16 June 2026 11:50 UTC · UK Government · GOV.UK Speech · Source · Email X Link

UK Government urges Sri Lanka to advance reforms

Key points

Urges progress on long-standing human rights cases
Calls for criminal justice reform and alignment of terrorism law with international obligations

TL;DR

The UK Government, speaking for the Sri Lanka Core Group, thanks the High Commissioner’s Office and urges Sri Lanka to address impunity, protect human rights defenders, progress mass grave and enforced disappearance investigations, reform the criminal justice system, and align terrorism legislation with international human rights obligations.

Original text

Thank you Mr President. This statement is by the Sri Lanka Core Group comprising Canada, Malawi, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and the United Kingdom. High Commissioner, we thank your Office for its continued work on Sri Lanka. We acknowledge government efforts to enable communities to commemorate peacefully, and without disruption, the loss of life at the end of the armed conflict in 2009. While we note some progress in long-standing human rights cases, reports persist of intimidation of witnesses and family members. Meaningful progress in these cases is essential to address impunity and restore public confidence . We also urge necessary reforms to the criminal justice system to expedite prosecutions in other emblematic cases. We acknowledge developments in certain mass grave investigations. We urge that excavations meet international standards and much greater progress addressing enforced disappearances. Implementation of a credible, inclusive reconciliation process supported by affected communities remains vital. Ongoing reports of harassment of human rights defenders, especially women defenders, are troubling. We are also concerned by the continued use of the Prevention of Terrorism Act and urge the Government to introduce legislation consistent with its international human rights obligations. We stand ready to support Sri Lanka in advancing reforms, in line with its international commitments. Thank you

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Word count: 207

Summary words: 69

Compression: 33%

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Sri Lanka Core Group

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