The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) has called for the immediate withdrawal and substantial revision of the proposed Prevention of Organised Crime Bill, warning that the draft law is "wholly incompatible" with the country's Constitution and international human rights treaties, Lanka Business Online reported on October 23. In a formal letter to Minister of Justice and National Integration Harshana Nanayakkara dated October 21, 2026, the commission cautioned that the proposed legislation is potentially more draconian than the controversial Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) of 1979.

Source: Lanka Business Online, Oct 23, 2026

The commission said it acknowledged that organised crime poses serious threats — particularly to women, children, victims and witnesses — but that any counter-measures must strictly align with fundamental constitutional protections. HRCSL Chairman Justice L.T.B. Dehideniya highlighted Section 47 of the bill, which would allow confessions made to police officers at or above the rank of Assistant Superintendent of Police to be admissible as evidence — a mechanism the commission said replicates Section 16 of the PTA and creates an incentive for torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment in prolonged police custody, Lanka Business Online reported.

Source: Lanka Business Online, Oct 23, 2026

Up to 12 monthsadministrative detention possible under Clause 21 — initial two months, renewable via High Court orders, according to the HRCSL
Clause 20would oblige magistrates to remand suspects or execute detention orders, removing judges' authority to assess grounds or grant bail — HRCSL
Clause 4(2)wide membership definition could cover meetings, appearance, hand signs, language, tattoos or mere association — HRCSL

In its own press statement, published by Sri Lanka Brief, the commission reiterated that a judicial officer must at all times hold meaningful authority to discharge a suspect or grant bail, and recommended the bill be withdrawn and substantially revised to ensure full compliance with the fundamental-rights chapter of the Constitution and international treaties. Separately, the Bar Association of Sri Lanka called on the government to withdraw the Organised Crime Bill pending meaningful public consultation, to confine its scope to organised crime, and to keep arrest, remand, detention and search powers subject to effective judicial authority — and to repeal the PTA without delay.

Source: HRCSL press statement via Sri Lanka Brief, Oct 21, 2026; Bar Association of Sri Lanka statement via Sri Lanka Brief

What is solid

  • The HRCSL wrote to the Justice Minister on October 21 recommending withdrawal and substantial revision of the bill — HRCSL press statement and Lanka Business Online
  • The Bar Association of Sri Lanka has separately called for the bill's withdrawal pending meaningful public consultation

What is only claimed

  • The description of the bill as more draconian than the PTA is the HRCSL's assessment; the government has not, in the sources consulted, announced a withdrawal