Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka criminalizes consensual same-sex sexual activity under Sections 365 and 365A of the Penal Code, which prohibit "carnal knowledge against the order of nature" and "gross indecency." These colonial-era provisions impose penalties of up to ten years of imprisonment and fines, applying to men and women. While prosecutions under these laws have been limited, reports indicate that LGBTIQ individuals frequently experience harassment, violence, and discrimination, including extortion, arbitrary arrests, and denial of essential services. No comprehensive anti-discrimination protections are in place. Authorities have been using forced anal and vaginal examinations to seek evidence of same-sex relations, practices widely condemned as a form of torture. Sri Lanka criminalizes consensual same-sex sexual activity under Sections 365 and 365A of the penal code, which prohibit “carnal knowledge against the order of nature” and “gross indecency.” These colonial-era provisions apply to both men and women and carry penalties of up to ten years’ imprisonment and fines. Although prosecutions are relatively rare, the laws enable widespread harassment, violence, and discrimination against LGBTIQ people, including extortion, arbitrary arrests, denial of services, and police abuse. Authorities have also relied on forced anal and vaginal examinations, which are forms of torture, to seek evidence of same-sex relations. Sri Lanka provides no comprehensive antidiscrimination protections based on sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or sex characteristics. Same-sex relationships are not legally recognized, and there is no framework for marriage, civil unions, or adoption for same-sex couples.

Legal gender recognition for trans people is possible through a Gender Recognition Certificate, but the process requires medical and psychiatric assessment and falls short of international standards based on self-determination. This gap leads to barriers in exercising rights, and it has discouraged some trans and gender-diverse people from voting in 2024. Most recently, in a promising show of support, Sri Lanka’s Human Rights Commission released guidelines for police to protect transgender people based on the Yogyakarta Principles. Intersex people in Sri Lanka have no specific legal protections from discrimination or medical violence.

There is increased momentum for inclusion. In May 2023, Sri Lanka’s Supreme Court ruled that a proposed amendment to decriminalize consensual same-sex relations is constitutional, allowing the bill to proceed to parliamentary debate. This followed the 2022 decision of the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), which found that criminalizing same-sex intimacy between women violates fundamental human rights. 

However, efforts for legal reform have been stalled. Despite securing the Supreme Court’s green light and the previous president’s support, the Private Member’s Bill to decriminalize same-sex intimacy, first filed in 2023, was not adopted by the previous parliament (2020–2024). It has not been refiled since. In 2024, the National People’s Power alliance secured the presidency and the parliamentary majority, after running on an inclusive platform promising to decriminalize same-sex intimacy and extend nondiscrimination protections to sexual orientation and gender identity. However, in October 2025, the justice minister disclosed that the government has not yet taken steps to amend Sections 365 and 365A, affirming that “before introducing any legislation, there must be a well-informed and factual public discussion on the issue.” 

A proposed measure on gender equality is also encountering roadblocks. In May 2024, a Gender Equality Bill containing inclusive language on gender identity passed its first reading in Parliament. However, in June 2024, a three-judge bench of the Supreme Court declared the proposed measure as unconstitutional, which means a referendum or a two-thirds majority is now required to pass it. In July 2025, the Deputy Minister of Women and Child Affairs said the government was considering drafting an altogether new gender equality bill. 

The anti-gender opposition has been actively lobbying against inclusive reforms. Both bills on decriminalization and gender equality were met with strong interreligious opposition. In October 2025, following interreligious backlash, the tourism ministry withdrew its endorsement of a civil society proposal to market Sri Lanka as a queer-inclusive destination. 

Despite legal and social barriers, LGBTIQ civil society in Sri Lanka is active and increasingly visible. LGBTIQ organizations can register and operate freely, and Pride events have taken place across the country. Notably, the 2022 Colombo Pride march marked the first large-scale LGBTIQ event organized without diplomatic or Global North philanthropic support, reflecting growing local leadership and resilience. The 2025 Colombo Pride march marked the country’s third consecutive Pride event and also commemorated the 20th anniversary of Pride celebrations in Sri Lanka. While stigma and discrimination remain widespread, sustained advocacy continues to push for decriminalization, legal equality, and broader societal acceptance.