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Core Group on Sri Lanka to present resolution at UNHRC session

Published

6 years ago

2021/02/21

British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Sara Hulton says the Core Group on Sri Lanka plans to take forward a further resolution to promote reconciliation, accountability and human rights in Sri Lanka at the upcoming Human Rights Council Session.

The statement issued by the Core Group – consisting of UK, Canada, Germany, North Macedonia, Malawi and Montenegro – stressed that there is an ‘ongoing importance’ of addressing Sri Lanka in the Human Rights Council.

“The Core Group pays tribute to the people of Sri Lanka and wishes to highlight our ongoing commitment to accountability, reconciliation and inclusive peace in Sri Lanka.”

The statement said that the Core Group recognizes and welcomes the progress made by the Sri Lankan government in rebuilding infrastructure, demining, land return and resettling internally displaced persons.

However, it is clear that more needs to be done to address the ‘harmful legacies of war’ and build a sustainable peace in the country, the Core Group reiterated.

It further said the United Nations Human Rights Council will consider an important report recently published by the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) on human rights, reconciliation and accountability in Sri Lanka.

The Core Group highlighted that it has been important for them to work collaboratively and constructively with the Sri Lankan government over the last five years. “Consequently, we have engaged with the Government of Sri Lanka in preparation for the Council.”

“The Core Group noted the ongoing importance of addressing Sri Lanka in the Human Rights Council. Informed by the report, the Core Group intends to present a resolution to promote reconciliation, accountability and human rights in Sri Lanka.”

In her report published in late January, the UN Human Rights Commissioner Michelle Bachelet had stressed that the failure of Sri Lanka to address past violations has significantly heightened the risk of human rights violations being repeated.

She also called for an International Criminal Court investigation into Sri Lanka’s Tamil separatist conflict and sanctions on military officials accused of war crimes.

“Domestic initiatives for accountability and reconciliation have repeatedly failed to produce results, more deeply entrenching impunity, and exacerbating victims’ distrust in the system,” the report read. It went on to say that the government of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has reversed some advances made under previous administrations in protecting human rights.

Sri Lankan government, in response, stated that it plans to reject the report compiled by the UN rights chief on alleged human rights violations in the country. Sri Lanka’s response to the report, which has already been submitted in writing, will be made public when Foreign Affairs Minister Dinesh Gunawardena addresses the UN Human Rights Council.

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Namal remanded until Sept. 18 over Airbus deal investigation

Published

34 mins ago

2026/09/5

Thilina Walpola

Namal Rajapaksa being brought to the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) National Organiser and Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa was yesterday remanded until September 18 by the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court following his arrest by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) in connection with an investigation into the controversial SriLankan Airlines Airbus aircraft transaction.

Rajapaksa appeared before the CIABOC at around 9.15 am yesterday to record a statement after being summoned over the transaction. He was taken into custody following several hours of questioning and subsequently produced before the Colombo Chief Magistrate.

The investigation centres on allegations surrounding the acquisition of six Airbus A330 and eight A350 aircraft by SriLankan Airlines in 2013, in connection with an alleged USD 2 million bribe.

Former SriLankan Airlines Chief Executive Officer Kapila Chandrasena and his wife, Priyanka Niyomali Wijenayake, had previously been named in connection with the alleged bribery.

Chandrasena was arrested on March 12 as part of an investigation launched by the CIABOC under the Anti-Corruption Act and was subsequently released on bail. He was later found dead on May 8 while on bail, with police suspecting that his death was a suicide.

Open warrants have been issued for the arrest of Wijenayake, who is named as the second suspect, and Shamindra Rajapaksa, named as the third suspect, in the case pending before the Fort Magistrate’s Court in connection with the Airbus transaction.

The investigation has also received assistance from Airbus, with a delegation from the company’s parent group in France visiting Sri Lanka during the first week of August. The delegation provided statements and other assistance to the CIABOC as part of the ongoing inquiry.

Rajapaksa’s arrest and remand yesterday mark a further development in the widening investigation into the controversial aircraft deal.

News

Dengue cases surpass 96,000 this year

Published

36 mins ago

2026/09/5

Thilina Walpola

The number of dengue cases reported in Sri Lanka this year has risen to 96,040, with 72 deaths recorded so far, according to the National Dengue Control Unit.

The Unit said 10,155 cases were reported in August alone, highlighting the continuing spread of the disease across several parts of the country.

The Western Province has recorded the highest number of cases at 50,760, followed by the Southern Province with 13,931, the Central Province with 8,788 and the Sabaragamuwa Province with 7,910.

At district level, Gampaha has reported the highest number of cases at 20,444, followed by Colombo with 19,008.

Kandy has recorded 7,043 cases, while Kalutara and Matara have reported 6,181 and 6,154 cases,a respectively.

The National Dengue Control Unit said 50 Medical Officer of Health (MOH) areas across the country have been identified as high-risk areas for dengue.

Health authorities have continued to urge the public to take measures to prevent mosquito breeding, particularly in areas where a high incidence of dengue has been reported.

News

PM Harini, Bhutan King explore closer ties

Published

37 mins ago

2026/09/5

Thilina Walpola

Prime Minister Dr. Amarasuriya meets King of Bhutan

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya met King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck of Bhutan at the historic Tashichhodzong, in Thimphu, last Wednesday (02), with discussions focusing on Bhutan’s development priorities and ways to strengthen bilateral relations with Sri Lanka.

The meeting took place during Dr. Amarasuriya’s official visit to Bhutan.

The Bhutanese King expressed interest in drawing on Sri Lanka’s experience and expertise in areas relevant to the country’s long-term development plans, according to a statement issued, following the meeting.

The two sides also discussed opportunities to expand investment cooperation, including a proposal to establish an investment zone in Bhutan.

The discussions further covered demographic challenges facing Bhutan, particularly the increasing migration of young people and its potential impact on the country’s future workforce and population.

Both sides underscored the importance of sustainable development and creating greater opportunities for young people to contribute to national economic growth and development.

The meeting formed part of efforts to broaden cooperation between Sri Lanka and Bhutan beyond traditional areas of bilateral engagement, with investment, development expertise and demographic concerns emerging as areas of common interest.