On 8 April, Sri Lanka’s parliament approved the long-awaited Proceeds of Crime Act, aimed at recovering stolen assets for public benefit. The law introduces processes for identifying, freezing and seizing illicit assets, even for those without criminal convictions. While allowing for the prosecution of high-profile politicians from previous administrations, the law’s primary focus is on asset recovery rather than prosecution. Transparency experts praised the bill as a significant step in the country’s anti-corruption efforts, filling a legal gap and empowering authorities to target illicit enrichment, bribery, and money laundering. Legal experts also stressed the importance of judicial oversight, safeguards and whistleblower protections in ensuring the Act’s effective implementation. Initially proposed years ago but delayed for political reasons, the bill’s drafting process also exposed the need for public consultation in the early stages of future lawmaking processes.  

Sources: Economy Next, Transparency International, Daily FT

Sri Lanka held snap parliamentary elections on 14 November, following left-leaning leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s presidential win in October. Dissanayake’s National People’s Power coalition secured a historic super majority in parliament with 159 out of 225 seats (70.6 per cent). This marks the most decisive victory achieved by a Sri Lankan political party since the introduction of the proportional representation system in 1978. Voter turnout was approximately 68.9 per cent, down from 75.9 per cent in the 2020 election. The number of women in parliament increased from 12 (5.3 per cent) to 21 (9.3 per cent). Election observers noted that the election was peaceful and effectively managed by the Election Commission.

Sources: Election Commission of Sri Lanka, International IDEA, ANFREL, The Diplomat 

The parliamentary election held on 14 November saw a record 21 (9.3 per cent) women elected to parliament. This marks an increase from 12 women (5.4 per cent) elected in the 2020 election.  

Sources: ANFREL, The Sunday Times

Anura Kumara Dissanayake of the National People’s Power (NPP) alliance won the presidential election held on 21 September, securing 42.3 per cent of the vote. A record 38 contenders took part in the initial presidential race, with no female candidates. The election was widely seen as a three-way contest between Dissanayake, incumbent President Ranil Wickremesinghe and opposition leader Sajith Premadasa. Voter turnout was approximately 79.5 per cent, a slight decrease from 83.7 per cent in the 2019 election. Election observers noted that the election was peaceful and well-organized, despite some concerns regarding the misuse of state resources, enforcement of campaign finance law, and voter education. Dissanayake was sworn in as president on 23 September, after which he dissolved parliament to make way for a snap general election on 14 November 2024. The president also appointed his ally, Harini Amarasuriya as prime minister, marking the third woman to hold this position in Sri Lanka’s history.

Sources: Election Commission of Sri Lanka, The Commonwealth, BBC News, The New York Times, ANFREL

On 22 August, the Supreme Court ruled that the Election Commission and President's postponement of local government elections, initially scheduled for March 2023, violated voters' fundamental rights. The Court ordered an immediate rescheduling after the upcoming presidential vote on 21 September. The Local Government Elections were initially postponed from 9 March to April before being postponed indefinitely, with the government citing a lack of funds due to the economic crisis. The Election Commission responded to the ruling, stating it will schedule the local election as soon as possible.  

Sources: International IDEA, Daily FT, Centre for Policy Alternatives, Supreme Court Sri Lanka, The Morning