The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) stated that it is currently studying whether observations it had previously made have been complied with during the extension of the emergency regulations (ERs).

Speaking to, HRCSL Member/Commissioner, attorney Nimal G. Punchihewa said that it has already paid attention to the matter and would submit further observations in due course. "We are currently studying the extended ERs. When we are done with studying, if our observations have been complied with, we will make a statement."

The State of Public Emergency was extended with effect from 28 January of this year (2026), through extraordinary gazette notifications issued under the authority of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. The extension also included updated emergency and essential services regulations. The relevant gazette, signed by the Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, stated  the proclamation was made under Section 2 of the Public Security Ordinance (Chapter 40), as amended by the Act, No. 8 of 1959; Law, No. 6 of 1978; and the Act, No. 28 of 1988. The emergency was first declared in late November 2025. President and Defence Minister Dissanayake initially proclaimed the State of Emergency through Gazette Extraordinary Number 2464/30 on 28 November 2025, citing concerns over public security, public order, and the safeguarding of essential supplies and services in the aftermath of the disaster.

In a detailed letter sent earlier to the President, the HRCSL raised concerns over the ERs. The Commission observed the regulations appeared to follow a standard template used by previous Governments and warned that several provisions were incompatible with the Constitutional provisions and international HR obligations.