Page 1 — Introduction and Context 
Sri Lanka, still recovering from civil war and economic crisis, faces growing criticism for its treatment of dissenting voices. Political repression has intensified, with activists, journalists, and opposition leaders facing harassment, surveillance, and arbitrary arrests. 

For many citizens, the risks of speaking out outweigh the benefits, leading them to seek refuge abroad. This exodus reflects a shrinking democratic space and widespread disillusionment with state institutions. 

Page 2 — Historical and Political Background 
Sri Lanka’s post-independence history has been marked by both ethnic conflict and authoritarian tendencies. Successive governments have used emergency laws and broad security powers to silence dissent. 

Following the defeat of the LTTE in 2009, the state promised reconciliation but instead expanded surveillance and curtailed freedoms, particularly in Tamil-majority areas. More recently, mass protests in 2022 against economic mismanagement were met with repression, highlighting the state’s intolerance of opposition. 

Despite constitutional guarantees, freedom of expression and assembly remain under constant threat. 

Page 3 — Forms of Political Repression 
Citizens in Sri Lanka experience political repression in multiple ways: 

- Arbitrary arrests: Opposition figures, activists, and protest organisers detained under vague charges. 
- Surveillance: Widespread monitoring of political opponents, journalists, and civil society groups. 
- Restrictions on protests: Peaceful demonstrations often dispersed with violence. 
- Censorship: Media outlets pressured or threatened to limit criticism of the government. 
- Intimidation: Families of dissidents harassed to silence opposition. 

These methods erode democratic freedoms and instil fear among ordinary citizens. 

Page 4 — Consequences for Citizens and Society 
Political repression forces many Sri Lankans into exile, where they seek asylum in Europe, North America, and beyond. For individuals, fleeing often means safety, but also the trauma of leaving behind families and communities. 

For society, repression weakens civil society, silences critical voices, and undermines accountability. It also exacerbates Sri Lanka’s international isolation, as rights organisations and foreign governments condemn its human rights record. 

The continued outflow of citizens highlights both the lack of trust in the state and the fragility of Sri Lanka’s democracy. 

Page 5 — Solutions and Conclusion 
Reversing political repression requires urgent reforms to restore trust and protect freedoms. 

Key steps include: 
- Repealing repressive laws: remove vague emergency and security provisions used to silence dissent. 
- Ensuring accountability: hold security forces and officials responsible for abuses. 
- Protecting media: guarantee independence and safeguard journalists from intimidation. 
- Enabling civil society: create space for NGOs and activists to operate freely. 
- International cooperation: work with global partners to rebuild democratic institutions. 

Until such steps are taken, political repression will continue to drive Sri Lankan citizens to flee, eroding both democracy and stability.