Domestic mechanism in accordance with Constitution.
We have won over international community.
Govt’s approach appreciated by UN, UNHRC
This government was able to change the situation within the last nine months to inquire into alleged human rights violations and war crimes before a domestic tribunal under provisions of the country’s constitution by winning over the international community, said President Maithripala Sirisena.
He said he would call an all party conference, a council consisting leaders of all religions in the country to discuss this matter and enact the mechanism to bring about lasting reconciliation in a society where democracy is vibrantly upheld.
The President said he would call a forum for scholars in the country and abroad to express their views for this purpose. He made these observations making a special statement to the media at President’s House yesterday evening after returning from his official visit to the United States.
President Sirisena said the government’s policies and mechanism stopped an international inquiry, a hybrid court and the talk of the electric chair which was a talking point for about seven years.
He said such resolutions have been moved not only against Sri Lanka but against some other countries as well.
President Sirisena said most countries dragged those inquiries for a long period but Sri Lanka would not burden the people.
He said this issue will be solved within a short period without causing any damage to any party.
The President said while the inquiry is continued, the traditional, social and cultural matters would be taken into consideration and if these are matters which cause any harm, those would be taken before the UN for alterations.
He said there is only a resolution against Sri Lanka which consists of proposals and not a set of orders.
President Sirisena said the government’s approach is highly appreciated by the UN, UNHRC, its staff and many foreign countries.
He added it commenced with the election manifesto of the January 8 election and the policies of the government.
The President said the Sri Lankan government’s achievements were successful despite 37 groups operating at international level upheld the Eelam concept and stood against the latest resolution.
He added that a group led by Vaiko in India staged a protest against this latest resolution against Sri Lanka.
President Sirisena added that those groups asked for an international inquiry against Sri Lanka.
He pledged that the dignity of the forces and the country would be protected by himself and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe.
He also appreciated the support of the Prime Minister, Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera, ministers and others.
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, Ministers S.B. Dissanayake, Anura Priyadarshana Yapa, Arjuna Ranathunga, Nimal Siripala de Silva, W. D. J. Seneviratne and Mahinda Samarasinghe were also present.
by Sandasen Marasinghe
– CDN