Human Rights Watch (HRW) in its World Report 2022 released on January 13 said that the Sri Lankan Government in 2021 suppressed minority communities, harassed activists, and undermined democratic institutions, reports The Island. It alleged that the Government of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa failed to carry out legal reforms promised to its international partners and blocked accountability for grave violations, including past war crimes. The Rajapaksa Government has disregarded its own pledges of reform and continued to target minority Tamils and Muslims. The Government uses the Prevention of Terrorism Act, the country’s long-abused counterterrorism law, and policies that threaten religious freedom and minority land rights. Human Rights Watch South Asia Director Meenakshi Ganguly said “President Gotabaya Rajapaksa seems determined to reverse past rights improvements and protect those implicated in serious abuses. While promising reforms and justice to deflate international criticism, his administration has stepped up suppression of minority communities.”