The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) has written to the Minister of Justice and National Integration, expressing serious concerns regarding the Prevention of Organised Crime Bill, published in the Gazette on 6 October 2026.

While acknowledging the need for effective legislation to combat organised crime, the Commission observed that several provisions of the proposed Bill raise serious concerns regarding their compatibility with the fundamental rights chapter of the Constitution of Sri Lanka and international human rights treaties.

The Commission highlighted concerns relating to the admissibility of confessions made to senior police officers, the broad definition of “serious crime”, the criteria for identifying membership of organised criminal groups, and restrictions on judicial discretion concerning bail, remand and the discharge of suspects.

In view of these concerns, the HRCSL recommended that the Bill be withdrawn and substantially revised to ensure full compliance with constitutional safeguards and international human rights standards.

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