No need for foreign intervention; we will strengthen accountability internally: Minister Vijitha Herath

24-Aug-2025

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Accountability processes will be strengthened within domestic mechanisms. Foreign intervention in investigations is unnecessary. At the national level, we have strengthened mechanisms, and the judiciary has been made independent. There is no interference in the judiciary or police. With corrections, we have ensured their independence. The government has the duty to protect the human rights of all citizens, said Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism, Vijitha Herath.

Speaking during the adjournment debate on August 22, he further said:
When we took office last September, the country was bankrupt, unable to repay debts. The government had to focus on rescuing the economy. We engaged with the IMF, prioritized poverty alleviation, and restructured 90% of bilateral debt.

Strengthening ethnic harmony is crucial for rebuilding the economy. All ethnicities are citizens of this country; we are one family. We must unite to rebuild the nation. For this reason, special people’s mandates were given in the North, East, and Hill Country. We must learn from history and move forward.

We have already implemented many welfare and development programs. Poverty alleviation and digitalization are key priorities. Civil war itself was born from economic injustice. That is why we base our programs on economic rights for all.

On the Constitution and Ethnic Issue: We act in line with the Constitution, protecting sovereignty and authority. We will not bow to external powers. The Provincial Council system has not resolved the ethnic issue, but as it is part of the Constitution, we must hold elections. Legal obstacles remain, but we will reform and ensure elections happen.

On a New Constitution: To achieve a lasting solution, a new Constitution is necessary. We will draft one with public and parliamentary input and submit it to a referendum. Past constitutions were imposed; ours will have public approval. But this is not immediate—first we must stabilize the economy.

On Reconciliation: We are committed to accountability, reconciliation, and protecting human rights. Past governments avoided UNHRC recommendations; we will implement them. We have 5-year reconciliation programs for all regions, supported by UN technical assistance.

On Accountability: Domestic processes are enough. Courts and police are independent. Previously stalled cases are now moving. Trust must be restored to avoid foreign involvement.
On PTA: We promised to repeal it. A committee has already drafted changes. The repeal bill will be gazetted by September. While removing PTA, we will bring strong laws against organized crime and drug trafficking.

On Truth and Reconciliation Commission: This was in our manifesto and will be implemented. Flaws in the Office for Missing Persons law will be corrected.
On Chemmani mass grave: Judicial proceedings are underway, with facilities provided for independent investigation. No interference. Relatives are identifying remains.
On Remembrance rights: Citizens may mourn their dead. Both North and South held memorials. But separatist symbols or slogans won’t be allowed.
On Land release: Military-used lands are being released. Recently misunderstood gazette was withdrawn.
We are committed to accountability, rights, and reconciliation—not due to UN pressure but as our duty. Development projects in the North (including 3 investment zones) are also underway.
We are a sovereign government, not bound by foreign pressure. Decisions are made honestly, the Minister said.