The visit of High Commissioner Volker Türk to Sri Lanka marks the first by a UN High Commissioner for Human Rights since February 2016. This significant engagement underscores a critical juncture for the island nation, offering a potential pathway towards strengthened human rights protections and lasting stability. The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights concluded a four-day official visit to Sri Lanka from 23 to 26 June 2025. During the visit, High Commissioner Türk called on President Anura Kumara Disanayaka and Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya and had constructive discussions with Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath, Minister of Justice and National Integration Harshana Nanayakkara, Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Ananda Wijepala, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment Arun Hemachandra and Deputy Minister of Defence Major General Aruna Jayasekara. He also met the Speaker of the Parliament, the Chief Justice and several government representatives.
The primary objective of the visit, as articulated by High Commissioner Türk, was to assess progress in advancing human rights, strengthening national reconciliation processes, and ensuring social justice. The Government reiterated to the High Commissioner its sincere commitment to achieving these objectives and briefed on the action already taken and those envisaged, including confidence building measures, the Clean Sri Lanka program, anti-corruption initiatives, further strengthening reconciliation mechanisms, repealing the Prevention of Terrorism Act, revising the Online Safety Act and new laws to advance the rights of persons with disabilities. The discussions highlighted a crucial need for continued accountability and transparency, key pillars for sustainable development and the rebuilding of trust within Sri Lankan society.
Key Developments & Strategic Focus
Over the past six months, Sri Lanka has undertaken several initiatives directly aligned with the High Commissioner’s concerns. The Government’s commitment to the “Clean Sri Lanka” program, aimed at tackling corruption and mismanagement, has received positive attention. Further progress has been made in advancing reconciliation processes, including efforts to address the issue of missing persons through the Office on Missing Persons and to promote social justice through reforms to the legal system.
“These discussions demonstrated a genuine openness to address issues,” noted Dr. Purnima Ramanathan, Senior Fellow at the International Crisis Group. “Sri Lanka’s willingness to engage with the UN High Commissioner’s office signals a potential turning point in its human rights trajectory.”
The High Commissioner’s meetings extended beyond the formal government, reflecting a broader commitment to inclusivity. He engaged with religious leaders – notably the Chief Custodian of the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy and multiple Malwatta and Asgiriya Chapter Mahanayakes – as well as representatives from civil society organizations throughout Colombo, Jaffna, Trincomalee, and Kandy. This demonstrates a deliberate effort to foster dialogue and build bridges across diverse communities.
Short-Term and Long-Term Outlooks
Short-Term (Next 6 Months): Continued momentum from these engagements is anticipated. Successful implementation of the revised Online Safety Act, coupled with sustained efforts to reform the legal framework and enhance accountability, could significantly improve the environment for human rights defenders and civil society organizations. The Government’s ability to maintain open dialogue and address remaining concerns will be critical.
Long-Term (5-10 Years): The ultimate success hinges on sustained commitment and tangible results. Building a genuinely inclusive and equitable society will require a long-term strategy, guided by principles of accountability, transparency, and respect for human rights. “The next decade will be defined by Sri Lanka’s ability to consolidate these gains and address the root causes of conflict and inequality,” added Professor Rohan Silva, Head of the Department of Political Science at the University of Colombo.
Concluding Reflections
High Commissioner Türk concluded his visit with a sense of cautious optimism. “Sri Lanka has the potential to be a model of peaceful co-existence while embracing its diversity as a strength,” he stated. “The world and the multilateral system are facing unprecedented challenges, and Sri Lanka can play a vital role in contributing to a more just and equitable global order. However, sustained commitment and meaningful action are essential.”
The primary objective of the visit, as articulated by High Commissioner Türk, was to assess progress in advancing human rights, strengthening national reconciliation processes, and ensuring social justice. The Government reiterated to the High Commissioner its sincere commitment to achieving these objectives and briefed on the action already taken and those envisaged, including confidence building measures, the Clean Sri Lanka program, anti-corruption initiatives, further strengthening reconciliation mechanisms, repealing the Prevention of Terrorism Act, revising the Online Safety Act and new laws to advance the rights of persons with disabilities. The discussions highlighted a crucial need for continued accountability and transparency, key pillars for sustainable development and the rebuilding of trust within Sri Lankan society.
Key Developments & Strategic Focus
Over the past six months, Sri Lanka has undertaken several initiatives directly aligned with the High Commissioner’s concerns. The Government’s commitment to the “Clean Sri Lanka” program, aimed at tackling corruption and mismanagement, has received positive attention. Further progress has been made in advancing reconciliation processes, including efforts to address the issue of missing persons through the Office on Missing Persons and to promote social justice through reforms to the legal system.
“These discussions demonstrated a genuine openness to address issues,” noted Dr. Purnima Ramanathan, Senior Fellow at the International Crisis Group. “Sri Lanka’s willingness to engage with the UN High Commissioner’s office signals a potential turning point in its human rights trajectory.”
The High Commissioner’s meetings extended beyond the formal government, reflecting a broader commitment to inclusivity. He engaged with religious leaders – notably the Chief Custodian of the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy and multiple Malwatta and Asgiriya Chapter Mahanayakes – as well as representatives from civil society organizations throughout Colombo, Jaffna, Trincomalee, and Kandy. This demonstrates a deliberate effort to foster dialogue and build bridges across diverse communities.
Short-Term and Long-Term Outlooks
Short-Term (Next 6 Months): Continued momentum from these engagements is anticipated. Successful implementation of the revised Online Safety Act, coupled with sustained efforts to reform the legal framework and enhance accountability, could significantly improve the environment for human rights defenders and civil society organizations. The Government’s ability to maintain open dialogue and address remaining concerns will be critical.
Long-Term (5-10 Years): The ultimate success hinges on sustained commitment and tangible results. Building a genuinely inclusive and equitable society will require a long-term strategy, guided by principles of accountability, transparency, and respect for human rights. “The next decade will be defined by Sri Lanka’s ability to consolidate these gains and address the root causes of conflict and inequality,” added Professor Rohan Silva, Head of the Department of Political Science at the University of Colombo.
Concluding Reflections
High Commissioner Türk concluded his visit with a sense of cautious optimism. “Sri Lanka has the potential to be a model of peaceful co-existence while embracing its diversity as a strength,” he stated. “The world and the multilateral system are facing unprecedented challenges, and Sri Lanka can play a vital role in contributing to a more just and equitable global order. However, sustained commitment and meaningful action are essential.”