UNHRC Resolution: Sri Lanka set to make conciliatory approach
DAILY MIRROR LK NEWS
By Kelum Bandara
02 Sep 2025 – 147
Sri Lanka is seeking a conciliatory approach with the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) this time under the National People’s Power (NPP) government, with the promise to take steps for reconciliation and addressing allegations related to rights violations through a domestic mechanism with international assistance, Daily Mirror learns.
The core group of countries led by the United Kingdom is expected to move a fresh resolution on Sri Lanka during the session this month. Canada, Malawi, Montenegro and North Macedonia are the other countries in the group. The UNHRC will commence its session on September 8.
The core group has already urged the government to prioritise comprehensive reconciliation and accountability processes that are supported by affected communities, build on past recommendations, and meet international standards.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk concluded a four-day official visit to Sri Lanka from June 23 to 26, 2025, the first by a UN High Commissioner for Human Rights since 2016. During his visit, High Commissioner Türk engaged in discussions with high-level government officials, including President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya.
Mr. Türk urged the Government to consider using international legal options to advance accountability in Sri Lanka.
He also requested the government to create an enabling environment for transitional justice by acceding to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, implement confidence-building measures such as releasing military-held lands, halting new land seizures and accelerate titling efforts in the north and east, releasing all long-term detainees under the PTA, support victims’ memorialisation initiatives and ensure impartiality of the Office on Missing Persons, including by seeking international expertise and monitoring to build its credibility.
The Foreign Ministry is currently preparing for the UNHRC session, with Minister Vijitha Herath planning to attend this time. A Ministry source said that the government would not be hostile to the UNHRC process.
“Instead, it will make a conciliatory approach,” the source said.
Asked whether Sri Lanka would co-sponsor the upcoming resolution, the source said, “The government will not co-sponsor it. Still, it will seek engagement with the international community rather than being confrontational. The draft of the proposed counterterrorism law will be in place. That will be a step in the direction of fulfilling the pledge to repeal the PTA. Lands held by the military in the North will be released for civilians. Steps will be taken for truth seeking and justice.”
Sri Lanka set to make conciliatory approach – Breaking News | Daily Mirror
Sri Lanka set to make conciliatory approach – Breaking News | Daily Mirror
Sri Lanka is seeking a conciliatory approach with the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) this time under the National People’s Power (NPP) government, with the promise to take steps for reconciliation and addressing allegations related to rights violations through a domestic mechanism wit…