EDITORIAL ANALYSIS • 19 SEPTEMBER 2026

Accountability without revenge: the test facing Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka does not have to choose between investigating past wrongdoing and protecting people from politically motivated justice. A credible democracy must do both.

For decades, Sri Lankans from different communities have accused governments of selective justice. Families of the disappeared have waited for answers. Journalists and activists have reported intimidation. Politicians from opposing camps have alleged that criminal investigations are activated or abandoned according to who controls the state.

The latest international reporting shows why neither side of this argument can simply be dismissed. Human Rights Watch says there has been limited progress in several emblematic investigations under the current government, while many grave cases remain stalled. It also reports continuing concerns about surveillance, intimidation and the Prevention of Terrorism Act.

A simple standard

Investigate credible allegations. Preserve evidence. Protect witnesses. Give suspects access to lawyers and fair proceedings. Publish enough information for the public to understand the legal basis for state action without prejudicing trials. And allow independent courts—not political rallies, social media or government spokespeople—to determine guilt.

This standard must cover everyone: former presidents, current ministers, opposition politicians, military and police officers, activists and alleged members of armed groups. No person should receive immunity because supporters call them a hero; equally, no person should lose basic rights because opponents call them corrupt.

Why this matters now

International confidence in Sri Lanka will not be restored by a handful of dramatic arrests. It will be strengthened when institutions behave predictably across administrations. An independent prosecution system, credible witness protection and transparent judicial processes would matter far more than political declarations about who will be punished.

The country has lived through the JVP insurrections, the civil war with the LTTE, terrorism, disappearances and repeated political crises. Justice should acknowledge victims from every community and investigate credible evidence against every responsible actor. Selective memory cannot produce national reconciliation.