Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath accused previous governments of politicizing national issues and human rights for political gain, defending the government’s decision to not request for a vote when the latest Human Rights Council Resolution on Sri Lanka was adopted.

Briefing Parliament on his recent visit to Geneva and engagements with the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC), Herath said calling for a vote at the Council, given Sri Lanka’s record and circumstances, would create an unnecessary problem.

“Previous governments did this, fully aware that the vote will be defeated, wasting both public money and time. This is not our government’s policy,” he said.

Herath was responding to criticism that the current administration lacked the diplomatic skill to build international support for its positions.

He reiterated that the government is committed to replacing the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) with new legislation and establishing a public prosecutor’s office. He also emphasized that safeguarding human rights remains a government priority and will not be politicized.

MP Ravi Karunanayake, raising a point of order, questioned why Sri Lanka did not call for a vote at the Council, despite welcoming the remarks made by Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the UN in Geneva.

MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam said that the Foreign Minister’s statement made no reference to provincial council elections, accusing the minister of deceiving the international community.

Meanwhile, MP Jeevan Thondaman questioned the composition of the Office for Reparations, inquiring whether its membership is limited to ex-servicemen or if new appointments would be made.

In response, Minister Herath said the matter falls under the jurisdiction of a separate body. “I will refer your question on that matter and you can get a final answer,” he said.

MP Harsha de Silva also weighed in stating that Sri Lanka must not back away from requesting a vote, describing similarly challenging circumstances when Sri Lanka’s GSP+ eligibility was decided at the EU Parliament.

Chief Opposition Whip Gayantha Karunathilake proposed that a debate be conducted on the Foreign Minister’s statement in Geneva, to which the Foreign Minister agreed. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka has rejected a draft resolution (HRC 60/L.1/Rev.1) at the 60th session of the UN Human Rights Council, citing concerns over an external evidence-gathering mechanism established under a 2022 resolution.

According to the statement, Sri Lanka participated in discussions on this resolution in a spirit of open and constructive engagement, which it had demonstrated throughout in its interactions with this Council. 

“We appreciate the core group’s engagement on language amendments proposed by Sri Lanka. We, however, regret that we couldn’t find agreement on certain key concerns for us. While we thank all delegations for their constructive participation on the draft text, Sri Lanka particularly wishes to thank very sincerely those countries which made positive suggestions during informal consultations and bilateral meetings,” the statement said. 

The statement points out that, as Sri Lanka had indicated from the beginning to the core group, the country’s fundamental issue with the text is the reference to resolution 51/1 of 2022, denoting the external evidence gathering mechanism on Sri Lanka within the OHCHR, which, in its view, is an unprecedented and ad hoc expansion of the Council´s mandate. 

“Participating in the Interactive Dialogue on Sri Lanka on 8th September, the Minister of Foreign Affairs reiterated that Sri Lanka does not accept the external evidence gathering mechanism set up by the OHCHR, which it has labelled as the `Sri Lanka Accountability Project`, at a time when the Government is continuing to strengthen the domestic institutions based on its genuine commitment to reconciliation and human rights in the interests of our own people. The ongoing domestic processes include strengthening the independent Offices on Missing Persons and Reparations, and the Office for National Unity and Reconciliation, as well as the operationalization of a truth and reconciliation commission, and an independent Public Prosecutor´s Office,” it said. 

The statement further says Sri Lanka, as well as many other countries, have repeatedly questioned the credibility and transparency of how this Project within the OHCHR was set up, its work and the budget allocated to it, pointing out that after 4 years of its existence, this Council is yet to see any benefits of this Project for the people of Sri Lanka. 

“This is clearly evident from the contents of the High Commissioner’s Report as well. The extension of its mandate will only serve the interests of elements with vested interests seeking to create divisions and polarize the communities in Sri Lanka, and will be counterproductive to the Government’s efforts on promoting unity, reconciliation and human rights,” the statement added. 

Pointing out that it is only fair that Sri Lanka be allowed to seize this opportunity to advance the rights of its own people through domestic processes, the statement says that for these reasons, Sri Lanka does not agree with coercive international action, and it rejects resolution 60/L.1/Rev.1 presented to this Council. 

The statement by Sri Lanka, as the country concerned, delivered during the consideration of draft resolution HRC.60/L.1/Rev.1 on Sri Lanka at the 60th session of the Human Rights Council:

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The Resolution A/HRC/60/L.1/Rev.1 on promoting reconciliation, accountability and human rights (HR) in Sri Lanka has been adopted at the United Nations (UN) HR Council in Geneva.

In a statement, the UN Human Rights Council said it has decided to extend the mandate of the Office of the High Commissioner and all work requested of it by the Human Rights Council in its resolution 51/1 of 6 October 2022.

The statement further stated that the UNHRC Office has been requested to present a written update at its sixty-third session and a comprehensive report on progress in reconciliation, accountability, and human rights in Sri Lanka at its sixty-sixth session, to be discussed during an interactive dialogue.

The updated draft was tabled in Geneva on 1st October, while the resolution was adopted without a vote at the 60th session of the Council.

