Sri Lanka Reaffirms Zero Tolerance Policy on Torture During UN Visit
Colombo, June 2026 – The Government of Sri Lanka has reiterated its “Zero Tolerance Policy” on torture, stating that a series of legislative, administrative, and institutional measures are being implemented to further strengthen human rights protections in the country.
Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath made these remarks during a special programme held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Overseas Employment and Tourism, which was attended by a four-member delegation of the UN Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture (SPT). The delegation is currently visiting Sri Lanka from June 15 to 24, 2026.
The visit comes in line with Sri Lanka’s commitments under the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture (OPCAT), which the country ratified in December 2017. The SPT had previously conducted its first mission to Sri Lanka in April 2019.
Speaking at the event, the Minister emphasized that Sri Lanka is a State party to all nine core international human rights treaties. He said the visit reflects the government’s continued commitment to its voluntary international obligations.
He further reaffirmed the government’s dedication to:
- Protecting human rights
- Upholding the rule of law
- Strengthening good governance
The Foreign Minister also assured that Sri Lanka will engage with the UN Subcommittee in an open, transparent, and cooperative manner, in accordance with constitutional provisions.
The programme was attended by senior officials from relevant ministries and institutions, along with representatives of the visiting UN delegation.
