The Government is continuing its focus on long-term measures towards reconciliation and accountability within the constitutional framework despite ongoing challenges, the Sri Lankan delegation told the 53rd session of the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva on Wednesday.
Sri Lanka, speaking as a country concerned, said the Government was addressing unprecedented social and economic issues arising from the economic crisis.
Political stability had been restored, while conditions on the ground had improved considerably for the people. The International Monetary Fund Extended Fund Facility for Sri Lanka was approved recently, and the necessary reforms are underway, while social protection measures have also been introduced. The Government was determined to safeguard peace and harmony among all communities while respecting fundamental freedoms.
The Government was engaging in consultations with all stakeholders on the draft Anti-Terrorism Bill and receiving views to ensure that it was in compliance with international standards, while catering to domestic needs.
The Anti-Corruption Bill was challenged in the Supreme Court, and a determination given. It was being taken up in Parliament for the Second Reading today, June 21. On May 29, the Secretary to the President was authorised to establish an interim secretariat of a truth and reconciliation mechanism. As of May, the Office on Missing Persons had concluded preliminary inquiries on over 3,000 complaints.
The President had emphasised the need for its enhanced operations, including through digitisation and speeding up the issuance of Certificates of Absence.
Sri Lanka had categorically rejected the external evidence gathering mechanism established following resolutions 46/1 and 51/1, which would have wide-ranging legal and political implications for all countries.Sri Lanka actively and constructively engaged with the regular human rights mechanisms. Sri Lanka pledged its continued co-operation and constructive engagement with the Council.
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