Delivered by the UK’s Human Rights Ambassador, Eleanor Sanders, at the 61st Human Rights Council in Geneva.
(Geneva 02 March 2026) The Sri Lanka Core Group, comprising Canada, Malawi, Montenegro, North Macedonia and the United Kingdom, on Monday expressed condolences to Sri Lanka following the loss of life and damage caused by Cyclone Ditwah in November, while reiterating longstanding concerns over human rights, accountability and counter-terrorism legislation.
Delivering a statement at an international forum, the group acknowledged recent steps taken by the Sri Lankan government to allow communities of different backgrounds to commemorate losses stemming from the country’s conflict era. The Core Group underscored that memorialisation plays a vital role in reconciliation and encouraged the authorities to continue making progress in this area.
At the same time, the group renewed its call for the repeal and non-use of the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), expressing heightened concern over the latest draft of the proposed Protection of the State from Terrorism Bill. According to the statement, the revised bill raises “even greater concerns than previously,” with the Core Group stressing that any counter-terrorism framework must comply fully with Sri Lanka’s international human rights obligations.
The statement also addressed ongoing land issues in former conflict-affected areas, noting that while some military-held land has been released, the pace of releases remains slow. The group referred to recent commitments made by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on transitional justice, anti-racism measures and emblematic human rights cases, but observed that concrete outcomes remain limited.
Concerns were also raised about the strength and independence of key domestic institutions. The Core Group noted that threats against witnesses, victims and journalists associated with human rights cases continue, highlighting the need for stronger protections and accountability mechanisms.
Emphasising the importance of institutional reform, the group said that strong and independent domestic institutions are essential to uphold human rights. In this context, it called for the planned independent prosecutor’s office to move from proposal to implementation.
The Core Group further welcomed the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) report on conflict-related sexual violence, paying tribute to survivors who came forward to share their experiences. The statement urged Sri Lanka to engage constructively with the OHCHR, strengthen legal protections and ensure justice for survivors of such abuses.
The statement concluded by reaffirming the Core Group’s engagement on human rights issues in Sri Lanka.
02 March 2026