The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, will undertake an official visit to Sri Lanka from June 23 to 26, 2025, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism announced today.
This marks the first visit by a UN Human Rights Chief to Sri Lanka since February 2016.
During his stay, High Commissioner Türk is scheduled to meet with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Prime Minister Dullas Alahapperuma, and several senior government officials, including the Minister of Foreign Affairs. He is also expected to engage with Members of Parliament, Cabinet Ministers, religious leaders, representatives of civil society, the diplomatic community, and the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka.
As part of his itinerary, Türk will travel to Kandy to pay respects at the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and meet with the Chief Prelates of the Malwatte and Asgiriya Chapters. He is also due to visit Jaffna and Trincomalee, where he will meet the Governors of the Northern and Eastern Provinces.
The Ministry stated that the visit aims to facilitate substantive discussions on strengthening human rights and advancing reconciliation, reflecting the government’s ongoing commitment to constructive engagement with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.
