News
Govt. urged to allow HRC to visit detained Rohingyas
‘Failure is punishable as contempt of the Commission’
Former PA lawmaker and Ambassador to Iran M.M. Zuhair, PC said that the government should promptly facilitate the Human Rights Commission (HRC) to visit and interview 103 Myanmar Rohingyas detained at an SLAF facility in Mullaitivu.
The following is the text of statement issued by Zuhair: “It is universally known that over 2.5 million Rohingyas have fled Myanmar from 2017 onwards and more intensely since the 2021 coup and again in March 2022 and December 2024 following targeted oppressions and persecutions of ethnic Rohingyas in particular. A large number had been killed or estimated missing in Myanmar numbering over 25,000. Another large number had died in the high seas in their search for refuge in any part of the world.
A number of countries which had taken in the Myanmar Rohingyas fleeing persecution include Bangladesh, India, Thailand, Malaysia, Canada, the UK and the USA.
I had read a US report that in the United States the Rohingyas were on arrival welcomed by Myanmar Buddhists, who had settled earlier having escaped the oppressive junta in Myanmar. In Sri Lanka, too ,we have seen many Sri Lankans from all communities speaking for the Rohingyas here from a humanitarian platform, rising above ethno –religious considerations and reflecting on globally respected Buddhist compassion.
The rescued Rohingiyas comprise 55 females of whom 27 are girls below 16 years and 48 males of whom 24 are boys below 16 years, totaling 103, seeking refuge, and 12 others who facilitated their travel.
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) of 1948, in Article 14 states, “Everyone has the right to seek and to enjoy in other countries asylum from persecution”. Sri Lanka is a party to this United Nations sponsored international convention. Persecution in Myanmar is well known. Violent persecution of Rohingyas is well documented and established beyond debate.
HRCSL must be allowed by the authorities to intervene without any further delay without the authorities looking for technicalities. HRCSL will ensure that article 14 of the UDHR and related provisions of the applicable treaties are duly honoured.
The Directive Principles of State Policy and Fundamental Duties in Chapter VI of the Sri Lanka Constitution provides in Article 27(15) “The State shall promote international peace, security and co-operation, and the establishment of a just and equitable international economic and social order and shall endeavour to foster respect for international law and treaty obligations in dealings among nations”. The Supreme Court has interpreted the obligations of the State to give due regard to international law obligations in several judgments, even in instances where the State is not a party to any specific treaty. The UDHR, however, is a convention to which Sri Lanka is a signatory.
The authorities handling the issue must note that the HRCSL has wide ranging powers, including contempt of the Commission, punishable by the Supreme Court, “if any person refuses or fails to comply with the requirements of a notice or written order or direction issued or made to him by the Commission”.
The HRCSL is empowered to facilitate through the UN High Commissioner for Refugees and the UN organization in Sri Lanka the repatriation to countries agreeing to take them and to prevent their repatriation to Myanmar, the country of persecution from where they fled with their children and dependents. In a previous instance in 2017 Rohingyas who arrived during the previous regime were absorbed by Canada for permanent resettlement in that country.”
As part of the official visit to London for the 43rd Commonwealth of Learning (COL) Board of Governors Meeting 2026, the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, held discussions with academic experts from the British Council on Wednesday [20 May 2026].
The discussions focused on strengthening cooperation in education, particularly in the areas of teacher training, English language programmes, education frameworks, and language acquisition skills.
The British Council shared international experience and highlighted its ongoing engagement in Sri Lanka, while expressing readiness to support the country through technical assistance, teacher development initiatives, and policy collaboration.
Discussions also included views on improving quality assurance, expanding research collaboration, and enhancing learning opportunities.
The Prime Minister appreciated the British Council’s continued engagement in Sri Lanka and reiterated the importance of deepening partnerships.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division’
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, who is currently on an official visit to the United Kingdom, met with members of the Sri Lankan community living in London on Wednesday [20th] and engaged in cordial discussions.
Despite the event being held on a weekday, it was notable that nearly one thousand Sri Lankans representing the Sinhala, Tamil, and Muslim communities attended with great enthusiasm.
Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that despite natural disasters and international crises, the present government has succeeded in stabilizing the country’s economy while providing relief to the people. She further noted that Sri Lanka’s political culture has now undergone a positive transformation that is irreversible.
Minister of Women and Child Affairs Saroja Paulraj, addressing the event, stated that a governance system has now been established in the country where all communities are treated equally and the benefits of economic development are shared fairly among all citizens.
Moving away from the traditional method of political gatherings, the event also provided an open platform for members of the Sri Lankan community to directly raise questions and express their views to the Prime Minister and the Minister.
Commenting on the organization of the event, the organizing committee stated that all expenses, including dinner, were borne by the participants themselves. The organizers further remarked that it is unsurprising that opposition groups, accustomed to organizing such events through the misuse of public funds, appear unsettled by this transparent process.
The occasion was attended by the Minister of Women and Child Affairs Saroja Paulraj and Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Nimal Senadheera.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya currently undertaking an official visit to London, United Kingdom, to participate in the 43rd Commonwealth of Learning (COL) Board of Governors Meeting 2026 held a bilateral meeting with the Yvette Cooper MP, Foreign Secretary of the United Kingdom ON Wednesday [20]. The Prime Minister was accompanied by Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Nimal Senadheera, along with officials from the Sri Lankan High Commission.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister conveyed Sri Lanka’s appreciation to the United Kingdom for the support extended in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwa, including ongoing rebuilding and recovery assistance. The Prime Minister also commended the United Kingdom’s support in facilitating increased bilateral trade and exports for Sri Lanka.
The Prime Minister briefed the UK delegation on Sri Lanka’s recent economic developments and policy priorities, the Government’s commitment to advancing human rights and reconciliation, as well as Sri Lanka’s positive growth trajectory.
The two sides also exchanged views on current global geopolitical developments, challenges in the energy sector, and the importance of enhancing regional connectivity and long-term energy security.
Both sides also emphasised the importance of strengthening structured academic mobility frameworks while ensuring fairness, clarity, and integrity within migration systems.
They also reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening bilateral cooperation between the two countries in areas of mutual interest.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
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