Minister of Foreign Affairs Vijitha Herath, who will lead the Sri Lanka delegation to the 60th Session of the Human Rights Council, will address the Council following the presentation of the report of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights on the human rights situation in Sri Lanka.
According to the Foreign Ministry, this statement will be delivered in line with Sri Lanka’s continued constructive engagement with the Council and will be followed by an interactive dialogue, during which Member and Observer States will make interventions.
During the session, the Minister will also hold bilateral meetings with countries and with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.
The 60th Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC) is scheduled to be held from 8 September to 8 October 2025 in Geneva.
Meanwhile, commenting on the Report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights on Sri Lanka, the Government of Sri Lanka says it does not agree with the conclusions and recommendations in the report with regard to international action.
Noting the opportunity that the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has identified concerning Sri Lanka “to implement transformative reforms11”, the government urges the OHCHR and the HRC to afford the space that is required to make use of this opportunity and advance the rights and well-being of all Sri Lankans.
In this regard, Sri Lanka observes that external initiatives will only serve as hindrances to the ongoing national efforts and serve to polarise the population.
“The government does not agree with the conclusions and recommendations in the report with regard to international action. The Government has the mandate to and is firmly and sincerely committed to working towards a country that respects and celebrates the diversity of its people with no division or discrimination based on race, religion, class and caste. The Government is resolved not to leave room for a resurgence of racism or extremism in Sri Lanka. As Sri Lanka moves forward on this path through its domestic processes, the understanding, encouragement and support of the international community is welcomed and appreciated,” the Government of Sri Lanka added.
Sri Lanka’s comments on the Report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights; A HRC 60 G 1 AdvanceEditedVersion (Newswire)