Sri Lanka’s recent prison unrest and the delay in repealing the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) are expected to come under scrutiny at the 63rd session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, scheduled to begin in Geneva next month.
The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights is expected to present a written update on progress in reconciliation, accountability and human rights in Sri Lanka.
The Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the United Nations in Geneva will present the government’s official statement on the progress made in addressing the issues raised.
Last year, the mandate for the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights to monitor the situation in Sri Lanka was extended until September 2027, with a comprehensive report expected to be presented next year.
Foreign Affairs Minister Vijitha Herath said the government has responded to many of the issues raised by the United Nations and has strengthened the Office on Missing Persons and the Office for Reparations while working without discrimination based on ethnicity or religion.
Minister Vijitha Herath is also expected to attend the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York and address the General Assembly on September 26.
Meanwhile, the process of selecting a new UN Secretary-General has also begun, as the term of the current Secretary-General, António Guterres, is due to end on December 31.
