More time to implement 2015 resolution - Govt. to talk to Core Group

The government has initiated discussions with the core group of countries on the resolution to be moved at the 40th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) next month to request for more time to be granted for Sri Lanka to implement the 2015 resolution on Sri Lanka, a source from the Foreign Affairs Ministry said yesterday.

The core group comprising Britain, Canada, Germany, Macedonia and Montenegro had announced earlier that such a resolution was likely to be moved.

The UNHRC session will begin on February 25 and end on March 22.

The resolution 30/1, which was adopted in 2015, calls for transitional justice in Sri Lanka and the setting up of the Office of Missing Persons, the Office of Reparation, a truth seeking mechanism and a judicial mechanism comprising judges from the commonwealth and other countries.

This resolution also calls for reforming the country’s security sector, to repeal the Prevention of Terrorism Act and to evolve a political settlement through constitutional means.

When asked for a comment on the proposed resolution, German Ambassador Jorn Rohde said he would also reiterate the statement made by the core group that there would be a resolution on promoting reconciliation, accountability and human rights in Sri Lanka.

He said the text of the proposed resolution would be presented soon. (Kelum Bandara)