UNHRC: Sri Lanka will not accept any external mechanism - Foreign Minister

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka will not agree to any external mechanism to inquire into its human rights issues.

The country's Foreign Minister speaking to reporters in Colombo on Monday (5) said the constitution only allows for a domestic mechanism on Human Rights.

The 51st session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) is scheduled to be held from September 12 to October 07, 2022 in Geneva.

The progress made by Sri Lanka with respect to its Human Rights record, will be up for review.

The Government of then-President Gotabaya Rajapaksa rejected the proposal for any external initiatives purportedly established by the Resolution 46/1, which was adopted earlier.

Foreign Minister Ali Sabry, PC & Justice Minister Dr. Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe will lead Sri Lanka's delgation to the UNHRC.

"Specific instructions have been given for engagement, we are looking at holistic solutions or lasting solutions for the problems or the grievances of all parties who have suffered the long term conflict in this country. Not one party but everyone," said the Foreign Minister.

He aklso said that in an effort to build trust, the government of Sri Lanka is at the conceptualizing stages of establishing an overseas Sri Lankan Co-ordination Secretariat in Sri Lanka.

Commenting on the UNHRC resolutions, the Foreing Minister said that any external mechanism will not be accepted, because our constitution doesn't allow for such external mechanism.

He said that Sri Lanka would agree to any domestic mechanis, however it is a NO to external mechanisms on Sri Lanka's Human Rights record.