March 04, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka has firmly rejected several resolutions passed by the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), reaffirming its stance against Resolutions 46/1, 51/1, and 57/1, as well as the external evidence gathering mechanism on Sri Lanka.
These resolutions, which were discussed during the 58th Session of the UNHRC, have sparked significant controversy in the country.
Sri Lanka’s Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva, Ambassador Himalee Subashini Arunatilaka, made the nation’s position clear during the High Commissioner for Human Rights’ oral update on Sri Lanka, stating that the country is resolutely opposed to such external interventions.
The government of Sri Lanka has consistently expressed its belief that national ownership, coupled with gradual, internally driven reforms, is the most effective path towards transformative change.
As a sovereign nation, Sri Lanka insists that progress should be shaped by its own legal processes and frameworks, and that any external mechanisms that undermine this principle are unacceptable.
Expressing deep regret, Sri Lanka condemned what it perceives as the inconsistent application of human rights principles within the UNHRC. Ambassador Arunatilaka pointed out that this selective approach to human rights has eroded trust in the global human rights system.
She warned that such practices have made countries more reluctant to engage with the Council, undermining the very values on which the UNHRC was established.
“We have long maintained that country-specific resolutions, which are passed without the consent of the country concerned, are deeply problematic,” Arunatilaka explained. “Sri Lanka remains opposed to Resolutions 46/1, 51/1, and 57/1, as well as the external evidence-gathering mechanism that was established through these divisive and intrusive resolutions.”
Sri Lanka also strongly criticised the establishment of an external evidence-gathering mechanism on Sri Lanka within the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).
The government views this as an unprecedented overreach of the Council’s mandate, which contradicts the founding principles of impartiality, objectivity, and non-selectivity.
According to the Sri Lankan government, no sovereign state should be subjected to an external mechanism that contradicts its Constitution and undermines its domestic legal processes.
Adding to these concerns, several countries have raised alarm over the financial implications of the external evidence-gathering mechanism, especially in light of the United Nations’ ongoing budgetary constraints.
The Sri Lankan representative emphasised the need for a more responsible and balanced approach to human rights issues, one that respects national sovereignty and the principle of fairness.
Whilst strongly rejecting external interference, Sri Lanka reaffirmed its commitment to addressing human rights challenges, including reconciliation, through domestic processes. Ambassador Arunatilaka highlighted that the Sri Lankan government will continue its constructive engagement with the UNHRC and other human rights instruments, citing recent cooperative efforts with the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) during the review of the country’s ninth periodic report.
At the same time, Sri Lanka reiterated its dedication to multilateral cooperation in fostering peace, prosperity, and sustainability, alongside the promotion and protection of all human rights.
The government assured that efforts to rebuild the nation’s economy will be inclusive, ensuring that all citizens have equal opportunities to benefit from the country’s growth.
Arunatilaka emphasised that economic development would be pursued in a way that promotes transparency, accountability, and social justice. The government is committed to ensuring that the benefits of growth reach all segments of society and that the rule of law, reconciliation, and human rights remain central to the nation’s progress.
The Sri Lankan government has also outlined its focus on key national priorities, including the eradication of rural poverty, the implementation of the ‘Clean Sri Lanka’ initiative aimed at promoting social and environmental revival, and the creation of a robust digital economy to support sustainable development.
In line with its commitment to peace and reconciliation, Sri Lanka will continue to support the most vulnerable populations, particularly those affected by past conflicts, ensuring they are not left behind in the country’s development journey.
“By expanding the work of the proposed truth and reconciliation commission, we will investigate the impact of violence stemming from racism and religious extremism, whilst guaranteeing that all domestic processes remain credible and independent,” Arunatilaka concluded. “The government is determined to protect the human rights of all citizens, address past grievances, and create a more inclusive and prosperous Sri Lanka for future generations.”
