Constitution of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka · 2023 Revised Edition · Chapter III · Fundamental Rights
15. Restrictions on fundamental rights
Unofficial copy, with amendments up to 31 Oct 2022. Later amendments are not included. Check the official text before you rely on it.
Unofficial copyFrom Parliament of Sri Lanka, unchanged
The exercise and operation of the fundamental rights declared and recognized by Articles 13(5) and 13(6) shall be subject only to such restrictions as may be prescribed by law in the interests of national security. For the purposes of this paragraph “law” includes regulations made under the law for the time being relating to public security.
The exercise and operation of the fundamental right declared and recognized by Article 14(1)(a) shall be subject to such restrictions as may be prescribed by law in the interests of racial and religious harmony or in relation to parliamentary privilege, contempt of court, defamation or incitement to an offence.
The exercise and operation of the fundamental right declared and recognized by Article 14(1)(b) shall be subject to such restrictions as may be prescribed by law in the interests of racial and religious harmony.
The exercise and operation of the fundamental right declared and recognized by Article 14(1)(c) shall be subject to such restrictions as may be prescribed by law in the interests of racial and religious harmony or national economy.
The exercise and operation of the fundamental right declared and recognized by Article 14(1)(g) shall be subject to such restrictions as may be prescribed by law in the interests of national economy or in relation to –
the professional, technical, academic, financial and other qualifications necessary for practising any profession or carrying on any occupation, trade, business or enterprise and the licensing and disciplinary control of the person entitled to such fundamental right; and
the carrying on by the State, a State agency or a public corporation of any trade, business, industry, service or enterprise whether to the exclusion, complete or partial, of citizens or otherwise.
The exercise and operation of the fundamental right declared and recognized by Article 14(1)(h) shall be subject to such restrictions as may be prescribed by law in the interests of national economy.
The exercise and operation of all the fundamental rights declared and recognized by Articles 12, 13(1), 13(2)
and 14 shall be subject to such restrictions as may be prescribed by law in the interests of national security, public order and the protection of public health or morality, or for the purpose of securing due recognition and respect for the rights and freedoms of others, or of meeting the just requirements of the general welfare of a democratic society. For the purposes of this paragraph “law” includes regulations made under the law for the time being relating to public security.
The exercise and operation of the fundamental rights declared and recognized by Articles 12(1), 13 and 14
shall, in their application to the members of the Armed
Forces, Police Force and other Forces charged with the maintenance of public order, be subject to such restrictions as may be prescribed by law in the interests of the proper discharge of their duties and the maintenance of discipline among them.
Chapter IV
Language
Chapter V
Citizenship
Chapter VI
Directive Principles of State Policy and Fundamental Duties
Chapter VII
The Executive
Chapter VIIA
The Constitutional Council
Chapter VIII
The Executive
Chapter IX
The Executive
Chapter X
The Legislature
Chapter XI
The Legislature
Chapter XII
The Legislature
Chapter XIII
The Referendum
Chapter XIV
The Franchise and Elections
Chapter XIVA
Election Commission
Chapter XV
The Judiciary
Chapter XVA
Judicial Service Commission
Chapter XVI
The Superior Courts
Chapter XVII
Finance
Chapter XVIIA
146[CHAPTER XVII a
Chapter XVIII
Public Security
Chapter XVIIIA
National Police Commission
Chapter XIX
The Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration
Chapter XIXA
Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption
Chapter XIXB
National Procurement Commission
Chapter XX
General
Chapter XXI
Transitional Provisions
Chapter XXII
Interpretation
Chapter XXIII
Repeal
Chapter XXIV