Twenty-two countries signed on as co-sponsors to the revised UN resolution, extending the Office of the High Commissioner for HR’ (OHCHR) mandate in Sri Lanka for another two years.

The full statement; UNHRC (Newswire)

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Minister of Foreign Affairs Vijitha Herath underlined the commitment and the political will of the Government for transformation in the country and to create a new political culture to advance the rights and well-being of all Sri Lankans, while addressing the Interactive Dialogue (ID) on Sri Lanka in Geneva.

Addressing the ID during the 60th Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva yesterday, Minister Herath highlighted the progress made within a short period through the domestic processes towards building national unity and reconciliation, while urging the Council to allow Sri Lanka time and space to achieve this objective. 

According to Sri Lanka’s Foreign Ministry, 43 countries spoke during the ID including Kuwait on behalf of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) comprising Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE, Ethiopia, Cote d’Ivoire, the Philippines, Japan, Lao PDR, Thailand, Vanuatu, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Eritrea, Iran, Nepal, India, Zimbabwe, Viet Nam, China, Azerbaijan, Indonesia, Türkiye, Belarus, Egypt, Venezuela, the Maldives, Cuba, South Sudan, the Sudan, the Russian Federation and Burundi.

Expressing solidarity with Sri Lanka, the above countries;

• Welcomed Sri Lanka’s continued engagement with the Human Rights Council and the High Commissioner’s visit as a sign of the country’s enhanced cooperation with the Council;
• Acknowledged the significant developments and tangible progress, including ongoing legislative reforms in the country and encouraged the HRC and international community to support Sri Lanka in its nationally-owned processes;
• Questioned the allocation of resources to the external mechanism in Sri Lanka when vital mandates in the Council risk being unfulfilled due to resource constraints; 
• Emphasized that externally imposed parallel processes risk polarization;
• Stated that imposition of country-specific mechanisms on targeted countries undermines the Human Rights Council’s founding principles of universality, impartiality, objectivity, and non-selectivity;
• Expressed concerns at the double standards, politicization and instrumentalization of human rights to interfere in the internal affairs of countries;
• Underlined the importance of constructive dialogue and cooperation within the Council to reach productive results in the promotion of human rights;

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, appreciated the opportunity to visit Sri Lanka in June this year, and to have open exchanges across the political spectrum, religious leaders and communities.

Sri Lanka’s delegation to the 60th Human Rights Council in Geneva was led by Minister of Foreign Affairs Vijitha Herath and comprised Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the United Nations in Geneva Ambassador Himalee Arunatilaka, Director General/United Nations and Human Rights, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dayani Mendis and the diplomatic officers of the Permanent Mission in Geneva. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Vijitha Herath, says the government is committed to advancing accountability through domestic processes and it opposes external mechanisms, such as the Sri Lanka Accountability Project, which create divisions and hinder national reconciliation.

He further said that the government continues to strengthen the domestic reconciliation mechanisms by guaranteeing their independence and the necessary financial and human resources allocations. 

“The Government’s commitment to advancing reconciliation, human rights and the well-being of all Sri Lankans has been clearly outlined by the President on several occasions and also during my interaction with this Council.

“I wish to recall that the political movement which I represent was the first to call for the establishment of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission, soon after the war ended in 2009, long before the UN highlighted this need. Our commitment in this regard is, therefore, not merely driven by the need to comply with the Human Rights Council or other human rights mechanisms and treaties. It is a commitment that arises from our principles and experience and the paramount need to ensure the rights and well-being of our own people. 

“As President Disanayaka has reiterated, we are firmly and genuinely committed to working towards a country that respects and celebrates the diversity of its people with no division or discrimination, and we are resolved not to leave room for a resurgence of racism or extremism. We are also committed to ensuring that any person alleged to have committed any unlawful act is investigated, prosecuted and brought before courts through an independent national process, irrespective of their social status, background or any other ground. 

In keeping with this policy, proactive measures have been taken to investigate and prosecute alleged violations of laws, irrespective of the background of the persons concerned. All of you observing the developments in Sri Lanka would have witnessed several examples in this regard,” he said. 

Minister Herath went on to note that external action will only serve to create divisions, thereby jeopardising the genuine and tangible national processes that have already been set in motion. 

“The Government is opposed to any external mechanism imposed on us such as the Sri Lanka Accountability Project. My earnest submission to members of this Council, its observers and all stakeholders is to collaboratively join hands with the government, to deepen our mutual understanding and extend your support to Sri Lanka. Our genuine and sincere approach, which is visible, needs to be reciprocated with deeper understanding and noticeable appreciation. We urge that all of you assist us in seizing this historic opportunity to advance the rights and well-being of all Sri Lankans through our own domestic processes,” the foreign minister said. 

Minister Vijitha Herath made the remarks while addressing the 60th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva today. (Newswire)

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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) 

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The UNHRC has called on Sri Lanka to amend restrictive laws, including the Prevention of Terrorism Act and the Online Safety Act, and to address reports of surveillance and intimidation in the north and east.

