Item 2- Adoption of the resolution ‘Promoting reconciliation, accountability and human rights in Sri Lanka’ (A/HRC/30/L.29)
Posted on October 2nd, 2015
Statement by the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
30th Session of the Human Rights Council
1 October 2015
Remarks by H.E. Mr. Ravinatha P. Aryasinha
Ambassador / Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka
Item 2- Adoption of the resolution ‘Promoting reconciliation, accountability and human rights in Sri Lanka’ (A/HRC/30/L.29)
Mr. President,
I wish to thank all the members of this Council as well as Observer States, for the support that they have extended today for the adoption of Resolution 30/29 titled ‘Promoting reconciliation, accountability and human rights in Sri Lanka’, by consensus.
My delegation sees this resolution as a measure of encouraging and inspiring the Government and the people of Sri Lanka to travel the path it has already begun on the 8th of January, to uphold human rights, establish rule of law, end impunity, strengthen democracy and good governance.
In a clear departure from the past when this Council witnessed the Sri Lanka situation as divisive, today, the Council is joining my delegation to adopt a resolution by consensus, reflecting the common objective of my country, members of this Council and the larger community of stakeholders in Sri Lanka.
This path-breaking outcome is the result of the courageous and confident leadership of President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, and the commitment of the Government and people of Sri Lanka to uphold, promote and protect human rights, both civil and political as well as economic, social and cultural rights, in a manner that their benefits will reach every individual and every community living in Sri Lanka.
Mr. President,
Sri Lanka is pleased to join as a co-sponsor of this resolution as a further manifestation of Sri Lanka’s commitment to implement the provisions of the resolution in a manner that its objectives are shared by the people and all stakeholders in the country, for their benefit. We are eager to commence wide ranging consultations for this purpose as soon as possible in a manner to expand the ownership of its content by all stakeholders.
My delegation looks forward to join the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights to report the progress made on the ground, as requested in the resolution, in time to come.
Thank you.