External influence on internal decisions unacceptable: SL tells UNHRC

Responding to the concerns raised by several countries and foreign organisations over the appointment of Army Commander Shavendra Silva, Sri Lanka told the 42nd Session of the UN Human Rights Council that external influence on internal decisions is unacceptable.

Making a statement, Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the United Nations in Geneva, Ambassador A.L.A Azeez today said external attempts to influence decisions and internal administrative processes of public service promotions in Sri Lanka are unwarranted and unacceptable.

“With reference to the recent appointment of the Army Commander, it must be noted that this is a sovereign decision taken by the Head of State. Articulating a position of concern on this appointment by certain bilateral partners and international entities, based on allegations, is regrettable and contrary to the principles of natural justice,” he said.

Meanwhile, he said continued resilience of Sri Lanka’s security forces to protect the country and its people, while ensuring fundamental rights, consistent with the pledges it has made before the UNHRC was witnessed in the aftermath of the Easter Sunday attacks.

“These range from the speedy restoration of security which has minimised the impact on the country’s socio-economic fabric and upheld its international reputation, the lifting of the State of Emergency within 4 months, providing the ICRC full access to individuals detained, engaging in an informed debate on seeking to upgrade the new counter terrorism legislation, and in deference to the sensitivities of the Muslim community, adjustment of the regulation banning full facial cover attire,” Ambassador Azeez said.

He said the government remained committed to combating hate speech and all forms of crimes directed against ethnic and religious communities and is taking steps to counter religious radicalisation and violent extremism.