By: Staff Writer
September 12, Colombo (LNW): Several United Nations member countries have praised Sri Lanka for its progress over the past two years, notably in stabilizing the economy, implementing social protection measures, and promoting national unity and reconciliation through domestic initiatives.
The Foreign Affairs Ministry reported that numerous nations expressed support for Sri Lanka during the Interactive Dialogue on the country at the 57th Session of the Human Rights Council (HRC), which began in Geneva on September 9, 2024.
Sri Lanka urged the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) to avoid politicisation and double standards and to focus on dire humanitarian situations that require urgent action to maintain its credibility.
Sri Lanka’s Permanent Representative, Ambassador Himalee Arunatilaka, responded to the Human Rights Office’s report, emphasizing the country’s success in stabilizing its economy through careful financial decision-making and governance. Ambassador Arunatilaka reiterated Sri Lanka’s commitment to working with the UN, the Universal Declaration on Human Rights, and related treaties.
To promote national unity and reconciliation among our diverse communities, domestic initiatives such as the Office on Missing Persons (OMP), the Office for National Unity and Reconciliation (ONUR), the Office for Overseas Sri Lankans, and the Interim Secretariat for the Truth and Reconciliation Mechanism (ISTRM) have been established,she disclosed.
While economic growth for the prosperity of Sri Lankans remains a priority, Sri Lanka continues its efforts in fostering national unity and reconciliation. Domestic mechanisms, such as the Office on Missing Persons (OMP) and the Office for Reparations (OR), were highlighted alongside the Office for National Unity and Reconciliation (ONUR), and the Interim Secretariat for the Truth and Reconciliation Mechanism (ISTRM).
Additionally, social welfare programs like Aswesuma have been implemented to assist vulnerable populations. However, Sri Lanka criticized the UN’s report for exceeding its mandate by delving into macroeconomic issues outside its jurisdiction.
The country also rejected UN Resolution 51/1 and the external mechanisms established by the OHCHR, describing them as unwarranted and counterproductive.
During the dialogue, 55 countries participated, with the majority recognizing Sri Lanka’s economic recovery efforts, democratic stabilization, social protections, and the continued engagement with the Human Rights Council. Many also questioned the legitimacy of the “Sri Lanka Accountability Project,” calling it unjustified and inconsistent with the UN Charter.
Sri Lanka’s delegation at the session included representatives from its Permanent Mission to the United Nations in Geneva and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
