UN Secretary-General Ban ki-moon congratulated President Maithripala Sirisena, the Government and the people of Sri Lanka on the first year of the country’s political transition, hailing its progress.

Ban said he is encouraged by the government’s commitment to a broad reform agenda that aims to realise durable peace, stability and prosperity for the Sri Lankan people, acknowledging the initial steps the government has taken to strengthen good governance, advance reconciliation and implement the resolution of the Human Rights Council of October 2015.

The Secretary-General urged for continued progress in these areas and emphasised the need for inclusive consultation processes to address issues of transitional justice. He espressed support for the government’s efforts to advance a nation-wide dialogue to achieve a long-term political settlement acceptable to all.

In this regard, he welcomed the government’s announcement to initiate constitutional reform and called on all stakeholders to cooperate in a spirit of inclusion and good faith.

The Secretary-General also said that he was committed to supporting Sri Lanka’s reform initiatives to secure long-term peace, prosperity and respect for human rights, including through financial support from the Peace building Fund and technical assistance.

Furthermore, Ban also commended Sri Lanka’s leadership in working to transform the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals into reality on the ground.