SL reiterates its rejection of the OHCHR investigation

Sri Lankan Government today reiterated its categorical rejection of the investigation launched by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) on alleged violations of human rights and international humanitarian law during the war and described the process as ‘prejudiced and biased’.

Sri Lanka's Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva, Ambassador Ravinatha Aryasinha making a statement as the Head of the Sri Lankan delegation at the opening session of the 26th UNHRC session said the US-backed resolution 25/1 mandating the OHCHR investigation on Sri Lanka challenged its sovereignty and independence.

“It violates the principles of international law and is based on profoundly flawed premises inimical to the interests of the Sri Lankans,” he said.

Ambassador Aryasinghe was also highly critical of the High Commissioner and her office, stating that their ‘prejudice and bias concerning Sri Lanka’ is a matter of deep concern.

He said the resolution that was ‘adopted with the support of less than half the Council’s membership’ lacked clarity of mandate and had therefore set a dangerous precedent. He also expressed concern over the credibility of the senior UN Official Sandra Beidas who will be the Coordinator and lead the investigative team on Sri Lanka.(Lakna Paranamanna)