COLOMBO, Sept. 16 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lanka believes engagement with the UN system and the Human Rights Mechanisms is in the best interest of the people of Sri Lanka, a government statement said on Friday.
The statement said that Sri Lanka will look to the UN to obtain advice and views, and also expertise and technical assistance that will benefit Sri Lanka in terms of capacity building and ensuring the strengthening of local institutions.
The Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the UN in Geneva Ravinatha P. Aryasinha said that following an invitation extended in December 2015 to all UN Special Procedures Mandate Holders to visit Sri Lanka, a number of Special Rapporteurs, in consultation with the government regarding Sri Lanka's priorities, have already undertaken visits representing a broad range of mandates.
Aryasinha also said that Sri Lanka will present its 5th Periodic Report under the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CAT) on Nov. 15-16.
He said Sri Lanka receives invaluable assistance through the UN Secretary-General's Peacebuilding Fund to implement some of the important steps in the areas of transitional justice, reconciliation, good governance, and resettlement and durable solutions.
While constructive engagement with the Special Procedures and the UN system as a whole has already benefited Sri Lanka significantly, Sri Lanka looks forward to continuing its engagement and it also hope that the government and people of Sri Lanka will receive the support from the international community in capacity building and strengthening institutions.