Director of the Global Operations Division of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Maarit Kohonen Sheriff providing an update on Resolution 57/1, Promoting reconciliation, accountability and human rights in Sri Lanka, urged the new government to uphold human rights and ensure new laws are developed transparently.

Full statement:

Following presidential and parliamentary elections late last year, the National People’s Power coalition secured a large majority in parliament, signalling a decisive mandate from the Sri Lankan people to undertake transformative social, political and economic reforms.

Economic crises and austerity measures have impacted deeply on the poorest and most vulnerable in society. Creditors need to provide the government with the fiscal space necessary to realize all human rights.
In his inaugural address to parliament, President Kumara Dissanayake acknowledged the harms that have resulted from decades of ethnic divisions and racism. He pledged to address some longstanding human rights concerns, including by tackling corruption and ensuring accountability for the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks and other emblematic cases. These commitments to end impunity should extend to the large scale violations that occurred during the civil war and prior insurgencies.
These crimes must be thoroughly investigated, justice served victims and perpetrators held accountable. The new government has taken an initial step to appoint an expert panel to establish an independent prosecutor’s office. We also urged the new government to reform and strengthen the office of missing persons, including by appointing independent and credible members to achieve meaningful progress in the thousands of cases of enforced disappearances.
The government is taking steps to amend problematic legislation, such as the oppressive Prevention of Terrorism Act and the Online Safety Act. All new laws must comply with Sri Lanka’s international human rights obligations and be developed in a transparent, consultative and inclusive manner.

Our office continues to receive reports of surveillance and intimidation by security agents in the north and east, highlighting the need for more fundamental security sector reforms. We urge the new government to lift unnecessary regulation and restriction civil society and independent media to revive the civic space.

This is an important opportunity in Sri Lanka’s history that must now translate into meaningful progress on accountability and human rights so heal societal divisions and break the cycle of impunity that has for so long racked Sri Lanka’s past. Our office is ready to support Sri Lanka and hopes it can report tangible results to this council in September. (Newswire)

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The Sri Lanka Core Group, comprising Canada, Malawi, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and the United Kingdom, has commended Sri Lanka’s peaceful elections and the smooth transition of power last year.

“We recognise that the new Sri Lankan Government has only been in place for four months, and we encourage Sri Lanka to use the opportunity that this transition represents to address the challenges it faces,” the core group said, presenting a joint statement at the 58th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC). 

The joint statement presented by UK Ambassador for Human Rights to the UN, Eleanor Sanders is as follows;

This statement is by the Sri Lanka Core Group comprising Canada, Malawi, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and the United Kingdom.   

High Commissioner, we wish to thank you for your oral update on Sri Lanka

We would like to commend Sri Lanka’s peaceful elections and the smooth transition of power last year. We recognise that the new Sri Lankan Government has only been in place for four months, and we encourage Sri Lanka to use the opportunity that this transition represents to address the challenges it faces.   

We appreciate the Government’s commitment to making meaningful progress on reconciliation and the initial steps taken, including returning land, lifting roadblocks, and allowing communities in the North and East to commemorate the past and memorialise their loved ones. 

In order to build and sustain trust, it is essential to ensure the protection of civil society spaces, including by ending surveillance and intimidation of civil society actors and organisations.  

We welcome commitments to implement devolution in accordance with the constitution and to make progress on governance reforms.    

We take note of the Government’s stated intention to replace the Prevention of Terrorism Act and emphasise that any new legislation should be in line with Sri Lanka’s international obligations. We encourage the release of those who remain detained under the Act.  

As the Government seeks to make progress on human rights and corruption cases, we urge that any comprehensive reconciliation and accountability process carry the support of affected communities, build on past recommendations and meet international standards.  

We also encourage the Government to re-invigorate the work of domestic institutions focused on reparations and missing persons. 

We reaffirm our willingness to work with the Government to ensure that any future transitional justice mechanisms are independent, inclusive, meaningful, and meet the expectations of affected communities. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka will continue to oppose draft resolution 51/1 of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) and has not agreed to any resolution that extends the powers of the external evidence collection mechanism, according to Cabinet Spokesperson Minister Vijitha Herath.

The decision was made after considering submissions by the Minister of Foreign Affairs regarding the 57th session of the UNHRC, currently underway in Geneva, Minister Herath said addressing the weekly Cabinet media briefing.

The Cabinet of Ministers has endorsed Sri Lanka’s position to reject the draft resolution at the current session of the UNHRC, he said.

However, he stressed that Sri Lanka remains committed to addressing key human rights issues, including reconciliation, through local mechanisms.

“Sri Lanka will continue to engage in cooperative and meaningful discussions with the Human Rights Council and its regular human rights mechanisms,” Minister Herath said.

Commenting on the current political climate, he added, “There is a newly elected president, and a new government will be formed after the elections. Many of the elements in this proposal are already reflected in the new government’s policies. We will convey our stance to the UNHRC in Geneva.”

“However, we cannot agree to several aspects of this proposal. The new government will take measures to safeguard human rights, but this will require some time. This position will be communicated to the UNHRC during the final session tomorrow,” he added. (Newswire)

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