A/HRC/8/46 Page 3 Introduction 1. The Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review (UPR), established in accordance with Human Rights Council resolution 5/1 of 18 June 2007, held its second session from 5 to 19 May 2008. The review of Sri Lanka was held at the 12th meeting on 13 May 2008. The delegation of Sri Lanka was headed by Hon. Mahinda Samarasinghe, Minister of Disaster Management and Human Rights. For the composition of the delegation, composed of 17 members, see annex below. At its 17th meeting held on 19 May 2008, the Working Group adopted the present report on Sri Lanka. 2. On 28 February 2008, the Human Rights Council selected the following group of rapporteurs (troika) to facilitate the review of Sri Lanka: Ukraine, Cameroon and Bangladesh. 3. In accordance with paragraph 15 of the annex to resolution 5/1, the following documents were issued for the review of Sri Lanka: (a) A national report submitted in accordance with paragraph 15 (a) (A/HRC/WG.6/2/LKA/1); (b) A compilation prepared by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), in accordance with paragraph 15 (b) (A/HRC/WG.6/2/LKA/2); (c) A summary prepared by OHCHR, in accordance with paragraph 15 (c) (A/HRC/WG.6/2/LKA/3). 4. A list of questions prepared in advance by Canada, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Latvia, Netherlands, Sweden and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland was transmitted to Sri Lanka through the troika. These questions are available on the extranet of the UPR. I. SUMMARY OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE REVIEW PROCESS A. Presentation by the State under review 5. At the 12th meeting, on 13 May 2008, Hon. Mahinda Samarasinghe, Minister of Disaster Management and Human Rights of Sri Lanka, introduced the national report of Sri Lanka, which, he stressed, presents a descriptive and accurate picture of the prevailing human rights situation and identifies national priorities and capacity-building needs. He said that the national report highlights strengths and identifies challenges Sri Lanka faces as a nation in its efforts to promote and protect human rights. He welcomed the opportunity to candidly discuss vital human rights issues pertaining to Sri Lanka. He said that Sri Lanka is committed to full cooperation with the Human Rights Council and views its voluntary participation in this process as a further indication of this commitment. Sri Lanka has taken an active part in institution-building initiatives of the Council. Sri Lanka has worked to develop the UPR process. He stated that Sri Lanka expects the process to be cooperative in nature, based on an open dialogue with Sri Lanka’s full involvement, involving also due consideration to capacity-building needs. Hon. Samarasinghe said that all rights are mutually reinforcing and interdependent, and the Government believes equal attention should be given to civil and political and economic, social and cultural rights as well as the right to development. It is the Government’s primary duty to safeguard the human rights of all Sri Lankan people. A positive obligation is cast upon the branches of Government to safeguard those rights, which find expression in Sri Lanka’s Constitution. The Government has fulfilled international obligations through