United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk has expressed full support for the path Sri Lanka is taking under the leadership of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, particularly in the areas of national unity, reconciliation, and the protection of human rights.
The High Commissioner made these remarks during a meeting with President Dissanayake at the Presidential Secretariat on Wednesday (June 26), as part of his official visit to Sri Lanka.
Türk commended the ongoing political and social transformation in the country and noted the broad public confidence placed in the President and his administration by communities across both the North and South. He said his visit allowed him to gain a clear understanding of the changes currently underway and expressed optimism that the Sri Lankan people are beginning to look toward a brighter future.
One of the central topics of discussion was the issue of missing persons, with the High Commissioner emphasizing that families across all regions endure the same pain and uncertainty. He urged the Government to uphold the trust placed in it by these families and to deliver on long-delayed expectations.
Both parties agreed on the need to strengthen and restructure the institutional framework responsible for addressing the missing persons issue, noting that past political cultures had often hindered these mechanisms from fulfilling their mandate effectively.
President Dissanayake acknowledged the emotional and political weight of the issue, noting that his movement has personally experienced the trauma of disappearances. He reaffirmed his Government’s deep commitment to advancing reforms that promote national reconciliation and protect human rights.
The President also emphasized that restoring economic stability remains a top priority, stating that while the challenges are significant, his administration is determined to tackle them head-on. He called for continued international support, especially from institutions like the UN Human Rights Office, to help accurately present Sri Lanka’s reality to the world and improve its global standing.
The meeting was attended by several senior UN officials, including:
- Marc-André Franche, UN Resident Coordinator in Sri Lanka
- Rory Mungoven, Chief of the Asia-Pacific Section, OHCHR
- Elaine Chan, OHCHR Desk Officer
- Laila Nazarali, Senior Human Rights Adviser, UN Resident Coordinator’s Office
- Azam Bakeer Markar, Development Coordination Officer
- Anthony Headley, Public Information Officer, OHCHR
Representing the Sri Lankan Government were:
- Justice and National Integration Minister Harshana Nanayakkara
- Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananda Wijepala
- Senior Additional Secretary to the President Roshan Gamage
- And other senior officials.
The meeting underscores growing international recognition of Sri Lanka’s efforts to move toward reconciliation, reform, and renewed engagement with the global community.
