Sri Lanka, Nov. 4 -- United Nations human rights experts have expressed concern over provisions in Sri Lanka's proposed Prevention of Organized Crimes Bill that would empower senior police officers to obtain telephone records and mobile device location data without prior judicial approval.

In a 31-page communication dated October 30, 2026, the experts warned that the proposed powers could infringe on the right to privacy and put journalists' confidential sources at risk.

Under Clause 44(4) of the Bill, an officer holding the rank of Deputy Inspector General (DIG) would be able to request information directly from telecommunications and data service providers without obtaining a court order.

Such information could include subscriber det...