Diplomats briefed on key issues by ministers and government officials

By the Editorial Team · Sunday, August 30, 2026

Senior Sri Lankan officials briefed foreign diplomats on upcoming judicial reforms, anti-corruption measures, economic plans, and security operations ahead of the UN Human Rights Council session starting September 7. The government outlined its commitment to legal and economic reforms, including repealing key laws and reapplying for the EU’s GSP+ trade facility, while emphasizing ongoing efforts to address corruption and maintain social stability.

Colombo—Senior Sri Lankan government officials briefed foreign diplomats on Monday regarding a spectrum of key national issues ahead of the forthcoming United Nations Human Rights Council session set to begin on September 7. The meeting addressed topics including judicial reform, human rights, anti-corruption efforts, and the current economic outlook.

Foreign Affairs Minister Vijitha Herath, Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara, and Central Bank Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe led the briefing, which took place amid ongoing diplomatic discussions surrounding the government’s proposal to extend the retirement age for judges through the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution.

Participants were informed of planned legal reforms anticipated to be completed in the next few months. These include repealing the Prevention of Terrorism Act, introducing new counterterrorism legislation, and finalizing amendments to the Online Safety Act. Officials emphasized the government’s intention to address outstanding legal and regulatory frameworks as part of broader domestic reconciliation efforts.

On economic matters, Dr. Weerasinghe expressed confidence that Sri Lanka will be able to meet its debt repayment commitments starting in 2028. The government also indicated its intention to reapply for the European Union’s Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) trade facility by December 2028, with the aim of resolving all pending issues prior to the reapplication.

In the realm of anti-corruption, the Director General of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) updated diplomats on the recent launch of the National Anticorruption Action Plan and reported progress in ongoing investigations targeting corruption at various levels.

Security matters were addressed by Inspector General of Police Priyantha Weerasuriya, who briefed diplomats on continuing operations against organized crime. He highlighted successful international cooperation that facilitated the extradition of suspects arrested abroad. Weerasuriya also provided an update on investigations into the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks, reaffirming the government’s efforts to maintain social stability and prevent ethnic or religious violence.

The briefing coincided with the second anniversary of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s election, marking a moment for the administration to highlight achievements and outline future priorities amid a complex domestic and international environment.

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