United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk, who arrived in Sri Lanka on Sunday (23), held official discussions with Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya at the Prime Minister’s Office.
According to a statement from the PMO, Prime Minister Amarasuriya welcomed the High Commissioner and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to engaging constructively with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).
The Prime Minister noted that the recent political transition in Sri Lanka represents a significant shift in the country’s political culture, driven by a historic mandate that reflects support from all communities.
She highlighted the Government’s policy priorities, which focus on alleviating rural poverty, advancing digital transformation, and pursuing legal, political, and social reforms, alongside institutional changes. She also reiterated the Government’s firm commitment to protecting and promoting human rights, encompassing social, educational, health, and economic rights.
Addressing reconciliation efforts, Prime Minister Amarasuriya emphasized the strengthening of domestic mechanisms such as the Office for Missing Persons (OMP), Office for Reparations (OR), and the Office for National Unity and Reconciliation (ONUR).
High Commissioner Türk expressed appreciation for Sri Lanka’s ongoing engagement with the UN system and underscored the importance of continued cooperation in promoting human rights, democratic governance, and national reconciliation.
The meeting was also attended by Marc-André Franche, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Sri Lanka, and other UN officials. The Sri Lankan delegation included Pradeep Saputhanthri, Secretary to the Prime Minister; Aruni Ranaraja, Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment & Tourism; and senior officials from the Prime Minister’s Office and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
