58th Session of the UN Human Rights Council: Core Group urges SL to prioritize reconciliation and accountability

• Emphasizes importance of using government’s early months in office to address country’s ongoing challenges
• Acknowledges Government’s commitment to making meaningful progress on reconciliation

By Sunil Jayasiri

While commending Sri Lanka’s peaceful elections and the smooth transition of power last year, the Sri Lanka Core Group, has urged the government to prioritize comprehensive reconciliation and accountability processes that are supported by affected communities, build on past recommendations, and meet international standards.  
In a statement delivered following an oral update on Sri Lanka, the Core Group comprising Canada, Malawi, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and the United Kingdom emphasized the importance of using the current government’s early months in office to address the country’s ongoing challenges. The group acknowledged the new Sri Lankan Government’s commitment to making meaningful progress on reconciliation, particularly through the return of land, lifting roadblocks, and enabling communities in the North and East to commemorate the past and honour their loved ones.  
However, the Core Group stressed that to build and sustain trust, it is critical for the Sri Lankan government to ensure the protection of civil society spaces. This includes ending the surveillance and intimidation of civil society actors and organizations, which has been a concern in the past.  
The statement also welcomed the government’s commitment to implementing devolution in accordance with the constitution and advancing governance reforms. In light of ongoing concerns regarding national security laws, the Core Group took note of the government’s intention to replace the Prevention of Terrorism Act. They emphasized that any new legislation should align with Sri Lanka’s international obligations, and called for the release of those still detained under the Act.  
As the Sri Lankan government works toward addressing human rights and corruption cases, the Core Group reiterated the importance of a reconciliation process that is both inclusive and comprehensive, with the support of affected communities. Additionally, they encouraged the revitalization of domestic institutions focused on reparations and the investigation of missing persons.