We see the resolution on the island nation as a measure of encouraging and inspiring the government of Sri Lanka, delivering his remarks during the general debate on the report of the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights on Sri Lanka, Ambassador Ravinatha Aryasinha said.

Ambassador Aryasinha’s speech..

 
“I wish to thank all the members of this council and as well as the observers for the support they have extended towards the adoption of the draft resolution titled ‘Promotion, Reconciliation, Accountability and Human Rights in Sri Lanka by Consensus.’

My delegation sees this resolution as a measure of encouraging and inspiring the government of Sri Lanka and the people of Sri Lanka to travel the path it has already begun on January 8 to uphold human rights, establish rule of law, and impunity, strengthen democracy, and good governance.

Members of this council and the larger community of stakeholders of Sri Lanka, this path breaking outcome is the result of courageous and confident leadership of President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe, and the commitment of the government and people of Sri Lanka to uphold and protect human rights both civil and political as well as economic, social and cultural rights, in a manner that the benefits will reach each and every individual and every community living in Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka is pleased to join as the co-sponsor of the resolution on the island nation. As a further manifestation of Sri Lanka’s commitment to implement the provisions of the resolution in a manner that objectives are shared by the people and all the stakeholders of the country for their benefits.

We are eager to commence wide ranging consultations for this purpose as soon as possible in a manner to expand the ownership of its content to all its stakeholders. My delegation looks forward to joining the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) to report the progress made on the ground as requested in the resolution in time to come.”