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Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath concluded his visit to Geneva on 8th of September 2025, where he addressed the 60th Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) during the Interactive Dialogue on Sri Lanka.
During his address, Minister Herath reiterated Sri Lanka’s commitment to achieving reconciliation through domestic processes and highlighted the measures already taken by the Government to advance the rights and well-being of all Sri Lankans, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism said. He also reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s opposition to externally imposed mechanisms.
The Foreign Minister met with UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk to discuss cooperation and assistance that the UN could provide to support Sri Lanka’s domestic measures to promote and protect human rights, emphasizing the need to address all economic, social, civil, and political rights of all Sri Lankans.
Minister Herath provided updates on issues raised in his statement to the Council, stressing the need for time and space for the Government to fully implement these measures. High Commissioner Türk expressed appreciation for the opportunity to visit Sri Lanka and recognized the historic opportunity for lasting reconciliation.
Additionally, Minister Herath met with the President of the Human Rights Council, Ambassador Jürg Lauber of Switzerland, who welcomed the visit as a sign of high-level political engagement. Engaging with numerous Ambassadors from like-minded countries, Minister Herath expressed Sri Lanka’s gratitude for their continued support and solidarity during the Interactive Dialogue.
