Volker Türk Praises Sri Lanka’s Path to Unity and Rights Reform

COLOMBO (News 1st); United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has expressed his full support for Sri Lanka’s current trajectory under President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, praising efforts to strengthen national unity, promote reconciliation, and uphold human rights.

During a meeting at the Presidential Secretariat on Thursday (26), Türk commended the political and social transformation underway in the country. 

He noted that citizens from both the North and South have placed strong confidence in the President and his administration, and that his visit has provided him with a clear understanding of the transformation taking place.

United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk also highlighted the renewed optimism among Sri Lankans for a brighter future, emphasizing the importance of maintaining momentum in the reconciliation process.

A key topic of discussion was the issue of missing persons. The High Commissioner acknowledged the shared pain experienced by families across the country and stressed the UN Human Rights Office’s expectation that the Sri Lankan Government will honor the trust placed in it by these families. He also underscored the need to strengthen and restructure institutions responsible for addressing this issue, noting that past political cultures had hindered their effectiveness.

President Dissanayake responded by affirming his administration’s deep understanding of the suffering caused by disappearances, having directly experienced such losses as a political movement. He reiterated his government’s commitment to implementing reforms that promote unity, reconciliation, and human rights.

The President also emphasized that restoring economic stability remains a top priority. He called for continued international support, including from the UN Human Rights Office, to help convey Sri Lanka’s true circumstances to the global community and improve its international standing.