The delegation of Sri Lanka, led by Minister of Rural Development, Social Security, and Community Empowerment, Dr. Upali Pannilage, successfully presented Sri Lanka’s initial national report under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) during the 35th Session of the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities on 14 August 2026 in Geneva, Switzerland.

Delivering the opening remarks, Minister Pannilage stated that, as a State Party to all nine core human rights conventions, Sri Lanka has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to protecting and promoting human rights through consistent, transparent, and meaningful engagement with United Nations human rights mechanisms.

Minister Pannilage further stated that, under the leadership of President Anura Kumara Disanayaka and the Government’s vision, “Thriving Nation – A Beautiful Life”, the commitment to an “Unimpaired Social Life – A Fair and Equitable Approach” has been assured to empower persons with disabilities to live with dignity, equality, independence, and full participation in society. He also highlighted the election of Sugath Wasantha de Silva, the first person with a disability to be elected to the Parliament of Sri Lanka, who is currently serving as the Chairman of the Parliamentary Caucus for Persons with Disabilities.

Minister Pannilage also highlighted that several national focal ministries, including those responsible for health, education, labour and employment, and transport, contribute to advancing the inclusion, protection, and well-being of persons with disabilities through sector-specific policies, programmes, and services.

The Committee was briefed on the significant increase in disability-inclusive budgetary allocations, from approximately Rs. 48 billion in 2022 to nearly Rs. 81 billion in 2026. The Committee was also updated on new legal and policy reforms, including a new Protection of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Bill aligned with the CRPD, proposed legislation on Sign Language, and the establishment of an Independent Commission on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

The Committee commended Sri Lanka’s constructive engagement and welcomed its legislative and policy frameworks and institutional measures to advance the rights of persons with disabilities.

Sri Lanka ratified the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2016 and has since remained committed to aligning its national legislation, policies, programmes, and institutional mechanisms with its obligations under the Convention.

The delegation comprised Ambassador Sumith Dassanayake, Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the United Nations in Geneva; Sampath Manthrinayake, Secretary to the Ministry of Rural Development, Social Security, and Community Empowerment; Kanishka de Silva Balapatabendi, Deputy Solicitor General; Thilini Jayasekara, Director of the United Nations and Human Rights Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment & Tourism; officials of the Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka in Geneva; and representatives of key line ministries and agencies who joined online from Colombo.

Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka to the UN in Geneva

17 August 2026