UN Special Rapporteur lauds rule of law in Sri Lanka following terrorist attacks

UN’s Special Rapporteur Clément Nyaletsossi Voule who is currently touring Sri Lanka, has appreciated the manner in which rule of law was ensured in the country following the April 21 terrorist attacks.

The UN envoy, who is assessing the right to peaceful assembly in the country, made these remarks during talks with Foreign Minister Thilak Marapana yesterday (Jul 18), a statement from the Ministry said.

During the discussion, Voule had expressed his condolences over the terrorist attacks and had also appreciated Sri Lanka’s recovery since the incident, the Foreign Ministry said.

Foreign Minister Marapana had observed that the right of peaceful assembly has been ensured under the current government, while also promoting human rights by engaging with the international community including the UN.

He had also said that the rights of the people had not been restricted even with Emergency Regulations being in effect and that several protests and trade union actions have been taking place over the recent past.

Meanwhile, Foreign Secretary Ravinatha Aryasinha during a meeting with the UN envoy had noted the importance of engaging with all relevant parties during his assessment, in order gain a balanced perspective.

Several representatives from state law enforcement and financial agencies attended this meeting.

The UN Rapporteur will submit an assessment report on the right to peaceful assembly in the country, at the 44^th Human Rights Council sessions, in June 2020.