Four United Nations Special Rapporteurs have raised concerns with the Government of Sri Lanka over the proposed Non-Governmental Organizations (Registration and Supervision) Bill 2026, warning that several provisions may conflict with freedom of association and international counter-terrorist financing standards.
The joint communication, dated 28 September 2026 under reference OL LKA 5/2026, was issued by UN Special Rapporteurs covering counter-terrorism and human rights, freedom of expression, freedom of peaceful assembly and association, and human rights defenders.
The experts noted that the Bill is reportedly being advanced partly in connection with Sri Lanka’s efforts to comply with international counter-terrorist financing standards ahead of the Asia/Pacific Group on Money Laundering mutual evaluation in October 2026.
However, the communication stresses that FATF Recommendation 8 requires a risk-based and proportionate approach, rather than applying extensive regulation to all NGOs regardless of their actual exposure to terrorist-financing risks. The UN experts noted that FATF standards recognise that most NGOs do not pose such a risk and that regulation should be targeted and proportionate.
Concerns were also raised over compulsory registration, broad powers given to the proposed Competent Authority, possible warrantless access to NGO premises and records, restrictions on advocacy, suspension and deregistration powers, and the absence of a clear appeal process in some areas.
The Special Rapporteurs warned that such measures could create a chilling effect on civil society and human rights defenders, particularly organisations working on sensitive issues such as human rights, governance, accountability, land rights and transitional justice.
The UN experts have asked the Government to explain how the Bill complies with international human rights and counter-terrorist financing standards and whether it will be substantially revised. They also called for the draft to be made public and subjected to transparent, representative and inclusive consultation.
Read the full UN communication here:OL LKA 52026