Speaking at the 62nd Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the United Nations in Geneva, Ambassador Sumith Dassanayake reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to advancing the rights and well-being of all its people through a nationally owned, democratic and constitutionally grounded process.
Permanent Representative Sumith Dassanayake addressed the Council during the Interactive Dialogue on the Annual Report of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, and called for a global approach to human rights rooted in genuine dialogue, cooperation, and absolute impartiality. In light of the ongoing UN liquidity crisis, the Permanent Representative urged the Council to rationalize resource-intensive mandates and focus limited resources where genuine cooperation can yield practical and tangible results.
The Permanent Representative outlined several critical areas of domestic focus as Sri Lanka navigates recovery from severe economic and climate-induced hardships. He further noted that Sri Lanka is actively strengthening the democratic institutions, enhancing transparency, advancing robust anti-corruption frameworks and reinforcing the rule of law.
Referring to the visit of UN Human Rights High Commissioner to Sri Lanka in June 2025, Permanent Representative Sumith Dassanayake reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s sustained constructive engagement with the High Commissioner and his Office.
The 62nd Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council commenced in the Palais des Nations in Geneva on 15 June 2026 and will last until 07 July 2026.
The full text of the speech is annexed.
Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka to the United Nations in Geneva
16 June 2026