Page 43 - KDU Law Journal Volume 4 Issue 2

Volume 04 Issue II
September, 2024
KDU Law Journal ISSN 2783 - 8870
General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, Sri Lanka

Analysis of International Refugee Laws and
Refugee Protection Framework in Sri Lanka:
Challenges and Opportunities
Jayanath Ranatunga *

Abstract
This paper offers a unique and elaborate epistemological understanding of
the international refugee law structure as well as the status quo of Sri Lanka
on refugee related aspects. Paper examines the historical background on
international refugee laws and its importance most notably the 1951 Refugee
Convention and its 1967 Protocol, the OAU Convention and the Cartagena
Declaration. This paper reviews the procedural safeguards with regards
to the determination of refugee status, using the previous jurisprudence of
the Treaty Bodies as a means for changes in Sri Lanka’s system. References
are made with the EU’s Dublin Regulation through the proposed structured
approach to the refugee claiming process and the adjudication possibilities
for Sri Lanka to learn from the Dublin Regulation are suggested. The issues
raised include armed conflict, terrorism, and the role of refugees in the
modern world as well as changes in the factors affecting migration. Based
on this, the paper establishes an assessment of possible recommendations
on lucrative legal and procedural developments on refugee protection in Sri
Lanka, and the suggested measures for future improvements that aim not
only at increasing the efficiency of the existing protection system but also at
pursuing both neutral and compliance with global standards.
Keywords: Refugees, Rights, Laws, Procedures

* LL.M. (Colombo), LL.B.Hons (KDU), Dip.in Forensic Medicine and Science (Colombo),
Attorney at Law, Head of the Department (Military Law), Faculty of Law, General Sir John
Kotelawala Defence University, Ratmalana.
law.faculty@kdu.ac.lk
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