Sri Lanka’s New Government Faces UNHRC Spotlight

COLOMBO (News 1st); The United Nations Human Rights Council will hold its sixtieth regular session from 8 September to 8 October 2025 at the Palais des Nations in Geneva.

The session will open under the presidency of Ambassador Jürg Lauber of Switzerland.  

The opening will be addressed by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk.

During the session, the Council will hold 37 interactive dialogues with the High Commissioner, Special Procedures mandate holders, expert mechanisms, investigative mechanisms, and representatives of other bodies.

It will hold an interactive dialogue on the report of the Office of the High Commissioner on promoting reconciliation, accountability and human rights in Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Vijitha Herath, is set to deliver a statement at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) session in Geneva, representing the Government of Sri Lanka.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the address is scheduled for 3:45 PM Sri Lanka time, and will focus on the country’s recent progress and future plans regarding the protection and promotion of human rights.

This high-level session follows the recent visit of UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, to Sri Lanka, and comes in the wake of the newly elected government led by the National People's Power (NPP). The Ministry stated that the government will present its latest initiatives, achievements, and strategic roadmap for advancing human rights in the country.

During the visit, Minister Herath is also expected to hold bilateral discussions with High Commissioner Türk and several senior diplomatic officials in Geneva.

Joining the Minister is Dayani Mendis, Director General of the Human Rights Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The delegation departed for Switzerland on Sunday (7) and will remain in Geneva until September 11.