Dealing with the past is not Only about War Crimes

Sri Lanka has reason to be satisfied with the response it is receiving from the international community.

- By JEHAN PERERA

Three different international monitoring bodies have chosen to give the government good reports. The first was the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA) based in Sweden. Its Global State of Democracy Index for 2025 saw Sri Lanka jump 15 places since last year to 58th out of 173 countries. Last year Sri Lanka was in the 73rd place. That rise reflects gains in elected government, freedom of expression and press freedoms. The report also stated that Sri Lanka ranked even higher and in the top 25 percent of all countries regarding civic engagement and electoral participation.

The government also received commendation from the World Bank in its report for 2025. The report stated that Sri Lanka had made “remarkable strides in stabilising its economy, undertaking one of the largest fiscal adjustments in its history.” “The adjustment was also sharper and faster by international standards, when compared with more than 330 similar efforts in 123 countries worldwide since 1980.” The report also stated “the country is now well positioned to focus on making public finances work better for all Sri Lankans.” The report concluded that Sri Lanka could raise revenue by about two percent of GDP by 2029 without undercutting growth or fairness if public spending is better managed and targeted.