Foreign Minister briefs country developments to Colombo’s diplomatic corps
Foreign Minister Ali Sabry convened a briefing on current developments in Sri Lanka for the Colombo-based diplomatic corps at the Foreign Affairs Ministry on Friday (23). The Minister emphasised several achievements across various fronts during the past year, including advancements in economic recovery, legal reforms and the strengthening of domestic institutions and mechanisms focused on reconciliation.
Minister Sabry highlighted that the Government has taken concerted efforts towards the establishment of a Commission for Truth, Unity and Reconciliation including gazetting the draft Bill, and tabling it in Parliament. As the Justice Minister, he reiterated the progress that has been achieved in drafting comprehensive legislation on counter terrorism to replace the PTA, and notable progress on matters related to reconciliation processes coming under the purview of the Justice Ministry, including the advancements made by the Office on Missing Persons (OMP), Office for Reparations (OR) and Office for National Unity and Reconciliation (ONUR).
An overview of the economic revival of the country was provided by Central Bank Governor, Dr. P. Nandalal Weerasinghe highlighting the envisaged way forward for continued economic stabilisation, while conveying appreciation to the international community for their support towards Sri Lanka’s economic recovery. J.M.S.D. Ratnayaka, Additional Director of National Planning Department, Finance, Economic Stabilisation and National Policies Ministry briefed the participants on the social safety measures implemented by the Government and the newly launched Social Protection Policy to support vulnerable groups.
Foreign Ministry Secretary Aruni Wijewardane called on the Colombo-based Diplomatic community to understand the current situation in Sri Lanka, support the progress made thus far, and invited them to participate during the Interactive Dialogue on Sri Lanka at the upcoming session of the Human Rights Council. She also highlighted Sri Lanka’s continued cooperation with the UN human rights mechanisms as well as with the multilateral system. However, Sri Lanka will continue to oppose UNHRC Resolution 46/1 and 51/1 which were adopted by a divided vote in the Council.
Representatives from the Justice, Prison Affairs and Constitutional Reforms Ministry, Attorney General’s Department, Office on Missing Persons, Office for Reparations, Office for National Unity and Reconciliation, Interim Secretariat of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, and the Office for Overseas Sri Lankans were also present at the briefing.
Members of the Diplomatic Corps expressed appreciation for the regular briefings provided by the Foreign Affairs Ministry on the current situation and the steps taken towards recovery and reconciliation, and the regular engagement with related agencies.
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