The President and the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka assured of the government's firm commitment towards safeguarding human rights, the UN High Commissioner of Human Rights Zeid Ra'ad Al-Hussein said.

Speaking to the media this afternoon, Al-Hussein said that he discussed the concerns raised by some parties that the government may be wavering in its commitments to human rights.

However, the President and the Prime Minister reiterated that the government was firm on its commitment, Al-Hussein said.

The UN Rights Chief commended on the positive steps taken to promote inter-community relations. However, repairing the damage done through the war is an enormous task, he added.

Sri Lanka should defeat its past demons to become successful as an economic hub, Al-Hussein also said.