Sri Lanka reiterated its opposition to the UN evidence-gathering mechanism established by HRC resolution 46/1 and extended by resolution 51/1.

The Sri Lanka delegation in Geneva told the UN Human Rights Council at the ongoing 56th Session that the evidence-gathering mechanism is unhelpful and only serves to divide and further polarize communities in Sri Lanka, with no tangible benefit.

“It also prejudges the commitment of domestic legal processes. It is a drain on scarce resources of Member States,” the Sri Lanka delegation said.

Sri Lanka said it continues to address and strengthen ongoing efforts to promote post conflict reconciliation and human rights through domestic processes established within the constitutional framework.

“Consultations on the draft Truth, Unity, and Reconciliation Commission bill continues, allowing ample time for public input before it is tabled in Parliament. Several consultations have taken place with stakeholders including Members of Parliament representing all political parties including the Northern and the Eastern Provinces and civil society,” the Sri Lanka delegation said.

Sri Lanka also said that demonstrating significant public trust in the Office on Missing Persons (OMP), 5,556 out of 6,025 complainants appeared before the OMP. By April 2024, the OMP traced 16 missing persons, confirming 11 alive, 1 deceased, with 4 cases pending before the Court. Further, 1,709 families received Certificates of Absence (CoA), with the validity extended until 2028. The OMP collaborates with the ICRC to obtain technical assistance in data collection, protection and management and legal and forensic expertise.

“The challenging human rights situations throughout the world must be assessed with impartiality, non-selectivity, objectivity and avoiding double standards in keeping with the founding principles of this Council. Sri Lanka strongly opposes arbitrary and unilateral action which is contrary to these principles. Exceeding the mandate given by Member States to the OHCHR and politicization could lead to erosion of confidence in the work of the OHCHR,” the Sri Lanka delegation said.

Sri Lanka noted that an important aspect of the Government´s economic recovery is the targeted measures towards the poor and vulnerable communities in order to ensure their wellbeing through the provision of essential supplies. This is reflected in the social safety nets initiatives including the Aswesuma cash transfer programme and through several other social welfare measures.

Sri Lanka also welcomed the progress reported by China at the recent 4th cycle of its UPR review. We note the enormous progress made by China in uplifting the lives of the Chinese people which enhances the meaningful realization of their economic, social, civil and political rights.

Sri Lanka remains an active participant in the multilateral framework and will continue to work with international partners to enhance the quality of life of all its peoples.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has signed his first gazette, summoning the Army, Navy, and Air Force for the maintenance of public order in specific areas.

The Gazette Extraordinary detailing the division of institutions and responsibilities under the new Ministries has been published, the President's Media Division said.

Former Kalutara districtMP and Minister Kumara Welgama passed away at the age of 74. He passed away while receiving treatment in a private hospital in Colombo.

The government is to launch a probe into the controversial "e-visa" fraud, in outsourcing visa processing to a foreign company. The government restored the online visa application platform, leaving out the foreign consortium following a ruling by the Supreme Court.

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya has instructed an immediate internal audit regarding the progress of expenditure allocations within the Sports Ministry. This directive was given during a meeting held yesterday, with heads of institutions operating under the Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs.

The majority of MPs who supported Ranil Wickremesinghe in the Presidential Election have now decided to back Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) leader Sajith Premadasa’s candidacy for Prime Minister in the upcoming General Election, former Governor Navin Dissanayake told journalists on Friday (27).

While congratulating President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on his victory, US President Joe Biden said he looks forward to working with President Dissanayake to advance peace, security, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.

The Supreme Court today initiated contempt of court proceedings against former State Intelligence Service (SIS) Director Nilantha Jayawardena for failing to pay the full compensation owed to the victims of the Easter Sunday bomb attacks.

Senior Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Priyantha Weerasooriya has been appointed as the Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP) with immediate effect.

All police security personnel assigned to former Parliamentarians and Ministers have been recalled, police said. However, Senior DIG (Administration) Lalith Pathinayake told the Daily Mirror that police security personnel provided for the former Speaker, former Deputy Speaker and the Opposition Leader will remain in place.

The government will begin negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) immediately and proceed with activities related to the extended credit facility, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said today.

All Ceylon Makkal Congress leader Rishad Bathiudeen has requested President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to cancel the permit for a liquor bar which was newly established on Main Road, Mannar.

India does not seek to control every political move of neighbours, and does not expect that the political dynamics within neighbouring countries will adhere to what India may think is desirable, but Delhi is confident that fundamental realities of interdependence will ensure that relationships with neighbours remains constructive and positive, external affairs minister S Jaishankar has said.

Muditha Peiris has resigned as Chairman of Litro Gas Company, effective from tomorrow (27). Peiris, who took up the position on 13 June, 2022, had previously served as Managing Director of both Litro Gas Lanka Ltd and Litro Gas Terminal Lanka (Pvt) Ltd.

Officials of the Ministry of Power and Energy have informed President Anura Kumara Dissanayake that the country currently has sufficient fuel reserves to meet consumption needs.

Former Parliamentarian and Minister Dilum Amunugama has joined the Mawbima Janatha Party (MJP). Party leader Dilith Jayaweera said in a message posted on X that Amunugama has been appointed as the National Organiser of the Mawbima Janatha Party.

The Supreme Court today ordered that Controller General of Immigration and Emigration, Harsha Ilukpitiya be kept in prison custody within the Supreme Court premises till court proceedings resume in the evening.

The People's Action for Free and Fair Elections (PAFFREL) today urged the public to maintain peace both before and after the general elections, just as they did during the Presidential election.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has signed an Extraordinary Gazette notification to dissolve the Parliament of Sri Lanka, effective from tonight (24). According to reports, the Gazette notification has been sent to the Government Printer for immediate publication.

New governors were sworn in by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake today, the President's Media Division (PMD) said.