ECONOMYNEXT – Sri Lanka International Minister Vijitha Herath informed the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) on Monday that it stays dedicated to addressing previous rights considerations via its personal home mechanisms moderately than accepting exterior interventions.
Talking throughout the sixtieth Session of the Council in Geneva, the Sri Lankan delegation careworn that President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s authorities, elected nearly a 12 months in the past, is already implementing reforms to advertise accountability, reconciliation, and good governance.
Delivering the nation assertion on September 8, Minister Herath mentioned the federal government had launched into “a historic journey in direction of transformational change” since assuming energy in late 2024.
Highlighting progress in democracy, inclusion, and rights safety, he underscored that the administration’s strategy to human rights was “not merely pushed by the necessity to adjust to the Human Rights Council,” however stemmed from ideas formed by Sri Lanka’s personal political expertise.
“Our dedication… arises from our real perception within the basic significance of human rights and the necessity to make sure the rights and well-being of our personal folks,” he mentioned in his assertion.
“We’re additionally dedicated to making sure that any particular person alleged to have dedicated any illegal act is investigated, prosecuted and introduced earlier than courts via an unbiased nationwide course of, no matter their social standing, background or another floor.”
“In step with this coverage, proactive measures have been taken to research and prosecute alleged violations of legal guidelines, no matter the background of the individuals involved. All of you observing the developments in Sri Lanka would have witnessed a number of examples on this regard.”
The federal government has pointed to reforms already underway, such because the drafting of a brand new counter-terrorism legislation to interchange the controversial Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), a proposed Organised Crime Invoice, and amendments to the On-line Security Act amid steady considerations from the UN and worldwide neighborhood over these legal guidelines.
New rights-focused laws on home violence, kids, and incapacity can also be being ready, Herath mentioned.
On the similar time, Colombo additionally highlighted its anti-corruption drive, the launch of the Clear Sri Lanka program to reshape political tradition, and initiatives to empower susceptible communities, together with plantation staff and individuals with disabilities.
On reconciliation, the federal government cited measures equivalent to reopening roads within the Northern Province after many years, inviting Tamil-speaking youth to affix the police, strengthening the Workplace on Lacking Individuals and the Workplace for Reparations, and committing Rs. 375 million in further funding to speed up inquiries into disappearances.
It additionally confirmed {that a} Reality and Reconciliation Fee (TRC) course of had been set in movement, whereas land releases to civilians continued, with the federal government pledging to return all lands not deemed important for safety.
The assertion sought to counter worldwide criticism of Sri Lanka’s accountability report by pointing to unbiased investigations into mass graves, new prosecutions on corruption, and a judiciary that has demonstrated independence in latest rulings.
Sri Lanka rejected the UN Excessive Commissioner for Human Rights’ suggestion of an exterior accountability course of such because the Sri Lanka Accountability Mission.
Colombo warned that such worldwide mechanisms might undermine belief and create contemporary divisions inside society.
“Exterior motion will solely serve to create divisions, thereby jeopardising the real and tangible nationwide processes already in movement,” the Minister mentioned, insisting that area must be given for home options to mature.
President Dissanayake administration has offered itself as a break from previous governments accused of defending alleged struggle crimes and stifling dissent.
It emphasised its inclusive political mandate, with important illustration from minority communities and ladies in Parliament, and pointed to free and truthful elections with out violence or misuse of state assets as proof of a altering political tradition.
Internationally, Sri Lanka underlined its cooperation with the UN system, together with the Excessive Commissioner’s go to to Colombo in June 2025, which officers mentioned allowed him to witness “the true momentum of change throughout all segments of society.”
Nevertheless, the federal government urged UNHRC member states to acknowledge the sincerity of its efforts and help home processes moderately than impose exterior accountability.
“We urge that every one of you help us in seizing this historic alternative to advance the rights and well-being of all Sri Lankans via our personal home processes,” the International Minister mentioned, reaffirming Colombo’s opposition to worldwide mechanisms however promising continued reform at house. (Colombo/September 08/2025)
