The Government yesterday reaffirmed in Parliament that it did not concur with the US-sponsored resolution adopted at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) sessions on March 22.
Responding to a statement by Opposition United National Party (UNP) leader Ranil Wickremesinghe, External Affairs Minister G.L. Peiris said therefore the Government would not hold talks with anyone on the matters contained in the resolution.
“Sri Lanka cannot acquiesce with the resolution adopted. First and foremost among the reasons for such a decision is that the resolution calls for an oral update on Sri Lanka at the 24th session in September this year, and a comprehensive report at the 25th session in 2014. It means Sri Lanka will figure on the UN agenda every six months. When we survey the global situation, Sri Lanka is not a country with a troubling situation in the world. The proportionality of this resolution cannot be accepted as a result,” he said.
The minister said the resolution seeks to incorporate both the report of the panel of experts, dubbed by Sri Lanka as the Dharusman report and the report by United Nations Human Rights High Commissioner Navi Pillay.
“Soon after the war ended in 2009, the High Commissioner called for an international investigation. In her report, she reaffirmed her position. We reject it,” he said and described the resolution as a catalyst for dissension and violence which has now spilled over to spheres such as cricket and cinema.
(Kelum Bandara and Yohan Perera)
DM