The Cabinet of Ministers took a decisive step to immediately sign the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance, Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera said today.

Speaking at a media briefing in Colombo, he said that Sri Lanka’s Permanent Mission in New York will today, 10th December, sign the Convention, in keeping with the Cabinet decision.

He pointed out that this decision demonstrates the seriousness with which the Government considers this issue.

In keeping with this decision taken last night,  the Cabinet of Ministers also authorised the Legal Draftsman to undertake the drafting of necessary legislation to give effect to the provisions of the Convention, and the ratification of the Convention once enabling legislation is passed by Parliament early next year, Samaraweera said further.