Prof. Vitharana rejects UNHRC report

25 September 2015 06:53 am - 16 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Lanka Sama Samaja Party (LSSP) Secretary Prof. Tissa Vitharana today rejected the content of the UN report on Sri Lanka and the manner of its preparation by the Office of the High Commissioner on Human Rights (OHCHR).

“We shall support all genuine efforts made by the present Government to achieve reconciliation and national unity, provided no outside interference is permitted. The taking of action against those guilty of alleged war crimes is an internal matter that we are capable of handling. If the need for any foreign assistance should arise it could be sought by us at our discretion. It must not be thrust on us as is being attempted by the UNHRC. Therefore, we reject both the content of the report and the manner of its preparation by the Office of the High Commissioner on Human Rights (OHCHR),” he said. (Lahiru Pothmulla)

The full statement

The Lanka Sama Samaja Party (LSSP) has always stood for a just solution to the national question. We must unite as one Sri Lankan nation with a Sri Lankan identity that transcends racial, religious and caste identities. We oppose all forms of discrimination on the basis of race, religion, caste or gender. As such we shall support all genuine efforts made by the present Government to achieve reconciliation and national unity, provided no outside interference is permitted. The taking of action against those guilty of alleged war crimes is an internal matter that we are capable of handling. If the need for any foreign assistance should arise it could be sought by us at our discretion. It must not be thrust on us as is being attempted by the UNHRC. The LSSP rejects both the content of the Report, and the manner of its preparation, by the Office of the High Commissioner on Human Rights (OHCHR).

The allegations made by the UNHRC Report are grossly exaggerated and distorted, and as those giving evidence have been guaranteed freedom from being questioned for twenty years, their evidence carries no legal validity. Realizing this, the UNHRC is seeking to gain entry into our internal processes to influence local outcomes and thereby gain credibility for some of their false charges. The LSSP refutes the grounds on which this is being done. It is incorrect to state that our judges, lawyers, inquirers and prosecutors are not competent. They have served with distinction, even in the International Criminal Court (ICC), and been widely recognized abroad. Sri Lanka has a well-established Legal System and if there are shortcomings in our laws with regard to war crimes these can be introduced by us through our Parliament.

The LLRC Report clearly indicated what had occurred and what needed to be done, and was acclaimed by the so-called international community itself. For example, a reputed American professor from Nevada in the field of digital technology had shown conclusively that the Channel 4 film was a fake and that what was even shown as blood was also faked. The LLRC Report devoted 104 pages of its annex to present this evidence, but this is not given a place in the UNHRC Report, internationally it is accepted that in warfare if there is one death there should be 4 to 5 who are wounded. If the claim of 40,000 deaths in the final stages made by the UNHRC is correct there should have been at least 160,000 to 200,000 with gunshot wounds.

This would have filled 3/4 of the hospital beds in the whole island. The figure by the Health Authorities and even the local UN officials was 7 to 8,000 deaths, and this fits in with the census data.

It is clear that the UNHRC is targeting the former President, Defence Secretary, Army Chief and selected Armed Forces personnel, but they have not been named, as legally valid evidence is lacking. The UNHRC would like to manufacture the evidence, to produce an adverse report, and to do this it is important that their agents become an integral part of the investigation on the basis of setting up a hybrid War Crimes tribunal. Even on the basis of such an adverse report, direct UN action is not likely to arise due to support for Sri Lanka in the Security Council from China and Russia. But it could be the basis for action in the ICC and by Individual countries.

Though we are not signatories to the Rome Statute to establish the ICC and have no obligation to fulfill its terms, under Article 15 of the Statute, action is possible by a signatory state like Britain, or even a citizen of such a state, against a non-member state or citizens therein. If the evidence is presented to the ICC, the Prosecutor can present it to a preliminary hearing by a single Judge, who can then refer it to a proper hearing by a full bench. The targeted persons can then be found guilty and action taken against them. On the basis of such a report, if and when necessary, individual countries like Britain and America can even impose economic sanctions on Sri Lanka or its citizens, or hold out that threat, to get compliance from us to implement their agendas. We will lose our independence and our sovereignty.

Sri Lanka is under no legal compulsion to comply with the UNHRC Hybrid War Crimes moves. The LSSP calls upon the Government not to give into these pressures under any circumstances and to act in a manner that preserves Sri Lanka’s independence, sovereignty and good name.

Tissa Vitarana.

General Secretary- LSSP.

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Comments - 16

Leo Friday, 25 September 2015 02:01 PM

That is common sense. unfortunately SLFP is made anti national by sirisena.

The patriot Friday, 25 September 2015 02:11 PM

You are a spent force, just objecting with no basis. People like you dragged this beautiful Country to the gutter. You could have advised MR on a better course to follow on the conclusion of the war. Is your voice today even respected?

BuffaloaCitizen Friday, 25 September 2015 02:16 PM

Learned people the world over are known to talk logically and with a sense of honesty, ethics and principles. Sri Lanka could be the only country where we find professors, fellows with doctorates who make the most hilarious and idiotic statements for the sake of low caste ulterior motives. What a pity and shame.

smith Friday, 25 September 2015 02:25 PM

you guys are just vegetables, no one cares a damn what you have to say, so shutup

Perera Friday, 25 September 2015 02:25 PM

Nobody cares your rejection about the UNHRC report. Get lost.

Sapu Friday, 25 September 2015 02:25 PM

Are they only commenting about the report now?

Gamaraala Friday, 25 September 2015 02:42 PM

Sri Lankans have rejected you, your party and your policies. You will have no role to play in the future if you do not adapt to changing circumstances. Change before you become a passing reference in SLs history.

lokka Friday, 25 September 2015 02:50 PM

is this wanted pressure or involment from internationa

ANTON Friday, 25 September 2015 03:01 PM

HE THAT IS DROWNING SHOUTS THOUGH HE BE NOT HEARD.

George Friday, 25 September 2015 04:08 PM

Pussu Vitharana has opened his trap and another load of crap has come out. No one is listening so gust shut up.

Neo Friday, 25 September 2015 04:08 PM

would a professor in USA allow a war crimes probe against USA? no they are not slaves like some sinhalese here.

Jabum Friday, 25 September 2015 04:10 PM

just like you chose to take terrorists side the proffesor has taken the forces side. its his right.

anil Friday, 25 September 2015 04:14 PM

Vitharne, what is your vote base ?

Premalal Friday, 25 September 2015 04:32 PM

Professor who?

sam silva Friday, 25 September 2015 04:40 PM

People like Tissa Witharana, GL Pieris should have retired years ago, LSSP is dead- if he stood for election under LSSP will not get 100 votes.They just hung on to Mahinda for ministerial perks.Mr Witharana pls mention your achievements as a minister in the Govt for over 10 years- NONE

Prasannajit Friday, 25 September 2015 05:14 PM

So far nothing from that other so called Professor G.L.Peiris.

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Prof. Vitharana rejects UNHRC report

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