Foreign Minister Wijitha Herath is set to meet domestic human rights activists

02-Sep-2025

.

The 60th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) will commence on September 8.

Prior to leaving for Geneva, Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath will meet with domestic human rights activists, civil society organizations, and diplomats. 

These meetings are scheduled to take place on September 3 and September 4.

During his meeting with international diplomats on September 3, Minister Herath is expected to outline the progress made on human rights initiatives in Sri Lanka and the government’s future plans. 

Special attention will also be paid to the new report on Sri Lanka to be presented by UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk.

Reports indicate that the Sri Lankan government is seeking further time with respect to accountability for past human rights violations. The government has also decided to directly respond to the High Commissioner’s report through negotiations.

However, concerns have been raised that the report will include allegations of war crimes against the Sri Lankan military.

In this context, former Minister Rear Admiral Sarath Weerasekara has organized a signature campaign to oppose the report. 

The High Commissioner’s report is expected to provide an assessment of Sri Lanka’s human rights situation, legal processes, and government cooperation.