Four UN Special Rapporteurs have raised concerns over Sri Lanka’s proposed Non-governmental Organizations (Registration and Supervision) Bill 2026, warning that several provisions could restrict freedom of association and civic space.
The communication was signed by Ben Saul, Special Rapporteur on human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism; Leopoldo Maldonado Gutiérrez, Special Rapporteur on freedom of opinion and expression; Gina Romero, Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and association; and Andrea Bolaños Vargas, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders.
The experts said the latest version of the Bill, published in June 2026, could impose extensive registration, reporting and monitoring requirements on NGOs and other civil society groups.
Under the proposed legislation, NGOs would be required to register with a Competent Authority, with registration valid for three years. Operating without registration could constitute an offence, with fines of up to Rs. 1 million. The Bill would also give the authority powers to access records, obtain information on staff and funding, and inspect NGO premises with prior notice.
The experts expressed particular concern over provisions requiring NGOs to align with government policies and allowing suspension or deregistration on grounds including activities considered a threat to national security, sovereignty or territorial integrity.
They also questioned restrictions on political advocacy, crowdfunding and access to funding, saying some provisions were broad or vague and could have a “chilling effect” on dissent and human rights advocacy.
The UN experts said Sri Lanka’s own January 2026 risk assessment had classified the inherent terrorist-financing risk of the NGO sector as low to medium, depending on the type of organisation, while evidence of terrorist financing by NGOs was limited.
They stressed that international standards require a risk-based and proportionate approach rather than indiscriminate regulation of all NGOs.
The experts have asked the Sri Lankan Government to explain how the Bill complies with international human rights and counter-terrorist financing standards, whether it will be substantially revised, and whether it will be publicly released for transparent, representative and inclusive consultation. (Newswire)
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