We Will Not Accept External Mechanisms; Foreign Minister’s Statement to the Council

10-Sep-2025

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“The progress we have achieved in a very short period demonstrates our government’s commitment to ensuring accountability through domestic mechanisms. External accountability projects on Sri Lanka will undermine our nationally driven reconciliation processes. Therefore, we cannot accept such external mechanisms,” declared Foreign Minister, Minister of Foreign Employment and Tourism, Vijitha Herath, addressing the UN Human Rights Council.

Herath’s remarks came in response to the High Commissioner’s report during the 60th session in Geneva on 08 September 2025. Outlining Sri Lanka’s stance, he stated:

“The people elected us last year in expectation of a new political culture. Accordingly, we are implementing measures to secure socio-economic welfare and development. Our anti-corruption efforts have already produced significant results in a short time.

We are taking steps to repeal the Prevention of Terrorism Act and replace it with counter-terrorism legislation aligned with international standards. Measures are underway to amend the Public Security Ordinance. Work is in progress to draft legislation to establish a Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

Funds have been allocated for exhumation of the Chemmani mass grave, with facilities provided for related processes. Civil society has been given space for their activities. The right to memorialization has been recognized. We have also decided to celebrate a National Sri Lankan Day in the first week of December to reflect reconciliation.

The allegations in the High Commissioner’s report concerning the Attorney General’s Department are completely false. We are committed to ensuring accountability and justice through credible domestic mechanisms. Investigations are underway into the Easter Sunday attacks and the cases of murdered journalists.

Large extents of land acquired by the military in the North and East have been released, and compensation has been arranged for lands that could not be released. In the plantations, 5,000 newly constructed houses will soon be handed over.

We are ready to extend full cooperation to the Human Rights Council and the High Commissioner’s office. The progress we have achieved demonstrates our commitment to accountability through domestic mechanisms. External accountability projects such as the OHCHR’s Sri Lanka accountability initiative would undermine our national reconciliation processes. Therefore, we will never accept them.”