The Cabinet has approved the creation of a standing committee to coordinate human rights activities and strengthen Sri Lanka's compliance with international obligations under UN treaties and review mechanisms.
Sri Lanka's Cabinet has approved the establishment of an Inter-Ministerial Standing Committee on Human Rights, aimed at creating a structured national framework for monitoring and reporting on human rights matters. According to Cabinet Spokesperson Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, the committee will coordinate efforts among relevant government ministries, departments, and institutions to strengthen institutional collaboration and ensure systematic follow-up on international commitments.
The move responds to Sri Lanka's obligations as a signatory to nine core international human rights treaties and five optional protocols administered by the United Nations. The country participates in the Universal Periodic Review (UPR), a UN mechanism requiring member states to report on domestic progress in advancing human rights protections. Following its fourth-cycle UPR in 2023, Sri Lanka is eligible to submit a voluntary mid-term progress report before its next scheduled review.
The proposed committee is expected to facilitate coordination in preparing these international reports while monitoring implementation of recommendations received from other UN member states. Dr. Jayatissa indicated the mechanism would enhance continuity in Sri Lanka's engagement with global human rights bodies and support the country's compliance with international reporting timelines. The joint resolution was presented by Foreign Affairs Minister Vijitha Herath and Justice and National Integration Minister Harshana Nanayakkara.