UN Special Rapporteur begins visit to Sri Lanka

UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief, Ahmed Shaheed began his assessment visit in Sri Lanka by calling on Foreign Minister Thilak Marapana today (Aug 16).

Shaheed had lauded the steps taken by the government to ensure the safety of displaced asylum seekers and refugees following the terrorist attacks on April 21, the Foreign Ministry said.

The UN Rapporteur is expected to remain in the country until August 26 to assess and compile a report on the right of the people to follow a religion or belief of their choice. The report would be submitted during the Human Rights Council sessions next year.

Meanwhile, the Foreign Affairs Ministry in a press statement noted that Shaheed had engaged in a disussion which had been attended by officials from several ministries and state bodies.

During the discussion, Foreign Secretary Ravinatha Aryasinha had stated that the government is "keen" to learn from the Special Rapporteur on addressing de-radicalization and extremism issues.

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UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief to visit Sri Lanka this week