Category: Legal
Supreme Court Holds State and Corporate Actors Accountable in X-Press Pearl Disaster and Aftermath
In a landmark judgment the Supreme Court today (July 24) delivered its judgment in Fundamental Rights petitions in relation to the X-Press Pearl maritime disaster, one of the worst environmental disasters in Sri Lanka’s history. TISL filed the intervention petition to intervene in case no. SC/FR 168/2021, filed by the Centre for Environmental Justice seeking […]
Transparency International Sri Lanka Challenges the National Audit (Amendment) Bill
Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) filed legal action on Tuesday 22 July 2025, in the Supreme Court challenging the National Audit (Amendment) Bill which was published in the gazette on 23rd June 2025. The Bill is to amend the National Audit Act No. 19 of 2018. The petition has been filed in public interest. The […]
TISL expresses deep concern over the inertia in appointing the Chairperson of the RTI Commission
As of July 9, 2025, Sri Lanka’s Right to Information (RTI) remains without a duly appointed Chairperson. The seat has been vacant since the resignation of retired Supreme Court Justice Upaly Abeyrathne in March 2025. The undue delay in the appointment, despite calls by concerned stakeholders, including civil society and media, to expedite the appointment […]
SLT-MOBITEL partners AI Pazz, Sri Lanka’s First AI-Powered Legal Research Platform
In a landmark move set to redefine legal research in Sri Lanka, SLT-MOBITEL Mobile has partnered with Redblocks AI (Pvt) Ltd to launch AI Pazz, the country’s first-ever AI-powered legal research platform featuring Sri Lanka’s largest and the most up-to-date digital legal library, to offer unprecedented access to advanced legal research tools. This revolutionary platform […]
Sri Lanka Receives 2.5 mn USD from Japan to Strengthen Anti-Corruption Mechanisms
Corruption undermines sustainable development, the well-being of its citizens, their trust in institutions and tax morale. The cost of corruption is felt by all segments of society and the economy. Corruption significantly deters foreign investments, as it creates an unpredictable and risky business environment. Investors often perceive high levels of corruption as indicative of weak […]
Transparency International Sri Lanka Challenges the Companies (Amendment) Bill
Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) filed legal action on Thursday 19 June 2025, in the Supreme Court challenging the Bill to amend the Companies Act No. 07 of 2007. The petition has been filed in the public interest. The amendment introduces a critical anti-corruption tool – a Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) register. TISL contends that […]
CBSL Warns Against Misleading Overseas Property Investments, Threatens Legal Action
The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) has issued a stern warning to the public regarding misleading advertisements promoting overseas investments in immovable properties and offering guidance on obtaining foreign financing for such ventures. The CBSL emphasizes that many of these advertised activities contravene the country’s foreign exchange regulations and has signaled its intent to […]
TISL Welcomes Passage of Proceeds of Crime Act: A Landmark Step in SL’s Anti-Corruption Efforts
The Proceeds of Crime Act introduces non-conviction based asset forfeiture and strengthens Sri Lanka’s legal tools for recovering illicit assets, including those held abroad. The law shifts the burden of proof, enabling more effective recovery of stolen wealth and aligning Sri Lanka’s legal framework with international standards. TISL highlights the law’s focus on asset recovery […]
Central Bank Issues Warning Against Pro Care Pyramid Schemes, Citing Banking Act Violations
The Central Bank of Sri Lanka has determined Pro Care (Pvt) Ltd., Shade of Procare (Pvt) Ltd have engaged in a scheme prohibited under Section 83 (C) of the Banking Act, No. 30 of 1988, as amended. Further, the following Companies/Apps have also been determined as prohibited schemes under Section 83 (C) of the Banking […]
Acting President of Court of Appeal Justice Mohammed Thahir Laffar’s Term Extended
The term of Acting President of the Court of Appeal Justice Mohammed Thahir Laffar has been extended. Accordingly, Justice Mohammed Thahir Laffar took his oath before President Anura Kumara Disanayake at the Presidential Secretariat today (17). Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake was also present on this occasion.
BASL’s Contradictory Approach Exposed in AG Controversy, Says Lasantha’s Daughter
Ahimsa Wickrematunge, daughter of slain journalist Lasantha Wickrematunge, has accused the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) of a contradictory approach in defending Attorney General Parinda Ranasinghe, despite his alleged role in obstructing justice in politically sensitive cases. In a letter to BASL President Anura Meddegoda, she criticized the association’s inconsistency—challenging prosecutorial decisions when convenient […]
TISL Challenges Procurement Guidelines and Procurement Manual (2024) in Supreme Court
Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) has filed a Fundamental Rights Petition (SCFR/22/2025) in the Supreme Court on Friday, 31st January 2025, challenging the Procurement Guidelines and Procurement Manual (2024) issued by the National Procurement Commission (NPC). This public interest petition raises concerns about the lack of transparency in the new guidelines, which do not adequately […]