Resolution on Sri Lanka tabled at UNHRC, calls for accountability and reforms

The Sri Lanka Core Group, comprising Canada, Malawi, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and the United Kingdom, has tabled a resolution at the 60th Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), calling on Sri Lanka to take concrete steps toward reconciliation, accountability, and the protection of human rights.

Titled “Promoting Reconciliation, Accountability and Human Rights in Sri Lanka”, the resolution builds on earlier UNHRC actions and reflects continuing international concern over unresolved human rights violations, governance challenges, and the need for inclusive reforms.  

The text acknowledges the successful conduct of presidential, parliamentary, and local elections in 2024 and 2025 but urges greater devolution of power in line with the 13th Amendment to the Constitution. It also welcomes efforts to address the economic crisis while stressing that corruption, militarization, impunity, and weak accountability remain underlying causes.  

The resolution calls for a comprehensive accountability process covering violations by all parties, including the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), while urging investigations into emblematic cases and the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings.  

It notes the Government’s pledge to repeal the Prevention of Terrorism Act but raises concern over continuing detentions under the law, urging a moratorium and full compliance with international human rights obligations in any new counter-terrorism legislation. Similarly, while welcoming commitments to amend the Online Safety Act, the resolution highlights concerns over its lack of judicial oversight and broad enforcement powers.  

The text also addresses longstanding issues of enforced disappearances, mass graves, land disputes, and military occupation, while urging protection for journalists, activists, and victims’ families.  

If adopted, the resolution will extend the mandate of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights to continue monitoring Sri Lanka, with periodic updates and a comprehensive review scheduled for the Council’s 66th session.