Reject UNHRC resolution: Somawansa

7 October 2015 11:45 am

Janatha Sevaka Pakshaya General Secretary Somawansa Amarasinghe today said all the political parties should come together to reject the UNHRC resolution in order to prevent Sri Lanka from becoming a colony again.

Addressing a news conference, the former Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna Leader said the proposed all party convention to study the UNHRC report on Sri Lanka was similar to shutting the stable door after the horses have bolted.

“An all-party convention could have been held prior to co-sponsoring a resolution with the US on Sri Lanka at the UNHRC. Now there’s no point of holding a convention over something which had already happened,” he said.

Mr. Amarasinghe said that no international organisations, not even the UNHRC has a right to intervene into the internal affairs of a particular country and said it could only offer to provide assistance to countries in developing human rights.

He refuted the reports that the mechanism to probe war crime charges was entirely being domestic and said it would be a hybrid mechanism with the input of foreign judges.

“This is a clear threat to our sovereignty and integrity as we are capable of conducting a domestic probe. The US, motivated by separatists, only wants to reap certain benefits from bringing the resolution. If this resolution was implemented, it will be a victory to the separatist elements,” he said.

He said it was absurd for a country like the US which had committed many human rights violations in countries like Afghanistan, to preach other countries on improving human rights.

Mr. Amarasinghe further said a new constitution will be required to make room for a hybrid court and said already certain measures are being taken to alter the judicial system of the country. (Lahiru Pothmulla)