A joint report evaluating Sri Lanka’s recent political and human rights developments was submitted to the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) during its 58th session yesterday (03).
The submission, led by the United Kingdom, was supported by Canada, Malawi, Montenegro, and North Macedonia, collectively known as the Sri Lanka Core Group.
“To build lasting trust and progress in Sri Lanka, it is crucial for the government to protect civil society spaces by ending surveillance and intimidation of activists and organizations. This will help create an environment where civil society can thrive and contribute to the nation’s recovery,” it said.
The Core Group urged the government to reinvigorate domestic institutions focused on reparations and addressing missing persons, ensuring that affected communities feel heard and supported.
The report commended Sri Lanka’s peaceful elections and the smooth transition of power that took place last year.
It noted the actions of the incumbent government under its new leadership and emphasized the importance of addressing ongoing challenges as the country continues to recover and rebuild.
“We recognize that the new Sri Lankan Government has only been in place for four months, and we encourage Sri Lanka to use the opportunity that this transition represents to address the challenges it faces,” the report stated.
The Core Group expressed appreciation for the steps already taken by the government toward reconciliation, such as returning land, lifting roadblocks, and allowing communities in the North and East to commemorate past events and memorialize their loved ones.
The report also welcomed commitments by the government to implement devolution in line with the constitution and make progress on governance reforms.
The Sri Lanka Core Group further took note of the government’s stated intention to replace the controversial Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA).
The report emphasized that any new legislation should align with Sri Lanka’s international obligations, calling for the release of individuals still detained under the PTA.
“As the Government seeks to make progress on human rights and corruption cases, we urge that any comprehensive reconciliation and accountability process carry the support of affected communities, build on past recommendations, and meet international standards,” the report added.
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