Prof Peiris explains domestic human rights mechanisms to Singer

Foreign Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris has briefed UN Resident Coordinator Hanaa Singer-Hamdy on Thursday (2) as regards post-war reconciliation measures undertaken by the government. They dealt with several issues when the top Colombo-based official paid a courtesy call on the newly appointed Foreign Minister.

The following is the text of a statement issued by the Foreign Ministry as regards the discussion Prof Peiris had with UN Resident Coordinator: “Minister Peiris thanked the UNRC for the constructive and ongoing cooperation between Sri Lanka and the UNRC and the UN country team in the context of the national development priorities and needs for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He briefed the UNRC on Sri Lanka’s ongoing efforts to contain the Covid pandemic and the challenges faced in this regard. He appreciated the work done by the UN including WHO and UNICEF as well as the assistance received through the ADB and the World Bank. The Minister also briefed the UNRC on the progress made through domestic mechanisms on human rights including SDG 16 dealing with Peace, Justice and Institutions.

The UNRC briefed the Minister about the preparation process underway between Sri Lanka and the United Nations under the Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework 2023 – 2027 which embodied the priorities for Sri Lanka in cooperation with the UN for the next five years. This is the last cycle of the UNSDCF ahead of the target set for the SDGs in 2030. She reiterated the cooperation of the UN country team in all aspects of Sri Lanka’s efforts to achieve peace and development.”