Lalith Weeratunga in US

23 January 2014 12:40 am - 10 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A A A

Ahead of the March session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), Presidential Secretary Lalith Weeratunga, who is in charge of the National Action Plan for the Implementation of the Recommendations by the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC), was to leave for the United States (US) yesterday to brief the leaders of that country on the developments here.

Mr. Weeratunga wrapped up his briefing session for the permanent representatives of the UNHRC member states based in Geneva yesterday. From there, he was to proceed to Washington to interact with the officials of the US State Department, congressmen and senators.

The US has already said that it remains concerned about the lack of progress made by the Government of Sri Lanka in addressing issues of human rights violations during the latter part of the war. The two US sponsored resolutions have been adopted by the UNHRC urging the government to address human rights and accountability issues, and to implement LLRC recommendations.

Meanwhile, Minister of External Affairs G.L. Peiris met with the Board of Directors of the Asia Foundation on Tuesday for an informal discussion.

Members of the Board who have distinguished themselves in business, politics, academia, diplomacy and other walks of life in the United States, are currently on a visit to Sri Lanka to survey projects being supported by the Asia Foundation and to attend some events marking the sixtieth anniversary of the establishment of the Foundation.

Among those visiting the country are David D. Arnold, President of the Foundation, Ambassador Michael H. Armacost, former U.S. Ambassador and Under Secretary of State and Distinguished Fellow of Stanford University, Ambassador Theodore L. Eliot, former U.S. Ambassador and Executive Secretary of the State Department and Dean Emeritus of the Fletcher School, Ambassador Teresita C. Schaffer, former U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka and former Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South Asian Affairs, Dr. Seok-Hyun Hong, Chairman and CEO of Joon Ang Media Network, Mr. S. Timothy Kochis, former Chairman and CEO of Aspiriant, Ms. Masako H. Shinn, Partner of Graphis Asia, Mr. Paul S. Slawson, business leader and Mrs. Judith Wilbur, Civic Leader.

The Minister regretted the excessive pressure being exerted on Sri Lanka by repeated resolutions by the Human Rights Council in Geneva which, he said, were counterproductive because of their polarising effect. He told the Asia Foundation delegation that there was a growing perception in Sri Lanka that the country was not being fairly treated, that difficult accomplishments within a brief time span were not sufficiently acknowledged and that standards not invoked in respect of comparable post-conflict situations were being applied selectively to Sri Lanka. He urged greater sensitivity and understanding, and the desirability of approaches founded more on partnership and respect consistent with the country’s dignity than on coercive elements which injected needless strain into a long-established relationship.(KB)

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 - 10

Techome UK Thursday, 23 January 2014 04:57 AM

Government on Cold feet......where is Wimal?

Cobra Thursday, 23 January 2014 05:01 AM

Eyalata boru koranna be Lalith, no way!

mie Haraka-Gona Thursday, 23 January 2014 05:37 AM

he he finally dictator king got feared to participate. Bcos the situation is not that good and anything can happen at any time

Amma Thursday, 23 January 2014 05:57 AM

Go to hell. Why go to US?

Suq Madique Thursday, 23 January 2014 09:01 AM

Not cold feet but to counter the lies being propagated by the LTTE rump groups.

RamUK Thursday, 23 January 2014 11:44 AM

begging started....is it easier to implement things than go with big begging bowls every where

Suq Madique Thursday, 23 January 2014 01:31 PM

You should know about begging bowls since you went to the UK claiming refugee status

RamUK Thursday, 23 January 2014 04:54 PM

i have written a statement but you choose to comment on begging bowl rather than implement laws and regulation it shows your class

pandey khuram Thursday, 23 January 2014 06:01 PM

then do whatever you want and see the consequences.

Fawzan Thursday, 23 January 2014 06:25 PM

Why should those countries which have provided intelligency regarding LTTE operation need to lie now? Morons need to grow up

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.

Lalith Weeratunga in US

Comments - 10

Add comment

RECOMMENDED

‘Spike in blast fishing’ poses renewed threats to Sri Lanka’s marine ecosystems

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’

Most Viewed in News

Ranil Wickremesinghe caravan moves on despite barking dogs

SL on alert on possible genocide allegations by Canada

Two racing drivers arrested over Fox Hill tragedy

Racing event tragedy leaves seven dead including eight-year-old child

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

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

MIRROR CRICKET

Is Chamari Athapaththu Sri Lanka’s greatest cricketer ever?

Athapaththu back atop ICC Women’s ODI Batting Rankings

Chamari Athapaththu sets big goal for T20 World Cup

How does CSK get best out of Pathirana?

TODAY'S HEADLINES

No footboard riding allowed, no liability for accidents: Railways Department

Six patients claim Rs.600 million from Keheliya and others for permanent loss of sight

SLPP, UNP initiates action for forming broad alliance

Here is the way!

Pakistan lose key players for last two T20Is against New Zealand

Sri Lanka secures third spot in South Asian Kurash Championship 2024

Athapaththu back atop ICC Women’s ODI Batting Rankings

Army forms committee to probe Diyatalawa Fox Hill Supercross accident