In August 2024, the NPP released a comprehensive manifesto outlining its vision for governance. This platform was the foundation for the electoral victory in September 2024, where Mr. Anura Kumara Dissanayake was elected President. That mandate was reaffirmed in November 2024, when the NPP secured 70% (159 out of 225) of the seats in Parliament. However, recent election results in local government indicate growing public scepticism about whether the administration will deliver on their manifesto promises, or gradually revert to the same patterns of inaction and impunity that defined previous governments.
With the NPP now six months into government, this scorecard assesses the progress made on key promises outlined in the 2024 manifesto. This scorecard only focuses on 4 key areas: accountability, reconciliation, governance and human rights that defined the NPP’s rise to power. These interconnected areas represent long-standing failures of past governments, making them a clear test of whether the new administration is delivering on its promises. Sixteen years since the end of the war, these 4 areas remain central to the process of reckoning with past failures of preceding governments. CPA has in the past made several comments on the actions that are required for a meaningful transitional justice process in Sri Lanka. The NPP’s manifesto promises in these areas are limited; they do not represent the full range of actions needed to deal with the history of Sri Lanka’s conflict. This makes it all the more important that the NPP government deliver on its limited manifesto promises in a timely manner. Failure to do so would cause significant erosion in the public perception of the government’s good faith in this regard. CPA has raised concerns about initiatives to implement these promises: see the letter to the President, the Honourable Minister of Justice, and the Minister of Women and Child Affairs.
This document captures the status of implementation as of 15th May 2025. It is part of an ongoing process to monitor the alignment between political commitments and governmental action. The assessment covers the first six months of the NPP administration, beginning with the election of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in September 2024, followed by the party’s parliamentary victory in November 2024. This analysis is based on a comparative review of public commitments made in the 2024 manifesto against verifiable actions taken by the government. Information was sourced from official government releases, cabinet decisions, media reports, and statements from key officials. Where no official information is available, this has been noted. As seen in the tracker below, there are several areas in which no information is publicly available, which in itself is a cause for concern.
Accountability
Easter Sunday Attacks
“According to the pledge announced by the National People’s Power on 17.04.2023, appropriate legal actions will be taken against the politicians and public officials who were found guilty by the verdicts of the Supreme Court for the Easter Sunday attack.” [pg 113]
- Under direct instructions from President Anura Kumara Disanayake, the final report and all accompanying volumes of the Presidential Commission of Inquiry into the Easter Sunday attacks were formally submitted on 20th April 2025 to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). (President’s Office)
- This process had also been carried out by the previous government, raising the question as to why it was repeated.
- Previous governments carried out numerous investigations similar to this but failed to provide any tangible outcome. In this context, it is unclear whether the present investigations will yield tangible progress or whether they will be a repeat of similar efforts in the past.
- On 30th March 2025, President Dissanayake claimed a “significant breakthrough”, stating that several responsible individuals would be exposed before the upcoming Easter. To date, no information has been provided as to what this breakthrough entailed. (Daily Mirror)
- The CID questioned the police intelligence officer under the alias ‘Sonic Sonic’. (Sri Lanka Brief)
Prevention of Terrorism Act
“Abolition of all oppressive acts including the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) and ensuring civil rights of people in all parts of the country.” -pg 127
- Despite this promise, the state has continued to use the PTA multiple times since coming into power.
- The Government has appointed a committee, chaired by President’s Counsel Mr. Rienzie Arsecularatne, to examine the repeal of the PTA. However, details regarding the composition of this committee have not been made publicly available. (Cabinet Decisions taken at the Cabinet Meeting held on 19.02.2025)
- A timeline to repeal the PTA and replace it with new counter-terrorism legislation has also been set. Yet, no publicly available information regarding what this timeline entails has been released.
Stolen Public Asset Recovery Agency
Establishment of a stolen public asset recovery agency with the technical and advisory support of international organizations such as Stolen Asset Recovery (STAR) and United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to recover the stolen state assets.
- The Proceeds of Crime Act was passed unanimously as a strategic move to strengthen the country’s legal and institutional framework against financial crimes, corruption, and money laundering. It seeks to enhance asset recovery mechanisms and enables the government to identify, seize and recover illicit assets acquired through criminal conduct.
- However, there is potential for abuse, and without independent oversight, the law could be used to target political opponents or dissenters under the guise of anti-corruption.
- Instead of creating a new agency, it is moving forward with the Proceeds of Crime Act that grants existing institutions, such as the CIABOC and policy, the authority to recover stolen assets. (Economy next)
Investigating unsolved murder cases
Promptly completing investigations into political killings and abductions of journalists, sportspersons and others that have not been solved for a long time and implementing the law against the criminals.
