Foreign Minister briefs diplomatic corps on current developments

 

Sri Lanka’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Sabry met the Colombo-based Ambassadors and High Commissioners at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for a briefing on current developments ahead of the 51st session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva. 

Minister Sabry outlined the current developments in Sri Lanka, including the democratic transition of office in accordance with the Constitution, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said. The government is taking focused measures to mitigate the adverse impact of the current economic situation on the vulnerable sectors of the population in order to ensure the economic and social rights of the people and to prevent further disparities. 

The Foreign Minister emphasized that Sri Lanka will continue its constructive engagement with the Human Rights Council at the upcoming 51st session. Finance Secretary Siriwardana made a presentation on the current economic situation, focusing on the social safety measures that the Government has adopted for vulnerable groups, with a view to mitigating adverse impacts. 

Foreign Secretary Wijewardane highlighted Sri Lanka’s continuing and extensive engagement with several procedures and processes of the United Nations human rights framework. The UN Resident Coordinator announced that the UN will be partnering with the Government of Sri Lanka on a five-year framework of cooperation which will include areas of social and economic rights and social cohesion amongst others.