Sri Lanka’s first national Guidelines and Recommendations on Business and Human Rights were launched on 18 June 2026 by the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL). The Guidelines are expected to promote responsible business conduct in the country and support the integration of human rights principles into corporate policies and practices.

The initiative to develop the General Guidelines and Recommendations on Business and Human Rights originated from the HRCSL’s Thematic Sub-Committee on Business and Human Rights. The initial concept paper for the guidelines was prepared by the Research and Monitoring Division of the HRCSL.

The Guidelines and Recommendations are anchored in the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and provide a practical framework to assist businesses to understand their responsibilities to respect human rights and prevent, mitigate, and address adverse human rights impacts arising from business activities.

Technical assistance to develop the guidelines was provided under the ‘Just Business: Promoting the Adoption of Business and Human Rights in Sri Lanka and the Maldives’ project, funded by the European Union. This project is implemented by the Max Planck Foundation for International Peace and the Rule of Law, a German-based foundation that provides assistance to countries and societies in transition or conflict, and Centre for a Smart Future, a Sri Lankan public policy think tank. Following an extensive consultation process involving key stakeholders including the private sector, the Guidelines and Recommendations were carefully reviewed by the HRCSL’s Business and Human Rights Sub-Committee and the Economic, Social and Cultural Rights Sub-Committee before being finalized for publication.

Speaking at the launch, Chairperson of the HRCSL Justice LTB Dehideniya noted, “These guidelines are not meant to hinder investment or economic growth but they aim to support the business environment that is responsible, sustainable and attractive to investors who interestingly value strong environmental, social and government standards.” Dr Gehan Gunatilleke, a Commissioner of the HRCSL, and the chairperson of the Sub-committee on Business and Human Rights stated, “…in the future we hope that state actors also look at these guidelines as a source of guidance when dealing with the business community. We hope that regulators will refer to these guidelines. We hope that these guidelines will be referred to in litigation.” Speaking on behalf of the private sector during the panel discussion at the launch, Rathika de Silva, Executive Director of UN Global Compact Network Sri Lanka, remarked “For Sri Lanka, this is not just an opportunity, but a strategic move that is necessary… to show that “made in Sri Lanka” means not just quality; “made in Sri Lanka” means quality and human rights”.

As global expectations for responsible business continue to evolve, the Guidelines and Recommendations on Business and Human Rights are expected to serve as a reference point for businesses operating in Sri Lanka as well as state-owned enterprises and other government institutions engaging in business-related activities. It will also aim to provide policymakers, regulators, and civil society a framework through which to promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth that respects human rights.