Geneva, 8 September 2026 – Sri Lanka used its appearance at the 63rd Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) to defend its human rights record, highlight ongoing governance and reconciliation reforms, and reiterate its opposition to international accountability mechanisms, while urging member states to assess the country’s situation in a “balanced, objective and constructive” manner.
Delivering Sri Lanka’s statement as the country concerned during the Council’s discussion on the written update of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), the government said it remained committed to protecting human rights, promoting reconciliation and strengthening democratic institutions through nationally driven processes.
The statement came amid continuing international scrutiny of Sri Lanka’s accountability record, governance reforms and efforts to address the legacy of the country’s decades-long armed conflict.
Government Highlights Economic Recovery and Anti-Corruption Efforts
Sri Lanka told the Council that the country had made significant progress over the two years since President Anura Kumara Dissanayaka assumed office with a mandate for economic, social and political transformation. According to the government, despite challenges including Cyclone Ditwah and wider global uncertainties, Sri Lanka had achieved a return to upper-middle-income status and recorded 5 per cent real GDP growth in 2025.
The government said its “Clean Sri Lanka” programme had strengthened anti-corruption efforts, including through the enhancement of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) and the implementation of the National Anti-Corruption Action Plan 2025-2029. Authorities pointed to several landmark convictions and new legislation on public financial and debt management as evidence of greater transparency and accountability.
Opposition to OHCHR Evidence-Gathering Mechanism
A significant portion of Sri Lanka’s intervention focused on rejecting continued international accountability measures.
The government reiterated its opposition to Human Rights Council Resolution 60/1 and, in particular, the extension of the mandate of the OHCHR’s external evidence-gathering mechanism relating to Sri Lanka. According to the statement, such mechanisms risk creating divisions and undermining domestic reconciliation initiatives. The government argued that international engagement should complement rather than replace nationally led processes.
At the same time, Sri Lanka acknowledged that the OHCHR update had recognised what it described as positive developments, including progress in investigations, anti-corruption measures and memorialisation efforts.
Counter-Terrorism Law and Online Safety Reforms
The government informed the Council that the controversial Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) is set to be repealed and replaced by new legislation titled the Protection of the State from Terrorism Act. Authorities said the proposed law includes safeguards against abuse and guarantees fundamental freedoms. The bill has already received Cabinet approval and is expected to be presented to Parliament after publication in the Gazette.
Sri Lanka also stated that amendments to the Online Safety Act were being finalised following consultations with stakeholders.
These reforms have been closely watched by international human rights organisations, which have previously expressed concerns over both legislation governing national security and online expression.
Reconciliation Mechanisms Expanded
The government outlined a series of initiatives aimed at reconciliation and transitional justice, stressing that institutions established to address conflict-related grievances continue to operate and receive expanded support.
Authorities reported increased resources for the Office of Missing Persons (OMP), including an allocation of Rs. 375 million to accelerate investigations into disappearances. The government said the OMP expects to examine a further 10,000 cases over the next two years and is seeking international assistance to strengthen forensic capabilities.
The Office for Reparations and the Office for National Unity and Reconciliation were also highlighted as continuing to provide support through financial assistance, psychosocial programmes and community-based reconciliation initiatives. The government noted that more than 7,000 coexistence societies now operate across the country through the latter institution.
Officials further stated that a draft framework for a Truth and Reconciliation Commission is under review to avoid duplication with existing reconciliation mechanisms.
Land, Refugee and Minority Issues
Sri Lanka said land restitution remains a key component of reconciliation efforts, reporting that the majority of lands previously occupied by security forces have now been returned. A special inter-ministerial committee has been established to examine remaining land issues, including compensation arrangements.
The government also announced new immigration measures to facilitate the voluntary return of Sri Lankan refugees living in India who left the country during the conflict without valid travel documents.
In addition, authorities said longstanding socio-economic issues affecting the Malayaga community are being addressed through a comprehensive policy approach.
Commitment to Accountability
Addressing longstanding international concerns regarding accountability for serious violations, Sri Lanka maintained that any individual alleged to have committed unlawful acts would be investigated and prosecuted through independent national processes, regardless of status or background. The government said recent actions in several high-profile cases demonstrate this commitment and added that investigations have been reopened in some key cases.
The statement also reiterated the government’s pledge to prevent the resurgence of racism and extremism and to promote a society that respects diversity.
Defence of Judicial Reforms
Responding indirectly to criticism from legal groups and rights advocates, the government defended proposed reforms affecting the judiciary.
Sri Lanka insisted that planned changes, including provisions to increase the number of judges and raise the retirement age for members of the judiciary, are intended to improve the efficiency of the justice system. Authorities argued that the reforms would help address court backlogs, retain judicial expertise, improve access to justice and strengthen appellate functions across the country.
The government stressed its commitment to safeguarding judicial independence, impartiality and integrity, as well as upholding the principles of separation of powers and fair trial rights.
Prison Conditions and Torture Concerns
The government acknowledged persistent challenges within the prison system, including overcrowding, resource shortages and the consequences of prolonged incarceration, particularly for drug-related offences.
Sri Lanka said prison reform efforts are being accelerated to improve administration, reduce overcrowding and strengthen rehabilitation programmes. The statement referred to the recent deadly incidents at Negombo Prison, noting that independent investigations are underway and that a Committee of Inquiry appointed with Cabinet approval is conducting a comprehensive examination of the events.
The government further highlighted the June 2026 visit by the UN Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture, stating that unrestricted access had been granted to places of detention throughout the country.
Engagement with UN Human Rights Mechanisms
Sri Lanka emphasised what it described as constructive engagement with the United Nations human rights system.
The government noted that the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights visited Sri Lanka in June 2025 and that the country had cooperated with several UN treaty bodies, including the Committee on Enforced Disappearances, the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women, the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture.
The statement also highlighted visits by senior UN officials, including the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Violence against Children and the UNDP Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific.
Officials additionally announced Cabinet approval for the establishment of an Inter-Ministerial Standing Committee on Human Rights, which will coordinate monitoring and reporting on Sri Lanka’s international human rights obligations.
Call for Balanced Assessment
Concluding its address, Sri Lanka argued that its post-war recovery continues to require patience, institutional reform and reconciliation efforts while recognising both ongoing challenges and achievements. The government maintained that it remains committed to strengthening independent institutions, combating corruption, protecting fundamental freedoms, advancing reconciliation and upholding the rule of law.
It called on the Human Rights Council to support Sri Lanka’s national efforts and to evaluate the country’s human rights situation through what it described as a balanced and constructive approach.