Centre for Policy Alternatives

An amendment to extend the retirement age of superior court judges would fundamentally alter the established understanding that constitutional provisions governing judicial tenure are general, prospective, and impersonal.

Departing from this norm to enact a measure that benefits an incumbent office-holder transforms a constitutional mechanism into an instrument of personalisation. This damages not only the independence of the individual office but also the integrity of the institution as a whole.

Read the full Statement Here:
https://www.cpalanka.org/cpa-statement-on-reports-of-a-constitutional-amendment-to-extend-the-term-of-office-of-the-chief-justice/

The Centre for Policy Alternatives is deeply saddened by the death of Dr. Devanesan Nesiah and extends its deepest condolences to his family. Dr. Nesiah had a distingushed career as a public servant in the Ceylon Civil Servince with numerous stints in key administrative positions including as the Government Agent in Jaffna. He went on to serve in a number of state initiatives appointed to address human rights violations, the ethnic conflict and reconciliation, including heading the Committee on Disappearances in the Jaffna Region appointed by the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka in 2003.

Dr. Nesiah joined CPA as a Consultant in 2004 playing a key role during the last stages of the war in documenting human rights violations and the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the North and East of the country, raising critical questions on the need for a permanent solution to the war, for peace, reconciliation and justice. Dr. Nesiah was deeply committed to pluralism, the rule of law, and human rights; values which CPA has long advocated for and his vast experience enriched much of CPA’s research and advocacy during the war and immediate post war period.

His unflinching belief towards constitutional democracy was evident when he returned his Deshamanya award, marking his principled opposition to then President Maithripala Sirisena’s constitutional coup in 2018. Through this symbolic move, Dr. Nesiah showed the government and his fellow citizens of the importance of challenging injustices and authoritarian practices that erode our democracy.

We remember a man who was an optimist at heart and believed in a Sri Lanka that could aspire to be just and fair to all its citizens. His wry sense of humour, the twinkle in his eye and boundless energy constantly reminded us of the work that needs to be done and the many miles we need to walk. Rest in peace, Dr Nesiah.

Photo Courtesy of Vasuki Nesiah

The pledge to abolish the executive presidency was not a marginal or incidental promise. It was a central plank of the NPP’s political programme, reflecting a widely shared recognition across Sri Lankan society that the overcentralisation of power in a single office has not only historically contributed to democratic erosion, weakened institutional checks and balances, and facilitated abuses of authority, but that it was a core cause of the national insolvency crisis in 2022. This was encapsulated in the Aragalaya slogan of “system change.” Successive political movements, including the NPP after the Aragalaya, have rightly identified the repeal and replacement of the 1978 Constitution as essential to restoring public trust and strengthening governance.

Read the full statement Here
https://www.cpalanka.org/cpa-statement-on-the-governments-retreat-from-its-commitment-to-abolish-the-executive-presidency/

Elections are not a matter of political convenience; they are a constitutional obligation and a fundamental expression of the sovereignty of the people. The persistent failure to hold Provincial Council elections, despite repeated promises, constitutes a serious breach of that obligation.

CPA calls on the Government to:
Take immediate and concrete legislative action to resolve the legal ambiguities surrounding the electoral system, including, if necessary, enabling the conduct of elections under the previous proportional representation system as an interim measure;

Establish a clear and time-bound roadmap for the completion of the delimitation process or alternative legal arrangements;

Ensure that all official policy positions are articulated and communicated by constitutionally accountable office-holders, in keeping with principles of good governance and democratic accountability;

Publicly reaffirm its commitment to holding Provincial Council elections without further delay and ensure transparency in all actions taken towards this end; and

Respect the democratic rights of the people of Sri Lanka by restoring elected provincial governance as a matter of urgency.

Read the Full Statement here: https://wp.me/p36loV-26I

May 18th marked 17 years since the end of the war between the LTTE and the Sri Lankan armed forces. Although active fighting ceased in May 2009, true justice eludes the people of both the North and the South who suffered, lost their lives, or lost their loved ones. Families on all sides of the conflict are still searching for answers; in a tragedy of this magnitude, there are no winners. Ultimately, meaningful remembrance is not just about looking back, but about ensuring that the pain of the past forms the foundation for a truly just and healed nation.

The current government was elected on the explicit promise to deliver accountability. Their mandate included providing justice for political killings and enforced disappearances, releasing political prisoners, repealing the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), restoring land rights, supporting war widows and displaced families, ensuring language rights, and establishing a functioning Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

Yet, 17 years after the war’s end and nearly a year and a half into the NPP administration, Sri Lanka still struggles with systemic impunity, a lack of accountability, and persistent barriers to reconciliation. Having been elected to power on the promise of reform, the government must fulfill its commitments to its people without further delay.

Images from the Memorialisation events in Mullivaikkal and Wellawatte
Photo Courtesy@amila_udagedara

This , we stand in solidarity with every person fighting for the right to live freely and authentically.

Equality is not a privilege — it is a fundamental human right that belongs to everyone, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression. When we protect the dignity and rights of all people, we build communities that are more just, inclusive, and resilient. Together, let us work toward a world free from discrimination, fear, and prejudice.