UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk will conduct an official visit to Sri Lanka from 23 to 26 June 2025. It will be the fourth such visit by a UN Human Rights Chief to the country.
During his visit, Türk is scheduled to meet President Anura Kumara Disanayake, Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment & Tourism Vijitha Herath, Minister of Justice & National Integration Harshana Nanayakkara, and Members of Parliament, among other State and local officials. He will also meet with the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, religious leaders, and representatives of civil society organisations, as well as UN entities and members of the diplomatic corps.
The High Commissioner will discuss a wide range of human rights issues, including accountability and effective remedies for victims of human rights violations, as well as reconciliation efforts. He will also address the human rights impact of the economic crisis, and ways to promote economic recovery and social justice for the benefit of all Sri Lankans.
In addition to the capital of Colombo, Türk is scheduled to visit the eastern city of Trincomalee, Jaffna in the north and the central city of Kandy.
He will hold a news conference in Colombo at the end of his mission on Thursday, 26 June.
