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UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to Visit Sri Lanka

Published: 20 June 2025
Last Updated: 20 June 2025

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk will undertake an official visit to Sri Lanka from 23 to 26 June 2025. This marks the first visit by a UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to Sri Lanka since February 2016.

During the visit, the High Commissioner is scheduled to call on the President and the Prime Minister. He will also hold meetings with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism, several other Cabinet Ministers, Members of Parliament, senior Government officials, religious leaders, representatives of civil society, members of the diplomatic community, and the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka.

As part of the programme, the High Commissioner will travel to Kandy where he will pay respects to The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and call on the Chief Prelates of the Malwatte and Asgiriya Chapters. He will also travel to Jaffna and Trincomalee where he will meet with the Governors of the Northern and Eastern Provinces.

Substantive discussions during the visit will focus on further advancing the promotion and protection of human rights and reconciliation, in line with the Government of Sri Lanka’s ongoing constructive engagement with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism

Colombo

20 June 2025

Statement by Ambassador and Permanent Representative Himali Arunatilaka during the Interactive Dialogue on the Annual Report of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights at the HRC 59, 17 June 2025

Published: 18 June 2025
Last Updated: 18 June 2025

hrc59 june 17

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

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Statement by Her Excellency Himalee Arunatilaka, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the United Nations in Geneva at the 58th Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council

Published: 03 March 2025
Last Updated: 04 March 2025

HRC 58 PRUN MARCH 3 1

HRC 58 PRUN MARCH 3 2

 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

Statement delivered by Hon. Vijitha Herath, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism on 25 February 2025 during the High Level Segment of the 58th session of the Human Rights Council

Published: 25 February 2025
Last Updated: 25 February 2025

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Mr. President,

Excellencies,

Mr. President, I wish to congratulate you on your election as the President of this Council.

Mr. President,

Sri Lanka presents progress made in advancing rights of women and girls to the CEDAW Committee

Published: 17 February 2025
Last Updated: 17 February 2025

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    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.

    Opening statement of the Hon. Saroja Savithri Paulraj, Minister of Women and Child Affairs, Head of Delegation to the CEDAW Review of Sri Lanka´s 9th Periodic Report 13 February 2025, Palais des Nations, Geneva

    Published: 14 February 2025
    Last Updated: 07 April 2025

    CEDAW 2025

    Madam Chair,

    Distinguished members of the Committee,

    Civil society representatives, particularly those who have travelled from Sri Lanka,

    Good morning

    Statement delivered by Sri Lanka’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations at the 57th Session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva - 9th October 2024

    Published: 09 October 2024
    Last Updated: 05 January 2025

    Photo 0 HRC 57 09.10.2024    

    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.

    1. 57th Session of the Human Rights Council:Statement by Sri Lanka (as the country concerned, following the Presentation of the Comprehensive Report on Sri Lanka by the High Commissioner for Human Rights) 9 September 2024
    2. 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
    3. Statement by Ambassador and Permanent Representative Himali Arunatilaka during the General Debate on Agenda Item 2 at the HRC 54, 13 September 2023

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