes brought cautious optimism about democratic reforms, the proposed NGO law signals that civic space remains under significant pressure.
Internationally, there is growing recognition that shrinking civic space is not merely a domestic concern but a global democratic challenge. The United Nations and numerous human rights bodies have consistently highlighted that independent civil society is a cornerstone of democratic governance, sustainable development, and durable peace. Legislation that places civil society under heavy state control runs counter to these internationally recognised principles and could jeopardise Sri Lanka's standing with international partners and donors.
Unresolved Grievances and the Risk of Backsliding
Sri Lanka continues to grapple with deep-seated grievances rooted in the ethnic conflict that scarred the country for nearly three decades. Tamil communities in the north and east, as well as other minority groups, continue to seek accountability for wartime abuses, meaningful political representation, and assurances that their rights will be protected. Civil society organisations have been at the forefront of amplifying these voices and pushing for meaningful reform.
If the proposed NGO law is enacted in its current form, it could severely hamper these efforts. Organisations working on transitional justice, land rights, and minority rights could find themselves subject to intrusive state oversight, making their work increasingly difficult and dangerous. This would represent a significant setback for Sri Lanka's reconciliation process at a time when progress, though fragile, has been possible.
The Path Forward
The NPC's intervention is a timely and important reminder that stability alone does not equal peace. True and lasting peace requires accountability, justice, and the protection of fundamental freedoms — including the freedom of association and the right of civil society to operate without fear. The Sri Lankan government must carefully reconsider the proposed NGO legislation and engage in meaningful consultation with civil society stakeholders before advancing any law that could irreversibly damage the country's democratic fabric and derail its fragile peace process.
The international community, regional partners, and Sri Lankan citizens alike should pay close attention to how this legislation evolves in the coming weeks and months.