Statement by Hon. Tilak Marapana, P.C. Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka and Leader of the Sri Lanka Delegation to the 40th Session of the Human Rights Council on Agenda Item 2
Statement by Hon. Tilak Marapana, P.C. Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka and Leader of the Sri Lanka Delegation to the 40th Session of the Human Rights Council on Agenda Item 2 -Interactive Dialogue with the High Commissioner for Human Rights on ‘Promoting Reconciliation, Accountability and Human Rights in Sri Lanka: 20 March 2019 – Geneva.
Mr. President,
Madam High Commissioner/Deputy High Commissioner,
Members of the Council and Delegates to the 40th Session of HRC,
Ladies and Gentlemen.
I am pleased to be at the 40th Session of the HRC to share Sri Lanka’s significant progress on human rights since the last review in 2017. I am joined by my parliamentary colleague Hon. (Dr) Sarath Amunugama, the Governor of the Northern Province Hon (Dr) Suren Raghavan, senior government officials including Foreign Secretary Ravinatha Aryasinha and Deputy Solicitor General Nerin Pulle, and Permanent Representative Ambassador A.L.A. Azeez.
Sri Lanka’s engagement in these Council sessions is in keeping with our government’s vision for a country that embodies the universal values of human rights, justice, rule of law and good governance, while striving to eradicate poverty and ensure economic dividends to all – providing the people a fundamental assurance of security and a sustainable future.