GENEVA
Mr. President,
High Commissioner,
One year ago, the people of Sri Lanka voted with one voice, to bring about a transformation
and usher in a new political culture.
Our democratic traditions have been upheld through timely elections held in a free, fair and
peaceful manner.
A number of measures have been introduced to promote the economic and social wellbeing
of the people, to strengthen reconciliation and ensure social justice.
Mr President,
The Government has provided comments on the High Commissioner’s Report and I wish to
address some of the matters raised in it.
- Our anti-corruption drive has been strengthened with new legislation, enabling
independent investigations and prosecutions leading to landmark convictions. - The Government is in the process of repealing the PTA and introducing new counter-
terrorism legislation. - Amendments are being formulated through consultations to the Online Safety Act.
- The Government continues to strengthen the domestic reconciliation mechanisms by
guaranteeing their independence and the necessary financial and human resources
allocations. - Respecting the right for truth and justice, the Government has allocated required
resources for excavations at the Chemmani grave site which are being carried out
under judicial supervision. - Further consultations are underway with a view to establishing a Truth and
Reconciliation Commission. - The Cabinet of Ministers approved the proposal to prepare a National Policy and
Action Plan on Reconciliation and Coexistence.
1 - The Government has issued instructions to law enforcement authorities to guarantee
an enabling environment and sufficient space for civil society. - People from all parts of the country memorialise their loved ones without any
hindrance. - In line with the Government’s vision and commitment for a reconciled Sri Lanka, a Sri
Lanka Day is to be celebrated in the first week of December. - Views of the general public and the National Human Rights Commission have been
called for the establishment of an Independent Public Prosecutor’s Office.
Mr President,
The Attorney General would prefer indictments only if there is a prima facie case against an
accused, and as such the negative portrayal of the AG’s Office in the Report does not stand to
reason. The prosecutorial discretion of the Attorney General is not an unfettered power and
is subject to the full force of judicial review.
The reference to the amended Personal Data Protection Act in the Report is erroneous as the
proposed revisions are not related to exemptions as indicated. - The Government is committed to advancing accountability through credible domestic
processes. Recent decisions by the Sri Lankan courts demonstrate the independence
of the Sri Lankan judiciary. - The Government has afforded full independence to the Police, and
investigations have been resumed into many longstanding cases, including the Easter
Sunday attacks and attacks against journalists - A large majority of lands have been released. Adequate compensation is paid
to rightful owners where release is not possible. A Cabinet appointed Committee is
addressing competing claims and land issues faced by people living in areas identified
as State reserves and places of archaeological significance. - To build confidence among the public, the Government is taking several initiatives,
including opening of roads, infrastructure development, livelihood support and
promotion of industries. - Legislation is being formulated to increase wages in the plantation sector while over 5000
houses are to be handed over shortly. - A Bill introducing a rights-centred approach to persons with disabilities is to be presented
to the Parliament soon.
Sri Lanka has continued to engage constructively with this Council, OHCHR as well as with the
regular human rights mechanisms.
2
Mr. President,
Developments within less than a year clearly demonstrate our genuine commitment and
determination to protect and promote the rights and wellbeing of all Sri Lankans through our
domestic processes.
Therefore the Government is opposed to any external mechanism imposed on us such as
the Sri Lanka Accountability Project which serves to create divisions and complicate the
national reconciliation process underway in Sri Lanka.
We are committed to working towards a country that respects and celebrates the diversity of
its people in line with our domestic legal framework.
The Government will continue to work in close cooperation with the international community
through capacity building and technical assistance in mutually agreed areas to further
strengthen these efforts.
We urge this Council to take note of the progress made within a short period.
We seek your continued support to provide us the time and space that is required to make
use of this historic opportunity to advance the rights and wellbeing of all Sri Lankans through national processes.
