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Govt. rejects OHCHR’s external accountability initiative
View(s):- Says international action will only hinder ongoing reconciliation efforts
By Chandani Kirinde
The Government instead urged the OHCHR and the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) to afford the space that is required to make use of the available opportunity and advance the rights and wellbeing of all Sri Lankans.
“In this regard, Sri Lanka observes that external initiatives will only serve as hindrances to the ongoing national efforts and serve to polarise the population. The GoSL does not agree with the conclusions and recommendations in the report with regard to international action,” the Government said in its comments on the comprehensive report released by the OHCHR on the situation of human rights in Sri Lanka.
The report was compiled following the visit to Sri Lanka in June by UN Human Rights High Commissioner Volker Türk.
The Government’s comments on the report were forwarded to the OHCHR via the Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka to the United Nations in Geneva.
Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath will leave for Geneva today to address the UNHRC session, where he will reiterate Sri Lanka’s position on the domestic accountability process. The 60th session of the HRC begins tomorrow.
The Government reiterated its commitment to working towards a country that respects and celebrates the diversity of its people with no division or discrimination based on race, religion, class and caste and is resolved not to leave room for a resurgence of racism or extremism in Sri Lanka.
“As Sri Lanka moves forward on this path through its domestic processes, the understanding, encouragement and support of the international community is welcomed and appreciated,” the Government said in its response.
The Government also said it expects to gazette new counter-terrorism legislation by September 2025, repealing the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA).
“The Cabinet-appointed Committee in this regard continues its deliberations towards finalising draft counter-terrorism legislation that aligns with international standards and best practices.”
The Government also said that an independent public prosecutor’s office will be established to ensure accountability, and a committee approved by the Cabinet of Ministers is already discussing the establishment of this office.
“On 4 August 2025, the Cabinet of Ministers decided to further expand the composition of the Committee with more experts on the subject and to call for the views of the general public as well as the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka on the subject.”
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