Centre for Policy Alternatives Sri Lanka

The Centre for Policy Alternatives (CPA) is a leading public policy research and advocacy think tank in Sri Lanka.

[Centre for Policy Alternatives Sri Lanka @CPASL]

Repeal PTA! Say No to PSTA!
Stand Against Oppressive Laws!

[Centre for Policy Alternatives Sri Lanka @CPASL]

The pledge to abolish the executive presidency was not a marginal or incidental promise. It was a central plank of the NPP’s political programme, reflecting a widely shared recognition across Sri Lankan society that the overcentralisation of power in a single office has not only historically contributed to democratic erosion, weakened institutional checks and balances, and facilitated abuses of authority, but that it was a core cause of the national insolvency crisis in 2022. This was encapsulated in the Aragalaya slogan of “system change.” Successive political movements, including the NPP after the Aragalaya, have rightly identified the repeal and replacement of the 1978 Constitution as essential to restoring public trust and strengthening governance.

Read the full statement Here
https://t.co/inVzg0tneG

[Centre for Policy Alternatives Sri Lanka @CPASL]

Read the Full Statement here: https://t.co/0QLNmUdh3l
Establish a clear and time-bound roadmap for the completion of the delimitation process or alternative legal arrangements;

Ensure that all official policy positions are articulated and communicated by constitutionally accountable office-holders, in keeping with principles of good governance and democratic accountability;

Publicly reaffirm its commitment to holding Provincial Council elections without further delay and ensure transparency in all actions taken towards this end; and

Respect the democratic rights of the people of Sri Lanka by restoring elected provincial governance as a matter of urgency.

[Centre for Policy Alternatives Sri Lanka @CPASL]

This #IDAHOBIT2026, we stand in solidarity with every person fighting for the right to live freely and authentically.

Equality is not a privilege — it is a fundamental human right that belongs to everyone, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression. When we protect the dignity and rights of all people, we build communities that are more just, inclusive, and resilient. Together, let us work toward a world free from discrimination, fear, and prejudice.

#HumanRights #Equality #lka

[Centre for Policy Alternatives Sri Lanka @CPASL]

Sri Lanka is in the midst of a difficult recovery from national insolvency. Addressing the failures in governance that led to it is priority. However, Sri Lanka also needs to grow economically to improve its ability to service its debt, not to mention overall prosperity for all Sri Lankans. Land connectivity with India has the potential to unlock growth for Sri Lanka so it deserves some attention.

Read the full publication: https://t.co/JlGisndKFP

[Centre for Policy Alternatives Sri Lanka @CPASL]

The Centre for Policy Alternatives filed a petition in the Supreme Court to challenge the Financial Transactions Reporting (Amendment) Bill.

CPA highlighted that whilst the FIU has been given such broad and vague powers, the bill place no checks and balances on the FIU to ensure that it acts in a manner that furthers the objectives of the bill and which is consistent with the provisions of the constitution. Accordingly, CPA sought orders from the Supreme Court determining that the Bill, in whole or in part, cannot be enacted into law unless it was approved by a two-thirds majority in Parliament and, where required, by the People at a Referendum.

The matter was taken up by the Supreme Court on 29th April 2026
.
Read the Petition and the Submissions made by CPA
https://t.co/8zgQGLK1P2

[Centre for Policy Alternatives Sri Lanka @CPASL]

CPA is pleased to welcome Nehama Jayewardene as the new Senior Researcher of the Research and Advocacy team!

Nehama brings over two decades of experience spanning civil society, State structures, and the United Nations, where she served as a Human Rights Officer from 2007 to 2025. An Attorney-at-Law with a Masters of Laws (LLM) from the University of Sussex, her expertise spans legal and policy reform, human rights, justice, and accountability.

We are excited to have her insights and passion strengthen our work!

[Centre for Policy Alternatives Sri Lanka @CPASL]

https://t.co/WaW8fo1qgo
The stated objective of the Bill is to align Sri Lanka’s legal framework with the requirements of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and to strengthen the country’s asset recovery and financial investigation regime, particularly in light of the Proceeds of Crime Act (2025). While compliance with international obligations is necessary, CPA reiterates its concern that such laws should not undermine existing constitutional safeguards including fundamental rights. CPA notes that the FATF framework also requires such laws to comply with local and international human rights standards.

[Centre for Policy Alternatives Sri Lanka @CPASL]

https://t.co/OsZd6KvBER
CPA is deeply troubled by the JVP–NPP government’s apparent insertion of a pervasive parallel layer of party bureaucracy into the apparatus of the state, from the highest levels of administration to the lowest. Through Praja Shakthi structures and Clean Sri Lanka implementation mechanisms, not to mention openly politicised appointments to senior administrative service positions, there is growing evidence of party-aligned actors being emplaced to exercise influence over decisions that properly belong to the professional public service.

[Centre for Policy Alternatives Sri Lanka @CPASL]

On 21st April 2019, coordinated bombings killed at least 290 people across three churches and three hotels in Sri Lanka. Prior to the attacks, authorities had received credible intelligence, including information from Indian agencies. A parliamentary report confirmed in October 2019 that there were serious failures in intelligence handling and coordination at the highest levels of government.

