Sri Lanka's leader vows rights reforms as debt crisis looms

Sri Lanka’s leader has promised human rights reforms and “justice” for missing persons from the country’s civil war, after years of resisting calls for such measures

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka -- Sri Lanka’s leader on Tuesday promised human rights reforms and “justice” for missing persons from the country's civil war, after years of resisting calls for such measures.

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa was speaking before a new session of Parliament as the Sri Lankan government looks for international support in dealing with a heavy fiscal and debt crisis.

“We reject racism. What this government wants is to equally protect the honor and rights of all citizens,” Rajapaksa said.

“Therefore I urge politicians who still incite people against each other for political gains to refrain from doing so.”