United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk, who arrived in Sri Lanka on June 23 for an official visit, held discussions with Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya at the Prime Minister’s Office.
Prime Minister Amarasuriya welcomed the High Commissioner and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to working constructively with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).
She highlighted that the recent political transition in Sri Lanka reflects a significant change in the country’s political culture, supported by a historic mandate from all communities.
The Prime Minister outlined the government’s core priorities: alleviating rural poverty, advancing digital transformation, and implementing legal, political, and institutional reforms for social transformation.
She also reiterated Sri Lanka’s commitment to promoting the full spectrum of human rights, including social, educational, health, and economic rights.
Emphasizing that reconciliation remains a national priority, she noted ongoing support for domestic mechanisms such as the Office for Missing Persons (OMP), Office for Reparations (OR), and Office for National Unity and Reconciliation (ONUR).
High Commissioner Volker Türk expressed appreciation for Sri Lanka’s continued engagement and stressed the importance of collaboration in promoting human rights, democratic governance, and national reconciliation.
The meeting was also attended by UN Resident Coordinator in Sri Lanka Marc-André Franche and other UN officials, alongside Sri Lankan officials including PM’s Secretary Pradeep Saputhanthri, Foreign Secretary Aruni Ranaraja, and senior representatives from relevant ministries.