In January 2023, the Supreme Court held former President Sirisena and four senior officials liable, ordering compensation totalling over Rs. 300 million. This marked the first judicial acknowledgement of state responsibility for the attacks.

In February 2026, retired Major General Suresh Sallay was arrested — the first high-ranking security official to face criminal detention in connection with the bombings. A Channel 4 documentary had implicated him, with a whistleblower alleging he had foreknowledge of the attacks.

The criminal trial against 24 accused formally commenced on 19th March 2026. Defence counsel for the majority of accused withdrew in February 2026, citing the impossibility of attending daily hearings. Many accused are now conducting their own cross-examinations of senior police officers from remand prison. Four accused have filed a Fundamental Rights petition before the Supreme Court, arguing the conditions of the trial violate their right to a fair hearing. Between March and April 2026, the court heard testimony primarily from survivors and family members of the Katuwapitiya church bombing. The trial continues under significant procedural strain.

Seven years on, the institutional failures that made the attacks possible remain largely unaddressed. The government has committed to accountability. That commitment is yet to be fully tested.

Read more about Easter Sunday Attacks
https://t.co/eEvw5REFwR

#EasterSundayAttacks #SriLanka #Accountability #JusticeForVictims

[Centre for Policy Alternatives Sri Lanka @CPASL]

https://t.co/NJbbfpMDhN
The Centre for Policy Alternatives welcomes the resignation of Kumara Jayakody MP as the Minister for Energy on 17 April 2026, for which we publicly called earlier.
While from the perspective of constitutional governance the resignation is a case of better late than never, we note that the Government’s display of delay and drift before reaching this conclusion was wholly unnecessary and damaging to our fabric of constitutional governance.
.
Click the link to read the full statement.

[The Examiner @ExaminerLK]

There’s disagreement within the government on the question of energy minister Kumara Jayakody’s resignation, an energy ministry official said. While an NPPer said some of them feel Jayakody should have resigned, and have felt so for some time.

https://t.co/GxgWH92Iic

[Centre for Policy Alternatives Sri Lanka @CPASL]

CPA’s concerns around the Bill relate to both the contents and the law-making process. On process, CPA notes that these bills were not open to the public and stakeholders for any meaningful consultative process. Additionally, the timing raises questions. The bills were tabled in Parliament days prior to the Sinhala and Tamil new year holidays and when sittings of court have been suspended. In terms of the Constitution, citizens now have a limited window of two weeks to challenge the constitutional consistency of these complicated bills before the Supreme Court. This is not the first-time governments have rushed through important legislation, severely limiting the public and other stakeholders to engage with and challenge proposed laws and raising questions of the intention of the government in the speed with which this has been done. CPA raises these points when the Supreme Court’s jurisdiction does not allow the Court to consider the policy implications of the proposed bills or their desirability.
Read the full statement here
https://t.co/R5K5HcWAfx

[Centre for Policy Alternatives Sri Lanka @CPASL]

It is incumbent that those holding public office abide by the highest standards of integrity and professionalism that aspire public trust and confidence in government. Conduct that falls short of such standards must be dealt with swiftly and decisively. The indictment also comes at a time when allegations have surfaced into possible irregularities in the procurement of coal for power generation, a function that falls within the purview of Mr. Jayakody’ Ministry.

Full statement
https://t.co/UWDPmLtrFn

[Centre for Policy Alternatives Sri Lanka @CPASL]

On May 2021, the container ship X-Press Pearl caught fire off Colombo, carrying 1,486 containers of cargo. Among its contents were 25 tonnes of nitric acid, 1,680 tonnes of plastic pellets, 9,700 tonnes of epoxy resin, 1,040 tonnes of caustic soda, and 210 tonnes of methanol. The disaster polluted beaches, killed marine life, and destroyed the livelihoods of fishing communities. Investigations later revealed that the ship's operators had withheld information from port authorities about the dangerous cargo on board, giving officials less time to respond.

In July 2025, Sri Lanka's Supreme Court ordered the ship's owners to pay $1 billion in initial compensation. But X-Press Feeders refused to pay, with its CEO arguing that doing so would set a precedent for global shipping. As of early 2026, only Rs. 300 million has been recovered. The Compensation Commission which was set up to distribute funds is not yet operational.

The case exposes how a major environmental disaster can go uncompensated when enforcement is fragmented across institutions with no clear accountability. Four years after one of Sri Lanka's worst maritime disasters, fishing communities are still waiting for relief, and the legal and institutional machinery meant to deliver justice remains stalled.

Read other Corruption Cases like this
Visit - https://t.co/zDnQeBJSU8

[Centre for Policy Alternatives Sri Lanka @CPASL]

A land lease inquiry in Colombo Fort grew into a multi-country financial investigation. Authorities traced a chain of payments — including Rs. 70 million meant for rugby development that was allegedly misappropriated by MP Namal Rajapaksa, and millions of euros paid by government hospital contractors that ended up in offshore accounts linked to a single Sri Lankan businessman.

