During the 4th cycle of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) in Geneva, Sri Lanka was urged by the several members in the international community to both repeal the draconian Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) and decriminalize same-sex relationships.
The United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand and Norway were among the countries that urged the island to repeal the PTA and decriminalize same-sex relationships.
US Human Rights Council Deputy Permanent Representative, Kelly Billingsley, stated that the US calls for the PTA to be replaced. Billingsley also stated that Sri Lanka needs to end all arbitrary detentions for freedom of expression.
Further, Billingsley said that the US has also called on the Sri Lankan government to ensure that the rights of LGBTQI+ persons are being respected. The US urged Sri Lanka to take steps to amend the penal code and decriminalize same-sex relations.
During the review Billingsley stated "we recognize steps taken during the recent months to improve economic transparency in governance, however, we are concerned by the reports of abuse by the security force, the use of anti-terror legislation to detain human rights defenders and rise in corruption."
New Zealand called for the island to safeguard freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and to maintain regular election in accordance with the law.
Responding to these requests, Foreign Minister Ali Sabry stated that Sri Lanka is in the process of establishing a truth-seeking mechanism. Sabry also added that a new security legislation which will replace the PTA is currently being finalized.
Read more here.