Lenagala emphasized collaboration over coercion, urging the Council to prioritize constructive dialogue with member states. She highlighted the importance of recognizing progress achieved through domestic efforts as crucial for fostering positive change.
Sri Lanka’s statement directly challenged the practice of imposing country-specific human rights mandates without consent, arguing that such mandates are divisive and counterproductive, hindering progress by fostering polarization.
In contrast, Sri Lanka advocated for a collaborative approach based on the guiding principles of UN General Assembly Resolution 60/251 and the “I.B. package.” These principles stress dialogue, cooperation, and respect for national sovereignty in addressing human rights concerns.
The statement reiterated Sri Lanka’s belief in the Human Rights Council’s adherence to principles of sovereign equality, respect for territorial integrity, and non-interference. Lenagala underscored that pursuing unilateral mandates undermines these principles and impedes genuine progress on human rights issues.
