Breaking News, News

EU calls on Sri Lanka to put in place human rights action plan

27 Feb, 2020

In view of the upcoming parliamentary elections, the European Union (EU) has recommended that the Government of Sri Lanka puts in place an action plan to affirm its commitment to reconciliation, the rule of law (also with a view to ending impunity for war crimes), the protection of civil society, independent media and human rights.?

In a statement to the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, the EU acknowledged that important progress has been made in advancing respect for human rights in Sri Lanka since 2015.

The EU called on the Government of Sri Lanka to maintain a sustainable and durable reconciliation process, including by ensuring the continued work of the Office for Missing Persons and the Office for Reparations, by replacing the Prevention of Terrorism Act, and through confidence-building measures.

“We are concerned that the government of Sri Lanka no longer supports the framework of Resolution 30/1 to address the legacy of the past conflict and to foster accountability, reconciliation and human rights with the support of the Council,” the EU said.

The EU encouraged the Government of Sri Lanka to remain engaged with the UN and international partners, adding that the EU will continue to support Sri Lanka?s efforts to further strengthen the dialogue on governance, rule of law, devolution and human rights.

Regarding the death penalty, the EU encouraged Sri Lanka to maintain the moratorium, with a view towards complete abolition. (Colombo Gazette)

Recommended For You

Feature Image

ACJU denies reports Muslims urged to boycott Sampath Bank

The All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama (ACJU) today denied reports that Muslims have been urged to boycott Sampath Bank. In a statement, the ACJU expressed concerns over a recent incident at the Sampath Bank Branch in Dehiwala. The incident involved a Muslim woman not being granted access to the bank branch as she refused to remove clothing on her face. While it was earlier reported that the security officers at the bank had asked the woman to remove her headscarf, the bank insisted that she was on

06 Jul, 2020

Feature Image

Fire breaks out at textile store in Wellawatte

A fire broke out at a textile store at the W. A. De Silva Mawatha junction in Wellawatte this afternoon. The Police said five fire engines were deployed to douse the fire. A firefighter who had sustained injuries while attempting to contain the fire had been admitted to the Kalubowila Teaching Hospital. The Police had requested motorists to use alternative routes in the area. The fire was later brought under control.?(Colombo Gazette) View this post on Instagram A post shared by Colomb

05 Jul, 2020

Feature Image

Digamadulla expected to be a ‘hot spot’ during campaigning

At least three towns in Digamadulla are expected to be ‘hot spots’ during campaigning for the 5th August Parliamentary election, election observers said today. The Campaign for Free and Fair Elections (CaFFE) said that minor incidents of violence have already been reported from the area. CaFFE Executive Director Manas Makeen said that Pottuvil, Akkaraipattu and Sainthamaruthu have been identified as sensitive areas in Digamadulla. He said that hate speech targeting the election has seen a ris

06 Jul, 2020