In the aftermath of Sri Lanka’s 2022 economic and political crisis, the government initiated a series of reforms aimed at restoring stability and addressing systemic issues. While these reforms were presented as steps toward economic stabilisation, their implementation has raised concerns about their potential consequences on prevailing rule of law and democratic safeguards. This study seeks to critically assess the post-crisis reform landscape, focusing on constitutional amendments, anti-corruption measures, and civil liberties. By analysing these reforms, the study aims to determine whether they have genuinely advanced democratic principles and the rule of law and what limits or challenges they face.

1. Constitutional amendments analysis: Examine the 21st Amendment to the Constitution, and the process building up to it, assessing their impact on executive powers and institutional checks and balances, such as the Constitutional Council, independent commissions, and sectoral oversight committees in the parliament.
2. Anti-Corruption legal regime review: Analyse the effectiveness of the new anti-corruption laws in curbing corruption and enhancing transparency, and their impact on civic rights.
3. Examine how during periods of political upheaval such as the 2022 crisis and protests, the degree to which judiciary may be swayed, directly or indirectly, by emerging popular sentiments.
4. Investigate the implications of recent laws, such as the Online Safety Act and the Non-Governmental Organizations (Registration and Supervision) Act, on freedom of expression and civil society.

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