Nothing to do with resolution:GL

26 March 2012 10:25 am - 29 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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The government today said that the decision to shift some Diplomatic Missions from the West has nothing to do with the resolution that was passed at the UNHRC last week.

Minister of External Affairs Prof. G.L Peiris stated that the decision to shift the focus of establishing diplomatic missions from the West to Africa was one that predated the passing of the resolution against Sri Lanka at the United Nations Human Rights Council Sessions in Geneva.

According to media reports Sri Lankan Diplomatic Missions in Europe were to be closed and one single Mission was to be established to oversee the affairs of Poland, Netherlands, Austria Norway and Sweden. However the Missions in Britain, France, Germany and the European Union would remain. In lieu of these Missions the Ministry is to establish Diplomatic Missions in Africa, Latin America and Asia

“We have a limited number of resources and these have to be allocated to the most strategic locations. We have for instance only four Missions on the African continent. Therefore we felt it was important to shift focus to these areas, it was a decision taken before the resolution in Geneva,” he said

Meanwhile when questioned on the letter sent by Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to President Mahinda Rajapakasa claiming that the Indian delegation made every effort to defuse the tense situation in Geneva after the statement made by him in the Indian parliament, Prof. Peiris said that the focus needed to be, not on these efforts but on the final vote.

“It does not matter what action they took after the statement by the Prime Minister was made in the Indian parliament, that India would support the US resolution. We must look at the final vote—the timing, manner and force of that statement made a visible change in Geneva,” he said.

He further stated that this decision by India “came as a shock” and the government was “very disappointed” by this action. (Dianne Silva)

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Comments - 29

Tin Tin Monday, 26 March 2012 12:55 PM

we are going reserve!!!!

Pawpakse Tuesday, 27 March 2012 09:58 AM

Our infrastructure projects and aid will be financed by Africa in the future.

Jazzy Tuesday, 27 March 2012 05:57 AM

Good move to open more embassies in the African continent.

UniDon Tuesday, 27 March 2012 03:26 AM

Good move

toosh Monday, 26 March 2012 05:29 PM

Very good decision, do not re-open any missions until otherwise that entire EU come and worship our foot

admirersinn Monday, 26 March 2012 04:13 PM

India is the real enemy

Tony Haniffa Monday, 26 March 2012 03:28 PM

Yes do busness with currupt countries.and what about all the tourist industries in Sri lanka .

Weeraya Monday, 26 March 2012 02:11 PM

Hell burning lies by politicians ,may god protect our land

Leslie Monday, 26 March 2012 01:51 PM

You may close down the missions, but would send secret emissaries, just like how you condemned the UN panel, but crept in through the back-door to plead with them.

wernie Monday, 26 March 2012 01:37 PM

Utter foolishness! Develop more relationship with those countries.

Dhammika Monday, 26 March 2012 01:46 PM

First of all most of the embassies are maintained to provide luxury & fun to favoured people. Can we name how many professional/ career diplomats are employed and the details of missions' staff with their connections?

Manushya Monday, 26 March 2012 02:02 PM

God bless Sri Lanka. Foreign ministry seem to be in the hand of a child!

Ruhunu Kolla Monday, 26 March 2012 01:22 PM

Getting ready for next year's UNHRC sessions!

RAJU Monday, 26 March 2012 01:27 PM

THE REASON IS THAT SRILANKA HAD BEEN ISOLATED FROM THE WESTERN ARENA AFTER THE GENEVA RESOLUTION. THAT IS THE REALITY.

Leela Monday, 26 March 2012 12:49 PM

... and let RanilW appoint MPs to Parliament just as he does to the executive committee of his party. That may be your type of democracy, not ours.

justin Monday, 26 March 2012 11:01 AM

It's a welcome move to close down these Missions. We can save some some unnecessary expenses. But opening Missions in Africa and Latin America is not productive.

raj Monday, 26 March 2012 12:55 PM

Do not talk without facts.

Imran Hussein Monday, 26 March 2012 12:42 PM

Dispora have been rested as Weerawanse, Mervyn & Dulles doing a superb job on behalf of them.

Sumathipala Monday, 26 March 2012 12:51 PM

Diplomatic missions should mainly give assistance to Sri Lankan citizens which are living in these countries. I cannot imagine that so much Sri Lankan's living in Congo or Uganda. Most living in Switzerland, Germany, France etc. To close down these embassies is a stupid move. Most embassadeurs are anyhow only serving themselves and enjoy their perks. Try to challenge the european countries will bring only disaster. These are the buyers of our goods, not the bloody chinese and russians.

ranila Monday, 26 March 2012 12:25 PM

These comments are just a waste of time - yours and ours.

Bucket Harry Monday, 26 March 2012 12:25 PM

Some of these ambassadors are extremely selfish people and take up these assignments with the intention of "feather one's nest"! They are not least bothered the threats/ challenges faced by the country. So, it is better close such embassies rather than wasting state coffers on such time-servers!

koko-jumbo Monday, 26 March 2012 12:25 PM

these are called white-lies - GL is still under the impression that we are living in a Black and White world. GL should know that only the zebras didn't change but humans have developed beyond his imagination ;)

slindimasq Monday, 26 March 2012 12:18 PM

near jerk reaction is not the way forward we have to engage in countries like holland ,norway and sweden as the LTTE lobbyist live in these countries and not in africa or southamerica,

rangan Monday, 26 March 2012 11:58 AM

Limited resources?

Yer, Yer.

Why don't we get back Kehaliya's daughter and General silva along with his new BMW from New York to save resources?

Nodrog Monday, 26 March 2012 12:02 PM

Anyway why do we need missions in those countries? Judging by what happened in Geneva they've all been doing bugger-all

wonderboy Monday, 26 March 2012 11:08 AM

Why not close the ones in UK and Europe as well? Only the Africans seem to understand us.

Wara Monday, 26 March 2012 11:08 AM

We must track the new entries of the next HR summit. Our best friends, China and Russia won't be in the next summit. So we look at the new entries and educate them starting as early as we can. Rather before Diaspora poison them.

Calistus Jayatilleke Monday, 26 March 2012 11:22 AM

Oh yes, Professori. Even if a new Foreign Minister is appointed to the Cabinet, you will still call it a coincidence.

Imran Hussein Monday, 26 March 2012 10:58 AM

Reflects the regime mentality. Whats so stragic in Congo and Uganda? Please hand over the govt to RW.

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Nothing to do with resolution:GL

Comments - 29

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