Govt. to lobby African support

10 February 2014 04:00 am - 11 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A A A

With the March sessions of the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) not too far ahead, the Government hopes to send a ministerial delegation to South Africa to lobby support from countries in the region to defeat a likely US-sponsored resolution on Sri Lanka, Daily Mirror learns.

South Africa is known to have influence over the UNHRC member countries in the African region. However, the dates for the visit and the composition of the delegation have not been finalised. South Africa has already expressed its keenness to share its post-apartheid experience on conflict resolution with Sri Lanka.

Renowned human rights activist and former South Africa’s Constitutional Court Justice Albie Sachs will be in Sri Lanka soon to discuss matters with Sri Lankan authorities. He is said to be the chief architect of South Africa’s post-apartheid constitution.

Justice Sachs was appointed by South Africa’s iconic President Nelson Mandela in 1994 to the country’s newly established Constitutional Court of which he was a member till his retirement in 2009.

Meanwhile, External Affairs Minister G.L. Peiris left for China yesterday evening to hold talks with top Chinese leaders on matters connected to the UNHRC sessions. Prior to his departure, he told Daily Mirror that he would meet his counterpart and China’s Deputy President and to the special official assigned to deal with matters connected to the UN and human rights.

“These meetings will be held on February 11 and 12,” the minister said.

He had also visited India for talks with Indian Foreign Minister Salman Kurshid. (Kelum Bandara)

Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka

Comments - 11

tony Monday, 10 February 2014 04:36 AM

PLS DO NOT END GL. HE CAN ONLY BLA BLA BLAA.. AND NOTHING FRUITFUL COMES OUT OF IT

King Barnet Monday, 10 February 2014 04:45 AM

BBQ Safari helpfull

Sarath Monday, 10 February 2014 06:54 AM

GL go and beg, they say OK, but you have to take some billion laons at high interest rates then GL say OK sir we will do anything for you. Then GL come SL and say the tour was successful, then people of SL think he's really a talented guy, MR is great etc.. then they vote again without any shame..then people say Sinhalayo modayo Kavum Kanna Veerayo

Simple mind Monday, 10 February 2014 08:14 AM

When RSA advised us to set up a truth council and address situation the govt refused. Now why run behind them to get their support. Just shows the thinking behind the foreign policy of the govt.

LANKA PUTRA Monday, 10 February 2014 08:57 AM

The resolution should not be against Sri Lank, but agains Rajapakshas.

sobers Monday, 10 February 2014 09:25 AM

You are perfectly correct. He can be a teacher but not as a Minister of foreign affairs.

sobers Monday, 10 February 2014 09:31 AM

In other countries you have to get through the foreign service exam, which is really tested for intelligence, capability and professionalism etc...Most of our appointees are through connections only. This is why we are miserably failing in our missions. It is very sad that the deserving, educated are not considered.

Rohan Monday, 10 February 2014 09:45 AM

waste of public money again!

Rohan Wickremasinghe Monday, 10 February 2014 09:57 AM

How come President's Secretary went to Washington and GL Peiris going to China ? President's Secretary constitutionally is not authorized to take part in foreigns matters of Sri Lanka. Since foreign relations can be subjected to monetary influence and detrimental on the country the constitution says that a person represented and accountable to the parliament must handle foreign relations not a paid public officer like secretary of president secretary

Disgusted Citizen Monday, 10 February 2014 11:47 AM

The government says they have nothing to hide, then why lobby any country???

Vic Monday, 10 February 2014 12:18 PM

I can not understand at all, please someone tell me why the Government go for an amicable settlement with Tamils instead of running around all over the world to get support to oppress Tamils.

Add comment
Comments will be edited (grammar, spelling and slang) and authorized at the discretion of Daily Mirror online. The website also has the right not to publish selected comments.

Govt. to lobby African support

Comments - 11

Add comment

RECOMMENDED

UDA owned land in Thalawathugoda; UDA Minister Prasanna Ranatunga under the spotlight for forceful occupation of reserved land

Loss-making SMIB faces political pressure in recovering loans

Baltimore Bridge Collapse: MV Dali, SL authorities anchored in mystery?

Has Sri Lanka become a potential hub for the illegal wildlife trade?

Spotlight on Moragahakanda Development Project Moragolla villagers lose livelihoods and down to one meal a day

Ambitious Sri Lankan jobseekers ‘trafficked into Ukraine war zones’

Western purple-faced langurs see blue!

Most Viewed in News

Former MP Palitha Thewarapperuma dies from electrocution

Complaint lodged over Piumi Hansamali's possession of Gota’s Range Rover

Sri Lankan among NASA’s new crew for next simulated Mars journey

Street food vendor arrested for verbally harassing foreigner

Belgian traveller scammed in Kalutara

A US “Kaputa”, a Lankan “Nariya” and a Presidential “Feast”

MIRROR CRICKET

Chamari Athapaththu sets big goal for T20 World Cup

How does CSK get best out of Pathirana?

Mendis, Mathews move up in ICC Test Rankings

Chamodi, Dewmi spins Sri Lanka U19 Women to big win

TODAY'S HEADLINES

Debt Restructuring Talks: Bondholders Fear Regime Change Impact

Don’t be deceived by NPP and Cardinal Ranjith: UNP

Emirates halts check-in for connections, UL cancels flights to Dubai

Plans afoot to obtain “Blue Flag Beaches” certification for SL beaches

Hardik fined Rs 12 lakh for violating IPL code of conduct after win over Punjab Kings

Chamari Athapaththu sets big goal for T20 World Cup

How does CSK get best out of Pathirana?

Mendis, Mathews move up in ICC Test Rankings