A/HRC/22/16 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 fourteenth session from 22 October to 5 November 2012. The review of Sri Lanka was held at the 16th meeting, on 1 November 2012. The delegation of Sri Lanka was headed by Mahinda Samarasinghe, Minister of Plantation Industries and Special Envoy of the President for Human Rights. At its 18th meeting, held on 5 November 2012, the Working Group adopted the report on Sri Lanka 2. On 3 May 2012, the Human Rights Council selected the following group of rapporteurs (troika) to facilitate the review of Sri Lanka: Benin, India and Spain. 3. In accordance with paragraph 15 of the annex to resolution 5/1 and paragraph 5 of the annex to Council resolution 16/21, the following documents were issued for the review of Sri Lanka: (a) A national report submitted/written presentation made in accordance with paragraph 15 (a) (A/HRC/WG.6/14/LKA/1 and Corr.1); (b) A compilation prepared by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in accordance with paragraph 15 (b) (A/HRC/WG.6/14/LKA/2); (c) A summary prepared by OHCHR in accordance with paragraph 15 (c) (A/HRC/WG.6/14/LKA/3). 4. A list of questions prepared in advance by Australia, Cambodia, Canada, China, Cuba, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Ethiopia, Germany, Ireland, Liechtenstein, Netherlands, Norway, Mexico, Pakistan, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the United States of America 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. Sri Lanka elaborated on plans to achieve improvements in human rights in the context of post-conflict peace-building and reconciliation. 6. It noted that, as a result of the 2008 Review, a National Action Plan for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights (NHRAP), a principal pledge, has been formulated; based on recommendations, accepted pledges made, recommendations of treaty bodies and special procedures. Civil society had nearly equal representation on the drafting committees. 7. The NHRAP was approved by Cabinet in September and the implementation strategy was approved in December 2011. Implementation was ongoing and the process was nationally owned and driven. As to implementation of the NHRAP, specific examples of implementation were outlined which demonstrate clear commitment and progress. 8. After defeat of the LTTE in 2009, measures to ensure a return to civilian life progressed. After the 2008 review, the final phase of the humanitarian operation was launched to rescue civilians held by the LTTE in the North. In May 2009 nearly 300,000 civilians were rescued. Post-conflict Sri Lanka, faced a range of daunting challenges 3