The Foreign Ministry has noted with regret that the Sri Lanka section of the HRW “World Report 2022” depicts an exaggerated and unduly negative picture of the current human rights situation in the country.
Sri Lanka follows a policy of constructive engagement with the international community including with international NGO’s such as HRW on matters related to human rights, and we recognize their constructive role as human rights defenders. However, sensationalized and biased reporting during a particularly challenging global economic and social environment risks igniting and aggravating domestic discord. We highlight the importance of responsible, balanced and impartial reporting.
At the Human Rights Council in Geneva in September last year, Foreign Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris stated that Sri Lanka is engaged in pursuing sustainable peace, through an inclusive, domestically designed and executed reconciliation and accountability process. Sri Lanka also reiterated its long-standing commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights in line with our own constitution and our international obligations.
This message was reiterated recently by the President at the opening of the 9th Session of the Parliament of Sri Lanka on 18 January 2022.
