Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Vijitha Herath, reaffirmed the new government’s commitment to transformation and building a new political culture in Sri Lanka, aimed at advancing the rights and well-being of all citizens.
Addressing the 60th Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva during the Interactive Dialogue on Sri Lanka (08), the Minister highlighted the progress achieved within a short period through domestic processes to foster national unity and reconciliation. He urged the Council to allow Sri Lanka the necessary time and space to achieve these objectives.
A total of 43 countries participated in the Dialogue, with many—including members of the Gulf Cooperation Council, China, India, Russia, Cuba, Venezuela, Egypt, and others—expressing solidarity with Sri Lanka. These countries:
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Welcomed Sri Lanka’s continued engagement with the Council and the recent visit of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.
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Acknowledged tangible progress and ongoing reforms, encouraging support for Sri Lanka’s nationally owned processes.
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Questioned the allocation of resources to external mechanisms on Sri Lanka amidst global resource constraints.
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Warned that externally imposed processes risk polarization and undermine the Council’s founding principles of universality, impartiality, and objectivity.
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Expressed concerns over double standards and politicization of human rights to interfere in internal affairs of countries.
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Stressed the need for constructive dialogue and cooperation within the Council.
Meanwhile, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk welcomed his visit to Sri Lanka in June, where he engaged openly with political leaders, religious representatives, and communities.
Sri Lanka’s delegation to Geneva was led by Minister Vijitha Herath, along with Permanent Representative Ambassador Himalee Arunatilaka, Director General/UN and Human Rights Dayani Mendis, and diplomatic officers of the Permanent Mission.
