The Sri Lanka Core Group, comprising Canada, Malawi, Montenegro, North Macedonia, the UK, and the United States, has commended Sri Lanka for its initial efforts in addressing key concerns regarding land returns, long-term detentions, and corruption.

The Core Group believes that these steps could serve as a foundation to protect the rights of all Sri Lankans, irrespective of their ethnic and religious backgrounds.

While acknowledging these positive developments, the Core Group remains apprehensive about the continued utilization of the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) in Sri Lanka. They recognize the ongoing efforts to replace the PTA and urge the Sri Lankan government to ensure that any terrorism-related legislation is in line with the country's international obligations.

Another area of concern highlighted by the Core Group is the need to safeguard freedoms of expression and association in Sri Lanka. They call on the government to protect these fundamental rights as the country moves forward with its commitment to reconciliation.

Emphasizing the importance of transparency, accountability, and inclusivity, the Core Group stresses the need for Sri Lanka to build upon past work and recommendations that address the root causes of conflicts and impunity. They urge the Sri Lankan government to collaborate with the High Commissioner and his office, reaffirming their readiness to provide support in addressing Human Rights Council resolution 51/1.

In order to uphold the integrity of Sri Lanka's representative democracy, the Core Group urges the government to maintain voters' confidence in the electoral systems and ensure the independence of its institutions and commissions.