The Government has rejected calls by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) for international action on advancing accountability in Sri Lanka, stressing that such external initiatives would only hinder ongoing national efforts and further polarise the population.
Instead, the Government urged the OHCHR and the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) to provide the necessary space to allow Sri Lanka to pursue its own processes in advancing the rights and wellbeing of all citizens.
“In this regard, Sri Lanka observes that external initiatives will only serve as hindrances to the ongoing national efforts and serve to polarise the population. The Government of Sri Lanka does not agree with the conclusions and recommendations in the report with regard to international action,” the Government said in its official response to the comprehensive OHCHR report on the country’s human rights situation.
The report was compiled following the visit to Sri Lanka in June by UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk. The Government’s comments were conveyed to the OHCHR through the Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka to the United Nations in Geneva.
Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath is scheduled to leave for Geneva today to address the 60th session of the UNHRC, which begins tomorrow, where he will reiterate Sri Lanka’s position on the domestic accountability process.
Reaffirming its stance, the Government said it remains committed to building a nation that respects and celebrates diversity, without divisions or discrimination based on race, religion, class, or caste. It further pledged not to allow a resurgence of racism or extremism in the country.
“As Sri Lanka moves forward on this path through its domestic processes, the understanding, encouragement and support of the international community is welcomed and appreciated,” the Government’s statement added.
The Government also announced that new counter-terrorism legislation is expected to be gazetted by September 2025, repealing the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA).
“The Cabinet-appointed Committee in this regard continues its deliberations towards finalising draft counter-terrorism legislation that aligns with international standards and best practices,” the statement said.
Additionally, the Government confirmed plans to establish an independent public prosecutor’s office to strengthen accountability. A Cabinet-approved committee is already deliberating on the framework for this office.
“On 4 August 2025, the Cabinet of Ministers decided to further expand the composition of the Committee with more experts on the subject and to call for the views of the general public as well as the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka,” the statement noted.
