Special Rapporteur on Minority Issues of the United Nations Human Rights Council, Rita Izsák-Ndiaye, met with Minister of Prison Reforms, Rehabilitation, Resettlement and Hindu Religious Affairs D.M. Swaminathan yesterday. 

Having a discussion with Minister Swaminathan, Rita Izsák-Ndiaye, who is in Sri Lanka to assess the current situation of the national, ethnic and religious minorities, stated that more focus should be placed on the current situation with regard to human rights and minority issues, rather than dwelling on the past.

The Minister stated that the present government has taken many steps to improve the human rights situation in the country. He informed Izsák-Ndiaye that the government will be abolishing the Prevention of Terrorism Act and that it will be replaced with a new Act. Speaking further, the Minister said that the government has established and strengthened independent commissions to ensure the rights of minorities as well as the other citizens of Sri Lanka.