Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris addressed the Diplomatic Corps based in New Delhi, in a virtual briefing that saw the participation of 83 envoys, the Foreign Ministry said in a press release. 

The objective of this briefing was to share information on progress related to human rights and reconciliation as part of the continued engagement ahead of the upcoming 49th Session of the Human Rights Council, which will commence in the last week of February, the Foreign Ministry said.

The minister recalled that at the September 2021 Session of the Human Rights Council he had reiterated Sri Lanka’s commitment to the promotion and protection of Human Rights and to remain engaged with the United Nations, including the Human Rights Council. 

Prof. Peiris added that the Government of Sri Lanka has undertaken substantial steps with a view to accountability, restorative justice and meaningful reconciliation which were efforts due to the work of domestic institutions namely the Office for Reparations (OR), Office for National Unity and Reconciliation (ONUR), Office of Missing Persons (OMP), the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) and the Sustainable Development Council (SDC).

He had also stated that the Prevention of Terrorism Act is being amended, with the objective of bringing it in line with international norms and best practices, after lengthy deliberations over several months, and underlined that the proposed amendments are an initial step towards the promulgation of a more comprehensive anti terror legislation.

Prof. Peiris had also referred to the accountability process which is being addressed through the Commission of Inquiry (COI) headed by Supreme Court Justice Nawaz, and stated that while the recommendations in the First Interim Report had been implemented, the Second Interim Report had also been handed over to the President.

The Foreign Minister also referred to the nine-member Expert Committee appointed by the President to make proposals pertaining to drafting a new Constitution. The Minister stated that the Expert Committee has completed their preliminary consultations and that the proposals will be submitted to the President shortly. He noted that thereafter broader public consultations based on a democratic process will follow.

 

The Foreign Minister responded to questions and appreciated the constructive engagement with the New Delhi-based envoys and looked forward to continued co-operation at the UN Human Rights Council and other multilateral fora, the Foreign Ministry said.