The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) has written to the President expressing concern over the Emergency Regulations issued on 28 November following Cyclone Ditwah.

While acknowledging the scale of the disaster and recovery challenges, the Commission warned that several provisions are inconsistent with constitutional fundamental rights and international human rights standards.

The HRCSL highlighted issues including broad powers to requisition property, restrictions on freedom of expression, inclusion of Penal Code sections 365 and 365A, admissibility of police confessions, and the provision of death sentences.

It also raised concern over reported statements suggesting the regulations could be used against critics of the government.

The Commission issued key recommendations, including repealing or amending several regulations, removing references to the death penalty, ensuring safeguards against abuse of police powers, protecting free expression, and overhauling emergency regulation templates to ensure compliance with human rights norms.