Geneva, 17 September 2022 (TDI): The Foreign Minister of Sri Lanka, Ali Sabry, at the 51st session of the Human Rights Council (HRC), highlighted Sri Lanka’s commitment to continuing progress in human rights and reconciliation through a credible domestic process.

Statement

The Sri Lankan Foreign Minister said in a statement that Sri Lanka will remain firmly committed to pursuing tangible progress in the protection of human rights.

Likewise, it will pursue reconciliation through independent domestic institutions despite severe constraints and challenges in the current economic situation.

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He also informed in the session of the continued support and resources provided to the Office on Missing Persons (OMP), the Office for Reparations (OR), the Office for National Unity and Reconciliation (ONUR), and the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL), to build up the running of these independent institutions.

Moreover, Ali Sabry said that the Government would aim to establish a reliable truth-seeking mechanism within the framework of the Constitution and that the contours of such a model that would suit the specific conditions of Sri Lanka are under discussion.

He also updated the Council on the significant modifications made to the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), as well as on the Government’s intention to replace the PTA with a more fill-scale national security legislation, in keeping with international best practices.

He said that Sri Lanka remains firmly committed to the Council in a spirit of collaboration and talks towards protecting the human rights of its people despite Sri Lanka’s categorical rejection of resolution 46/1.

The Foreign Minister, while acknowledging the present challenges, looked forward to receiving the support and understanding of the Council as Sri Lanka proceeds on the path to the economic recovery while attaching equal priority to the advancement of the human rights of the people.

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