Overview of Human Rights in Sri Lanka

Overall, Sri Lanka has a poor human rights record.  Since 1983, the country has been involved in civil war. Peace accords were signed in 2002, however, both the government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) frequently violated the agreement. Following an escalation of violence at the end of 2005, the LTTE declared the cease fire effectively over in July 2006.  Since then, the country was believed to be slipping back into a civil war. Tens of thousands of people have died as a result of the conflict.

This ongoing violent conflict has led to numerous human rights violations by all parties involved. The LTTE forcibly recruits children (those under 18) into their ranks. Disappearances, politically-motivated kidnappings and killings are committed by the paramilitary forces and the LTTE. Meanwhile, the Sri Lanka government also engages in unlawful killings through the use of security forces and other agents.  As well, the security, police, and military forces in Sri Lanka arbitrarily arrest, detain, torture and abuse civilians, especially ethnic Tamils.

The Sri Lankan government lacks transparency and is considered corrupt by international standards. It restricts the freedoms of movement and religion as well as influences the judiciary.

Discrimination against ethnic and religious minorities is widespread. Tension between Muslims and Tamils are also a problem. Last year rioting broke out in Mannar and Akkaraipattu when the situation reached a breaking point between the two groups.  

Human Development Index (HDI) Rank:

93rd out of 177

Note: Human Development Index (HDI) is a composite index that measures the level of well-being of nations in the world. It uses factors such as poverty, literacy, life-expectancy, education, gross domestic product, and purchasing power parity to assess the average achievements in each nation. It has been used in the United Nation’s Human Development Report since 1993.