In 2022, Sri Lanka faced a severe economic crisis exacerbated by longstanding poor government policies and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The country experienced a significant decline in vital sources of income from tourism and remittances, leading to a foreign currency shortage by March. This shortage hindered the import of essential goods like fuel and medicine, resulting in rising inflation, price hikes, power rationing, and fuel shortages. In May, Sri Lanka defaulted on its debt repayments, and economic recovery has been slow and occasionally stalled. International loans received criticism for not effectively addressing the human rights crisis that followed the economic downturn. The Westminster Foundation for Democracy commissioned a report in early 2023 to examine the situation, building on previous work related to LGBTIQ+ rights in Sri Lanka and policy briefs on the economic crisis's impact on the LGBT+ community in areas such as housing, education, and employment. The report incorporates qualitative data based on respondents' lived experiences.
Policies that leave LGBT+ Sri Lankans behind
Policy Briefs
Article 27(2)(c) of the Sri Lankan Constitution places an obligation on the state to provide an adequate standard of living to all citizens, including housing. Yet access to housing goes beyond shelter or having a roof over one’s head. According to the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, the right to adequate housing must also include aspects such as security, peace and dignity.
Article 27(2)(h) of the Sri Lankan Constitution places an obligation on the state to provide the right to universal and equal access to education at all levels to all persons. However, many LGBT+ students face hardships as a result of harassment, mistreatment and discrimination in educational settings.
Article 12 of the Sri Lankan Constitution guarantees that all persons are equal before the law and are entitled to the equal protection of the law. However, due to pre-existing stigma, prejudice and stereotypes, LGBT+ people face serious challenges in the workplace.