Editorial - Petrie report: Lanka faces diplomatic crisis

20 November 2012 07:10 pm - 1 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A A A

The wide ranging report on Sri Lanka by the UN internal review panel headed by Charles Petrie could cause a major international crisis for the Rajapaksa regime largely because of failure to wisely respond to the issues raised.

The Petrie committee was appointed by Secretary General Ban Ki-moon to probe how and why UN staff in Colombo and the Northern Province had failed to act fast and effectively in preventing a heavy civilian casualty toll during the last phase of the war with the LTTE. The report does not give a huge civilian casualty toll or refer to war crimes. But the Petrie report has created an international diplomatic crisis where Sri Lanka may figure in various UN committee debates, studies and seminars within and outside the UN system. Our sister newspaper the Sunday Times, said the Petrie report would become an important input to the crucial UNHRC sessions in March next year and Sri Lanka would be a case study for diplomatic training programmes in many countries as it would be considered the first major UN failure in a war

situation. As a result, Sri Lanka might be seen as another Rwanda in the eyes of the world. What a calamity, while officials of the External Affairs Ministry are focusing on Minister G.L. Peiris’ pet project of improving ties with African countries such as Uganda whose President was in Sri Lanka last week. Besides the failure of Ministry officials to respond effectively and take counter-action before the Petrie report does irreparable damage to Sri Lanka, the Sri Lanka mission in the UN also was not alert to what was going on in the Petrie committee, and its delayed reaction did little to repair the damage.

Another issue that has affected Sri Lanka’s image internationally was the statement issued by the UN Special Rapporteur regarding the impeachment of Chief Justice Shirani Bandaranayake. This issue will also come up at the sessions of the re-elected UNHRC in March, and Sri Lanka may come under heavy fire because Russia, China and Cuba which strongly defended Sri Lanka last year are no longer on the council.

Last year the UNHRC approved a US resolution calling on the Rajapaksa government to take effective and urgent steps to find a political solution to the ethnic conflict and to address accountability issues or alleged war crimes during the last months of the war against the LTTE.

Instead of languishing in the delusion that China will defend or save Sri Lanka because the country has been pawned to it – the latest being the car assembly plants in Hambantota, the Rajapaksa government must act fast or face the risk of losing the international diplomatic battle despite defeating the most ruthless terrorist group in the world.

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 - 1

kumar Wednesday, 21 November 2012 08:09 AM

Most ruthless terrorist group was defeated by the Most ruthless Government in the world?

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.

Editorial - Petrie report: Lanka faces diplomatic crisis

Comments - 1

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

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

Street food vendor arrested for verbally harassing foreigner

Ranil Wickremesinghe caravan moves on despite barking dogs

Former MP Palitha Thewarapperuma dies from electrocution

Two racing drivers arrested over Fox Hill tragedy

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

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

SL took minimal steps to punish officials who committed human rights abuses: US report

Iranian President’s visit Sri Lanka withstands western pressure

25 tons of solid waste disposed along Sri Pada route

Temperature rises to ‘Caution’ level

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

Indian cricket manager indicted for Legend Cricket League match-fixing allegations