The Government of Sri Lanka has published proposed amendments to the fundamental human rights chapter of the constitution. Changes envisaged by the proposed amendments are examined here (and summarized in a table), along with details of the grounds on which specific human rights could be restricted. The proposed amendments are considered in relation to specific concerns Amnesty International has in Sri Lanka, namely the right to life (including the death penalty and extrajudicial execution)and the rights to freedom from torture, arbitrary arrest, detention and punishment. The implications of these proposals for those at present detained without charge or trial are considered, as are the implications for the prompt and fair trial of political prisoners.