Minister Samaraweera will also deliver the opening address at the first plenary session of 6th World Congress Against the Death Penalty on "Progress and set-backs in Asia: lessons to be learnt". The 6th World Congress Against the Death Penalty is being held in Oslo from 21 -23 June. This year's Congress will focus on national institutions for human rights, and progress and setbacks in Asia.

The Congress will attract 1,300 participants from over 80 countries, including ministers, parliamentarians, academics, lawyers, and members of civil society.