‘Decriminalize same sex conduct’ – Countries tell SL in Geneva

The United Kingdom, the United States, Canada and Norway have urged Sri Lanka to repeal the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) and decriminalize same-sex relationships by repealing sections 365 and 365A of the Penal Code.

The US has also called on Sri Lanka to respect the rights of LGBTIQ persons and steps should be taken to stop discrimination and harassment of the LGBTIQ community.

The US said they support Sri Lanka’s effort to uphold freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly which is central to Sri Lanka’s traditional democracy.

“We recognize steps taken during the recent months to improve economic transparency in governance, however, we are concerned by reports of abuse by security forces, the use of anti- terror legislation to detain human right defenders and rise in corruption,” the US representative said.

The UK also called for replacing of the PTA and addressing the land issues in the north and east.

They made these submissions at the 4th Cycle of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) by the UN Working Group during its 42nd Session held in Geneva yesterday.

The 4th Cycle of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) came up for consideration by the UN Working Group on UPR yesterday, during its 42nd Session to be held in Geneva.(Ajith Siriwardana)