Sri Lanka has reaffirmed its commitment to engaging constructively with the United Nations Human Rights Council and other human rights bodies, though it strongly opposes certain international measures. Himalee Arunatilaka, Sri Lanka’s Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva, voiced objections to Human Rights Council Resolution 51/1, which established an external evidence-gathering mechanism without the country’s consent.
Arunatilaka highlighted Sri Lanka’s economic recovery following a severe financial crisis, pointing to key improvements such as a 5.3% economic growth in early 2024, currency stabilization, and a significant drop in inflation from over 70% in late 2022 to just 1.7% by mid-2024. She noted that these achievements have positively impacted Sri Lankans, though the short-term impact of fiscal austerity measures on vulnerable groups has been acknowledged. To counteract these effects, the government has introduced welfare programs like the “Aswesuma” cash transfer initiative and the national school nutrition scheme.
Addressing lingering issues from the country’s decades-long conflict, she mentioned efforts like ex-combatant rehabilitation, demining, reparations, and the resettlement of internally displaced people. Institutions such as the Office on Missing Persons and the Office for National Unity and Reconciliation are key to the government’s efforts toward fostering national unity and reconciliation.
Arunatilaka criticized a recent report by the UN Human Rights Commissioner for overreaching into economic and financial matters and overlooking Sri Lanka’s progress. She rejected Resolution 51/1, calling it counterproductive and unnecessary, and urged the Council to avoid political bias and double standards.
She concluded by pointing to the upcoming Presidential election on September 21st as a testament to Sri Lanka’s commitment to democratic governance.