- Cases remain largely unsolved, raising concerns about continuing impunity
- The government has signaled interest in solving the murders of journalists and other activists. However, no concrete action has been taken or made known publicly.
- Police teams have been re-assessing evidence from cases such as Lasantha Wickrematunge and Prageeth Eknaligoda, however, no new charges have been filed.
- Journalist Murugaiyah Thamilselvan was attacked on the A9 road in Kilinochchi town on the 26th December 2024, raising concerns as to whether the improved climate for journalists is a ground reality. (Daily FT)
Reconciliation
Truth and Reconciliation Commission
“Expanding the work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission to investigate acts of violence caused by racism and religious extremism.”
- No information is publicly available regarding the steps that have been taken to implement this promise.
- No plan to prosecute those for alleged war crimes.
- At the 58th Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council Himalee Arunatilaka, Sri Lanka reiterated their rejection of Resolutions 46/1, 51/1, and 57/1 and the external evidence gathering mechanism on Sri Lanka. (Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
Settlement of Land Issues
“Settlement of existing land related issues by a National Commission on Lands and Settlements”
- No information is publicly available regarding the steps that have been taken to implement a National Commission on Lands and Settlements.
- Despite public statements being made regarding returning plots of land that were taken over by security forces and other state-owned agencies during the war, the ground realities demonstrate continuing challenges faced by locals in accessing these areas.
- On 28th March 2025, the NPP government issued a Gazette in terms of Section 4 of the Land Settlement Ordinance, identifying lands in the Northern province to be claimed as State land if the owners of such lands do not claim before June 28 2025. (Tamil Guardian)
- Concerns are raised surrounding the process and how this will impact those who may not be aware of such a notice or have the necessary documentation.
Inter-religious council
Inter-religious council
“Establishing an Inter-Religious Council consisting of all religious leaders and religious scholars to resolve inter-religious issues”
- No publicly available information on the establishment of an inter-religious council.
Releasing political prisoners
“Releasing all political prisoners and ensure their free socialisation”
- President Anura Kumara Dissanayake pledged to release political prisoners upon the advice of the Attorney General at a public gathering in Vavuniya on November 11th 2024. (Sunday Observer)
- At a public meeting in Vavuniya, NPP Minister Hon. Bimal Rathnayake stated that it would take time to release political prisoners as certain procedures need to be followed. (Newschecker)
- There is no information publicly available on the progress of the release of political prisoners.
Relief to internally displaced persons
“Providing relief to war widows, internally displaced persons, people with disabilities and people with trauma in need of relief and shelter.”
- No information is publicly available about relief efforts for war widows, internally displaced persons, people with disabilities and those with trauma.
Ending resettlement programmes
“Ending resettlement programmes that operate with the aim of changing population composition.”
- No information is publicly available on changes to resettlement programmes.
Governance
Abolishing the executive presidency
“Abolishing the executive presidency and appointing a president, without executive powers, by the parliament.”
- The NPP has not yet taken steps to abolish the executive presidential system, and President Dissanayake continues to exercise executive powers.
- The Minister of Justice and National Integration, Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara reaffirmed that drafting a new constitution is a top priority and will be delivered during the NPP’s term. (The Morning)
- President Dissanayake insisted a new constitution would be introduced, but has not made any public announcements on a timeline for doing so.
- No information is publicly available about a specific timeline for such a new constitution.
Constitutional reform
“Introduce a new constitution that strengthens democracy and ensures equality of all citizens. This initiative will build on the constitutional reform process started in 2015 which remains incomplete. The proposed constitutional reforms will guarantee equality and democracy and the devolution of political and administrative power to every local government, district and province so that all p people can be involved in governance within one country.”
- No information is publicly available about a specific timeline for such a new constitution.
Directorate of public prosecution
“Introducing a Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP) as a mechanism to eliminate delays within the judicial system and establishing a main DPP office and sub offices in the provinces which will remain independent of the Attorney General’s Department to conduct cases on behalf of the government.”
- The Ministry of Justice appointed an expert committee to explore its implementation. The proposed expert panel will consist of two representatives from the AG’s Department, the Secretary to the Ministry of Justice, a senior Judge, and a representative of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka. (Economy Next)
- While a committee is now set up, there is no information available on their mandate and timeline for reforms.
- On 7th May 2025, the Cabinet of Ministers approved a proposal by the Minister of Justice and Integration, Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara to appoint a technical specialist committee on the establishment of an independent Public Prosecutor’s office. The committee will be chaired by Supreme Court Justice Yasantha Kodagoda. The Committee is tasked with examining the feasibility of new legislation and recommending amendments to existing laws. (Office of the Cabinet of Ministers)
Human Rights
Rights of children, women and people with disabilities
“Broadening the constitutional law about the rights of children, women, and people with disabilities according to international conventions.”
