UN temporarily closed

6 July 2010 05:00 pm - 12 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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By Jamila Najmuddin

The UN office in Colombo has been temporarily closed and the UN staff has been advised to work from home tomorrow as a result of the tense situation which developed outside the UN office today, UN sources told Daily Mirror online.

UN sources said that instructions to work from home was issued to the UN staff today after the group of protestors led by Minister Wimal Weerawansa who gathered outside the UN office laid siege to the building and prevented the UN staff from leaving the premises.

However there was no indication for how long the UN staff would stay away from their office although it is expected that a decision would be taken following a review of the latest developments.

Meanwhile when contacted, officials at the UN Headquarters in New York said that New York was closely monitoring the situation in Colombo and would take the matter up with the Sri Lankan government.

“We are fully aware of what is happening in Colombo and are closely monitoring the situation. We will raise the matter with the necessary people,” the official said refusing to comment further.

Meanwhile UN Associate spokesman Farhan Haq, speaking to reporters in New York a short while ago said that the UN had registered its strong objections with the Sri Lankan government over the protest organised by Minister Wimal Weerawansa outside the UN office which prevented UN staff from entering and leaving the premises.

He also said that the UN Resident Coordinator in Colombo Neil Buhne had met Prime Minister D.M Jayaratna yesterday and obtained an assurence over the security of the UN staff in Colombo as a result of the threat made by Weerawansa last week urging the public to lay siege to the UN office. (Daily Mirror online)

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Comments - 12

RajasH Tuesday, 06 July 2010 06:33 PM

Shame on Sri Lanka. The country has demonstrated that they are an international pariah. How can this country host the World Cup?

citizen1 Tuesday, 06 July 2010 06:43 PM

Soon we will be alienated and our passport will have the same value as toilet paper!

Nuwan Warawita Tuesday, 06 July 2010 06:50 PM

Now, president Rajapakse should set-up an "expert panel" to advice him on the country's affairs with the UN!

Jim Jam Tuesday, 06 July 2010 06:56 PM

We should have cooporated with the UN, with view to clearing our name, but instead, a handful have taken to militancy; with the law being powerless against them. What message does this really send to Ban Ki Moon and the rest of the world?

Faqi Tuesday, 06 July 2010 10:23 PM

It's like a diseased mosquito trying to bring down an elephant! Sri Lankan stupidity at its best!

Sumal Wednesday, 07 July 2010 12:18 AM

The people are not responsible for this.

Tharaka Chanaka Wednesday, 07 July 2010 04:31 AM

Good, they can protest to the cob webs...

robin cruz Wednesday, 07 July 2010 05:21 AM

But we are responsible! We voted for Wimal. We love his big mouth and his greasy hair. We have to take the total blame for the situation.

Ranjith Suda Wednesday, 07 July 2010 05:38 AM

Do not worry. Soon it will be permanant.

Brian Vittachi Wednesday, 07 July 2010 05:47 AM

Judging by the speech and actions of this minister it is quite obvious to the rest of the world that intelligence and a flair for diplomacy is not a prerequisite for election into high office in SL. As a Sinhalese who is proud of his ancient heritage I hang my head in shame at the antics of this lout.

malli Wednesday, 07 July 2010 07:00 AM

Why can't we make UN close it's office permanently in Sri lanka, therefore we don't need to face any expert panel from UN

Lanke Banda Wednesday, 07 July 2010 09:37 AM

Fully agree with Malli. Tell UN that no patriotic Lankan will barter Lankas interest to any Intermidation from any quarter.

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UN temporarily closed

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