🇱🇰 Sri Lanka’s Peace Index Rises, But Governance & Civic Risks Remain

• Peace Index Improvement: Sri Lanka advanced 30 positions from 97th to 67th out of 163 countries in the 2026 Global Peace Index, recording South Asia's largest percentage improvement. • Human Rights & Governance: UN report highlights positive anti-corruption steps, yet notes concerns regarding arbitrary detentions, the Prevention of Terrorism Act, torture, and lack of accountability for enforced disappearances. • Civic Space & Regulation: Proposed NGO legislation raises concerns over potential state control and discretionary oversight, threatening independent civil society essential for grassroots reconciliation. • Regional Issues: NPC highlights unaddressed land rights in Batticaloa (Mylathamadu-Mathavanai), calling for urgent intervention to ensure equitable treatment across communities.