September 14, Colombo (LNW): Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath has concluded a diplomatic visit to Geneva, where he participated in the 60th Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), delivering an address on behalf of the Sri Lankan Government during a key session focused on the country’s progress in the field of human rights.
In his remarks to the Council on 8 September, Minister Herath underscored the Government’s ongoing commitment to national reconciliation through home-grown mechanisms, reiterating that sustainable peace and justice in Sri Lanka must emerge through locally led efforts rather than externally imposed solutions.
He outlined a number of reforms and initiatives already underway, highlighting that these are aimed at ensuring dignity, rights, and equal opportunity for all citizens, regardless of background.
The Minister used the platform to provide an overview of the steps the Government has taken to improve institutional accountability, community dialogue, and the protection of economic, social, and political rights. He stated that while progress has been made, a lasting transformation requires both time and space—emphasising that meaningful change cannot be rushed nor externally dictated.
During the visit, Minister Herath held a series of bilateral meetings with key international figures, including UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk. The discussions centred on how the United Nations could constructively engage with Sri Lanka by offering technical cooperation and advisory support, particularly in the advancement of inclusive development and the safeguarding of civil liberties.
In this context, both parties agreed on the importance of addressing the full spectrum of human rights—civil, political, economic, and social—in a manner that reflects the country’s unique social fabric and post-conflict realities. High Commissioner Türk, who has visited Sri Lanka in the past, conveyed appreciation for the Government’s openness and noted the significance of the current moment as an opportunity to pursue meaningful reconciliation with determination and integrity.
Minister Herath also met with Ambassador Jürg Lauber of Switzerland, President of the Human Rights Council, who welcomed the engagement as a positive signal of Sri Lanka’s willingness to maintain high-level dialogue with the international community. The two exchanged views on strengthening constructive engagement between Sri Lanka and the Council moving forward.
In addition to these official meetings, Minister Herath interacted with numerous representatives from countries that have consistently supported Sri Lanka’s sovereign right to shape its post-conflict journey. Expressing gratitude for their ongoing solidarity, he stressed the importance of international partnerships rooted in mutual respect, rather than prescriptive oversight.