- No information is publicly available on broadening the constitutional law about the rights of children, women and people with disabilities.
Recognizing the rights mentioned in the ICCPR
“Recognising and enacting the rights mentioned in the International Covenant on Civil and Political rights as basic rights.”
New electoral system
“Introducing a new parliamentary electoral system”
- No publicly available information surrounding the introduction of a new parliamentary electoral system.
Voting rights of immigrants
“Safeguarding the voting rights of immigrants within and outside of the country.”
- No publicly available information regarding safeguarding the voting rights of immigrants within and outside of the country.
Addressing welfare and violence in prisons
“Preventing all forms of torture inside prisons, paying special attention to the welfare of prisoners and preventing all forms of violence against them in prisons”
- At least two custodial deaths have been publicly reported this year.
- The Nugegoda Division Criminal Investigation Unit has begun an inquiry on the death of 26-year-old M. Sathsara Nimesh, while in police custody at the Welikada Police Station. The Welikada Police continue to deny that the death happened in their custody, while the victim’s family states otherwise. (Sunday Observer)
Commission against discrimination
“A Commission Against Discrimination, with a legal mandate will be established”
Justice for political assassinations and disappearances
“Investigating and serving justice to the political assassinations, disappearances and assaults that happened in the past in all areas including the North and East.”
National language policy
“Implementation of the National Language Policy recognized under the 16th Amendment of the constitution by providing necessary resources and technical facilities.”
- Government has demonstrated a commitment to a trilingual language policy
- E.g. simplifying official websites and forms in multiple languages.
- However, full implementation of a language policy is yet to be prioritised.
Rights of the upcountry Tamil community
“Taking steps to develop facilities such as land, housing, education, and health of the upcountry Tamil community by recognizing their identity and rights, as mentioned in the Haton Declaration made on 2023.10.15 by the NPP.”
- Budget-2025 allocated funds under the title ‘Programmes to uplift the living standards of Malayagam Tamil people’
- Rs. 4,267 million allocated for development of estate housing and infrastructure development.
Salaries of plantation workers
“Increase the salaries of the upcountry plantation workers compared to the cost of living.”
- In Budget 2025, AKD stressed the daily wage of 1.5 million plantation workers needs to be increased to Rs 1700.
Ensuring women’s security in the workplace
“Tackling legal and practical obstacles that adversely affect women’s land rights.”
- Revisiting existing labor laws and introduce new regulations to address specific challenges faced by working women and ensure job security.
- Ratify one of the ILO conventions (womens caucus/land minister)
- Taking measures to alleviate the burden of predatory microfinance loans with high interest rates on women.
- Enacting laws and policies to ensure at least 50% representation of women gradually, in political institutions.
Gender-based violence
“Revising laws and procedures to guarantee protection from gender-based violence and harassment in work places, public transport, and other places.”
- Revising discriminatory laws, including panel code 365 and 365 (a) that oppress women, children and other marginalized groups
- The Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women concluded its consideration of the ninth periodic report of Sri Lanka, with Committee Experts praising the State’s national action plan on women, peace and security, and raising questions about the Muslim Marriage and Divorce Act, which permitted child marriage, and domestic violence.
- On the Muslim Marriage and Divorce Act, Ms. Paulraj stated that the Women’s Parliamentary Caucus had suggested setting a minimum age for marriage and establishing a multi sectoral committee to address this issue. However, further information on what the minimum age would be and when the committee will be appointed is not publicly available. Haven’t seen any draft laws or proposals either.
- Implementing legal and institutional reforms in relevant bodies, such as the Human Rights Commission and Legal Aid Commission, to safeguard the rights of marginalized groups
Discriminatory laws against women
“Revising discriminatory laws, including panel code 365 and 365 (a) that oppress women, children and other marginalized groups”. [pg 45]
- The Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women concluded its consideration of the ninth periodic report of Sri Lanka, with Committee Experts, raising questions about the Muslim Marriage and Divorce Act.
- On the Muslim Marriage and Divorce Act, the Minister of Women and Child Affairs, Hon. Mrs.) Saroja Savithri Paulraj, stated that the Women’s Parliamentary Caucus had suggested setting a minimum age for marriage and establishing a multi-sectoral committee to address this issue. However, further information on what the minimum age would be and when the committee will be appointed is not publicly available. (OHCHR)
- No information is publicly available on reforms of Sections 365 and 365A of the Penal Code.
Safeguarding the rights of marginalized groups
“Implementing legal and institutional reforms in relevant bodies, such as the Human Rights Commission and Legal Aid Commission, to safeguard the rights of marginalized groups.”
- No information is publicly available on the implementation of legal and institutional reforms to safeguard the rights of marginalized groups.