Colombo: Sri Lanka’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva, Ambassador Sumith Dassanayake, highlighted the nation’s advancements in human rights at the 63rd Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council.
According to News.LK, the address was in response to a written update on the human rights situation in Sri Lanka, presented by United Nations Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights, Awa Dabo. Ambassador Dassanayake reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to reconciliation and accountability, underscoring various legislative, economic, and institutional reforms.
As the country marks two years under President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, it has regained its upper-middle-income status and achieved a 5% real GDP growth in 2025, despite facing challenges like Cyclone Ditwah. The government’s anti-corruption initiatives were also emphasized, including enhancements to the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) and the National Anti-Corruption Action Plan (NACAP) 2025-2029. The High Commissioner for Human Rights was acknowledged for recognizing Sri Lanka’s progress in investigations, anti-corruption efforts, and memorialization.
Ambassador Dassanayake informed the Council about legislative reforms, particularly the repeal and replacement of the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) with new legislation that ensures fundamental freedoms. Amendments to the Online Safety Act and legal reforms to address judicial case backlogs and enhance access to justice were also discussed.
The government is bolstering its domestic reconciliation mechanisms, with the Office of Missing Persons (OMP), the Office for Reparations (OR), and the Office for National Unity and Reconciliation (ONUR) fulfilling their roles with enhanced resources. Efforts include reviewing the draft framework for a Truth and Reconciliation Commission, exploring the establishment of an independent prosecutor’s office, and addressing land release and compensation issues. Measures to facilitate the safe return of Sri Lankan refugees from India and address challenges faced by the Malaiyaha community were also presented.
Regarding accountability and institutional reforms, the Council was informed of steps to re-open investigations into significant cases, demonstrating a commitment to national judicial processes. Improvements in prison administration and a comprehensive investigation into Negombo Prison’s situation are underway. Ambassador Dassanayake explicitly rejected Resolution 60/1 and its external evidence-gathering mechanism, urging the Council to support Sri Lanka’s national efforts towards a just and reconciled nation. The full statement and a video recording of the address are available from the Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka to the United Nations in Geneva.