SL delegation briefs UN High Commissioner Bachelet on the country’s progress

The Sri Lankan delegation at the 40th UNHRC sessions have discussed with the UN Human Rights Commissioner, the importance of compiling the High Commissioner's report with authentic facts by working closely with relevant bodies such as the Human Rights Commission.

The discussion with UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet had taken place on the sidelines of the UNHRC sessions last week, Sri Lanka’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations said in a press release.

During the meeting, the Sri Lankan delgation had discussed matters pertaining to High Commissioner Bachelet's report on Sri Lanka's human rights reforms which included observations on the Mannar mass graves and the release of lands in the North and the East.

Meanwhile, the Under- Secretary General in charge of the UN Office in Geneva, Michael Moller was briefed by Foreign Affairs Minister Thilak Marapana on Sri Lanka's progress towards acheiving reconciliation and the importance of UN's assistance in sustainable development efforts.

These remarks were made during a discussion that was attended by the Foreign Minister, Foreign Secretary Ravinatha Aryasinha and Sri Lanka's Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva Ambassador A.L.A. Azeez, on March 21.

During the discussion, Mr. Moller had lauded Sri Lanka's leadership in some key UN-related activities while also calling on Sri Lanka to share its experiences in nation building efforts with UN's Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) lab, and also to benefit from the experiences of other countries.

The Under-Secretary General, while referring to the Tripitaka Week and the efforts to establish the scripture as a UNESCO world heritage, had also made it an occasion to assure that support would be provided to conduct programmes which involve talks on traditions and cultures.

Meanwhile, foreign delegates had also met with Foreign Minister Marapana at a special reception organised by the Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka to the United Nations on March 21.