Govt. says SL receives significant cross-regional support at HRC in Geneva

Tue Sep 10 18:38:00 UTC 2024: ## Sri Lanka Praised for Economic Recovery and Reconciliation Efforts at UN Human Rights Council

**Geneva, Switzerland -** Sri Lanka received widespread support at the 57th session of the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) during an interactive dialogue on the country’s human rights situation. A large majority of the 55 countries participating commended Sri Lanka’s progress in stabilizing its economy, implementing social protection measures, and promoting national unity and reconciliation through domestic processes.

Sri Lanka’s Permanent Representative, Ambassador Himalee Arunatilaka, highlighted the government’s success in stabilizing the economy through prudent financial management and governance. She further emphasized Sri Lanka’s commitment to engaging with the UN and upholding human rights principles.

The government’s efforts in promoting national unity and reconciliation were also commended. The ambassador underscored the work of various domestic institutions, including the Office on Missing Persons, the Office for Reparations, and the Office for National Unity and Reconciliation, in addressing past grievances.

However, Sri Lanka expressed strong reservations regarding the report of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), which it deemed unbalanced and lacking recognition of the atrocities committed by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) during the decades-long conflict.

Sri Lanka also reiterated its rejection of Resolution 51/1 and the “Sri Lanka Accountability Project,” criticizing them as unwarranted, counterproductive, and inconsistent with the UN Charter.

Many countries during the dialogue questioned the viability and utility of the “Sri Lanka Accountability Project,” calling it unjustified and divorced from the realities on the ground.

Overall, the Interactive Dialogue saw widespread support for Sri Lanka’s efforts towards economic recovery, social protection, and national reconciliation. The country’s constructive engagement with the HRC was also acknowledged.

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