A new report by Freedom House has highlighted Sri Lanka as one of the countries that recorded improvements in political rights and civil liberties in 2025, even as global freedom declined for the 20th consecutive year.

In its Freedom in the World 2026 report, Freedom House said Sri Lanka gained five points, citing progress following the 2024 presidential election and efforts by the new government to combat corruption and promote religious tolerance.

The report noted that while 54 countries recorded declines in freedom, only 35 countries registered improvements, with Sri Lanka among those showing notable gains. Syria, Sri Lanka, Bolivia and Gabon were identified as countries that recorded the largest improvements during the year.

Freedom House said Sri Lanka’s progress came amid broader global challenges, with democratic freedoms under pressure worldwide due to conflicts, coups, erosion of democratic institutions, and increased authoritarianism.

Despite Sri Lanka’s improvement, the report emphasized that global freedom declined for the 20th consecutive year, with worsening conditions in several countries, including Guinea-Bissau, Tanzania, Burkina Faso, Madagascar and El Salvador.

The Freedom House report also noted that three countries — Bolivia, Fiji and Malawi — improved from “Partly Free” to “Free” status, while Sri Lanka remained in the “Partly Free” category but recorded measurable progress.

Freedom House said Sri Lanka’s improvement reflects continued democratic recovery following political and economic instability in recent years, while noting that democratic resilience remains critical amid global democratic backsliding.