United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk concluded a three-day mission to Sri Lanka today, urging the government to act on long-standing human rights concerns, advance justice for victims, and seize the current momentum for reconciliation and reform.
Speaking to media in Colombo at the end of his visit, Türk noted a “real momentum of change” in the country and emphasised the importance of turning words into action. He met with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, a range of political leaders, judicial and security officials, civil society members, and survivors of human rights abuses.
“I feel a palpable desire—both in the Government and civil society—to move beyond the entrenched identity politics of ethnicity, religion, language, caste and class,” Türk said. “There is an opportunity to build a new social contract, a human rights economy that addresses inequality, injustice and the legacy of past abuses.”
A significant highlight of the visit was Türk’s trip to the recently reopened mass grave site in Chemmani, where he met with grieving families still searching for loved ones decades after their disappearance. “Like thousands of others, they want closure after 30 years of not knowing,” he said, adding that truth-telling, justice, reparations and guarantees of non-recurrence are vital for healing.
Türk praised the growing space for memorialisation in areas like Jaffna, but also warned that patterns of surveillance targeting human rights defenders persist. “Civil society must be seen as a partner in nation-building, particularly when resources are limited,” he stressed.
Addressing domestic accountability, the High Commissioner noted that Sri Lanka’s efforts have often failed to earn the trust of victims. He reiterated the importance of credible national mechanisms complemented by international support. He also highlighted his office’s ongoing initiative to collect and preserve evidence for future accountability efforts.
He welcomed the government’s decision to revive investigations into several prominent cases, including the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings, and urged authorities to demonstrate progress in longstanding human rights cases to build public confidence.
Marking the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, Türk voiced concern over ongoing reports of torture and sexual violence, calling for urgent police and security sector reforms. He commended the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka for its work, particularly in addressing custodial deaths.
The UN rights chief also called for the repeal of the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), a moratorium on its use, and the expedited release of long-term detainees held under it. He also urged the repeal of the Online Safety Act.
On gender and minority rights, Türk welcomed progress such as the decriminalisation of same-sex relations—pending in Parliament—but pointed to ongoing wage disparities, gender-based violence, and discriminatory laws like the Muslim Marriage and Divorce Act, which he urged be amended to meet international human rights standards.
Recalling the 2022 economic crisis, he expressed concern for the continued plight of vulnerable communities, especially plantation workers, and emphasised the need to address economic inequality and social protection.
He also urged the government to take swift, confidence-building measures to release militarily occupied land, resolve religious and archaeological land disputes, and facilitate the return of displaced Muslim communities.
Türk stressed the role of religious leaders in promoting inter-faith harmony and combating hate speech. “In a world where hate is becoming the norm, Sri Lanka has the potential to become a story of hope,” he said.
Concluding his visit, he expressed optimism for continued engagement with Sri Lanka and reaffirmed the UN Human Rights Office’s readiness to support the country’s journey toward unity, justice, and sustainable peace.