In January 2026, a liquidator invited bids for the unfinished Krrish Tower project — estimated at $712 million in value, but only 12% complete. The Colombo High Court has set April 2, 2026 as the date for a hearing on the case against Rajapaksa, more than nine years after his first arrest. Payments made by hospital contractors EN-Projects and Aspen Medical to Sabre Vision Holdings have not been investigated in court.

The case raises questions about how public funds can move through offshore companies without legal consequences. With key transactions unresolved and a major development project stalled, it points to gaps in how Sri Lanka oversees large government contracts and holds those involved accountable.

Read other Corruption Cases like this
Visit - https://t.co/zDnQeBJSU8

#KrrishDeal #Corruption #Accountability

[Centre for Policy Alternatives Sri Lanka @CPASL]

Seventeen years have passed since Lasantha Wickramatunga was killed in broad daylight. However, the search for justice remains unresolved until now. His death on the 8th of January, 2009, was not just a simple attack on his life, but it was indeed a threat to press freedom, accountability, and the public’s right to know.

Recent developments show that there has been no real progress on the case. Although the government announced reopening the case, proceedings against key suspects were stopped, causing public outrage before the decision was later reversed. Additionally, to affirm the public’s right to know, the Right to Information Commission ordered the Attorney General to release key documents by March 2026.

This case matters, as it reflects the broader challenge for accountability and justice. Significantly, it ensures such violence never happens again in the present and future.

Despite these steps, justice remains uncertain.

Read other Emblematic cases in Sri Lanka
Go to https://t.co/5KBqLQqu9K

#LasanthaWickrematunge #JusticeForLasantha #EmblematicCases #srilanka

[Centre for Policy Alternatives Sri Lanka @CPASL]

Between August 2008 and February 2009, eleven people were abducted in Colombo by naval intelligence personnel. Six were Tamil, three were Muslim, two were Sinhalese. Their ages ranged from 17 to 50. They were held in underground cells at the Trincomalee Naval Base, where survivors described systematic torture. Most were never seen again.

The UN concluded that senior naval command was complicit, and The U.S. imposed a travel ban on the former Navy Commander. However, in Sri Lanka, indictments were withdrawn halfway through the case. A key suspect was smuggled out of the country, and the same admiral facing 667 counts was promoted to the Navy's highest rank, the Admiral of the Fleet.

The current government promised accountability. These cases test whether that promise means anything. Families have been waiting nearly two decades.

These patterns of injustice exist across diverse communities and regions. It is important to recognise this systematic culture of impunity while holding those in power accountable.

Read other Emblematic cases in Sri Lanka
Go to https://t.co/zDnQeBJl4A

#NavyEleven #EnforcedDisappearances #JusticeForAll #SriLanka #Accountability #Reconciliation #Governance

[Centre for Policy Alternatives Sri Lanka @CPASL]

In May 2012, rugby player Wasim Thajudeen, 27, was found dead in a burning vehicle in Colombo. It was ruled an accident. It was not.

Forensic evidence confirmed he was beaten and his death staged. Records pointed to the Presidential Secretariat. Evidence disappeared. Officials obstructed the investigation.

Thirteen years later, no one has been convicted.
The current government promised to solve this case. It is an emblematic case testing the state's commitment to the rule of law. Citizens are waiting.

How much more time does the government need to deliver justice for Wasim Thajudeen?

Go to https://t.co/zDnQeBJSU8 to read about other emblematic cases in Sri Lanka.

#WasimThajudeen #JusticeForWasim #SriLanka

[Centre for Policy Alternatives Sri Lanka @CPASL]

The Centre for Policy Alternatives (CPA) has learnt of the untimely demise of Nicholas ‘Fink’ Haysom in New York on 17 March 2026 with the greatest sadness and regret. Mr Haysom was one of CPA’s most wholehearted and longstanding supporters, beginning his association with us in 2002 as a consultant to our Track 1.5 role in the Sri Lankan peace process. Fink was a warmly cherished personal friend to many at CPA and a transformative mentor to others. An unswerving patriot, he played a significant role in the struggle against apartheid, and a pivotal one in South Africa’s democratic transition, as a gifted public lawyer and trusted aide to President Nelson Mandela. He exemplified the best of his generation of South African constitutionalists in terms of intellect, competence, courage, level-headedness, humaneness, and conviviality. History will record the major roles he played first as a constitution-maker and then as a crisis diplomat all across the Global South in the course of his productive and inspiring life. Mr Haysom will be remembered by all who came into contact with him as one of those rare people who had an unerring ability to project faith, hope, and love in the direst of situations. By his originality, morality, intrepidity, and geniality, he enlarged the possibilities of right thought and action in any situation, when everyone else only saw danger, decay, and despair. At this difficult time, CPA extends its deepest condolences to Mr Haysom’s family. In due time, we will find a more permanent form of tribute to Fink’s esteemed contribution to CPA’s work, and his unsung role in the quest for peace and constitutional democracy in Sri Lanka. Fink was no admirer of Thomas Carlyle, but in our profound sadness, we take refuge in Carlyle’s dictum that, “If a man was great while living, he becomes tenfold greater when dead.”