Mr. President,
This session of the Council is taking place amidst multiple global challenges, threats to multilateralism and international institutions, while hunger, conflict and climatic disasters are threatening the very survival of millions across the world. The need for international cooperation and dialogue have never been more essential, than at the present juncture. It is timely to reflect the founding principles of this Council and adopt an approach that addresses the pressing human rights challenges of today.
Sri Lanka remains an active partner in the multilateral framework, despite domestic challenges facing its people. The Government of President Anura Kumara Disanayaka has undertaken substantive efforts towards introducing a new political culture, addressing corruption and prioritizing economic revival, while reaffirming commitment towards meaningful reconciliation through domestic institutions.
A number of initiatives have been undertaken to strengthen the national anti-corruption framework, supported by a stronger, more independent Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption, reflecting the Government’s firm intention to build a corruption-free society where fairness, integrity, and accountability shape every aspect of governance.
To enhance the independence and transparency of the criminal justice system and improve public trust, the Govt is seeking to expedite legal proceedings through the creation of an independent public prosecutor´s office. The Prevention of Terrorism Act is to be repealed following a review of the existing legislation.
The domestic independent mechanisms and processes working on missing persons, reparations and reconciliation, are continuing their work within the Constitutional framework. Increased engagement of the public with the work of these institutions showcase the growing public trust in their activities.
At a time when the UN human rights framework is facing challenges, Sri Lanka believes that the Council must prioritize thematic issues like food security, health, development and climate change that need to be addressed urgently for the benefit of humankind. Ensuring that the Council's actions lead to tangible improvements through a fair approach in human rights situations is essential.
Human Rights situations must be assessed with impartiality, non-selectivity and objectivity.
Mr. President,
Sri Lanka remains committed to engaging in a constructive spirit of dialogue and cooperation with the members of the United Nations including this Council within our national legal framework. In this context, we look forward to receiving the High Commissioner for Human Rights in Sri Lanka later this month. Thank you
58th Session of the Human Rights Council:
Statement by PR/Geneva
(as the country concerned following the Oral Update on Sri Lanka
by the High Commissioner for Human Rights)
03 March 2025
Mr. President,
Excellencies,
Mr. President, I wish to congratulate you on your election as the President of this Council.
Mr. President,
Minister of Women and Child Affairs, Saroja Savithri Paulraj presented the progress made since the submission of Sri Lanka’s 9th periodic report to the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) in Geneva on 13th February 2025. Outlining notable progress achieved, notable achievements in decision making roles including in Parliament, Minister Paulraj underlined the government’s commitment to upholding the rights of women and girls and in advancing gender equality across all sectors, while seeking to address remaining challenges across economic, social and cultural spheres. Minister Paulraj highlighted the election of 22 female Parliamentarians from diverse social backgrounds including from the working class, marginalized communities and two women parliamentarians from the Malayaga community for the first time in Sri Lanka’s parliamentary history, as well as the appointment of the third female Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, who obtained the highest number of preferential votes from the Colombo district.
Madam Chair,
Distinguished members of the Committee,
Civil society representatives, particularly those who have travelled from Sri Lanka,
Good morning
Mr. President,
As the country concerned in respect of draft resolution 57/ L.1, as authorized by the newly elected Government in Sri Lanka, let me brief the Council on the latest developments in the country.
Following the model conduct for a free, fair and peaceful election followed by a dignified transition in keeping with our decades of democratic practice, H.E. the President Anura Kumara Dissanayake was sworn in as the 9th Executive President of Sri Lanka on 23 September.
Mr. President,
High Commissioner for Human Rights,
Excellencies,
As this Council deliberates on the comprehensive report on Sri Lanka, presented by the High Commissioner for Human Rights, I wish to reiterate Sri Lanka’s longstanding commitment to constructive engagement with this Council , the Universal Declaration and the related Treaties as well as other human rights mechanisms to which we are party.
- Statement by Her Excellency Himalee Arunatilaka, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the United Nations in Geneva at the 55th Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council
- Statement by Ambassador and Permanent Representative Himalee Arunatilaka during the General Debate on Agenda Item 2 at the HRC 54, 13 September 2023
- Sri Lanka rejects High Commissioner’s Written Update and reaffirms commitment to pursuing human rights through domestic institutions