United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk has called for achieving results in long-standing human rights cases in Sri Lanka. Speaking to media persons at a press conference on conclusion of his visit to Sri Lanka, Mr. Turk appreciated the new government’s efforts in reopening investigations and prosecutions in certain old, important cases and added that achieving results will have a powerful demonstrative and confidence-building effect.

The High Commissioner also expressed his views on legal provisions, including imposing a moratorium on the Prevention of Terrorism Act, while also calling for the repeal of the Online Safety Act. He also stressed on importance of securing basic needs like housing, land, and wages in case of plantation workers.

He shared his experiences during his visit, during which he met families of victims in various parts of the island. He added that his visit yesterday to the recently reopened mass grave at Chemmani was a compelling reminder that the past haunts the lives of many in Sri Lanka.