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Wimal stands by comment

4 July 2010 06:29 am - 16     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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By Gandhya Senanayake

Government Minister Wimal Weerawansa says he stands by the comment he made last week regarding the United Nation's office in Colombo saying he made the comment as the National Freedom Front (NFF) leader and not in his capacity as a Government member and reiterated his call for the public to surround the building and protest against the UN panel.

When asked by Daily Mirror online if he was under any pressure regarding his comment after it had created a lot of controversy, Weerawansa said there was no such pressure as the position was that of his party.

“We should surround the UN office in Colombo and put pressure on UN Secretary General Ban ki-moon to reverse his decision to appoint a panel on Sri Lanka. I am saying this as the leader of the NFF and not as a member of the government," Minister Weerawansa said.

He also said there is no need for anyone to apologize to the UN over the comments he made to the media last week and instead it is the UN Secretary General who should apologize for attempting to tarnish the image of Sri Lanka and its troops.

Weerawansa had last week urged the public to surround the UN office in Sri Lanka and trap the staff inside until a decision was taken by the UN Secretary General to dissolve the panel he appointed on Sri Lanka.

Weerawansa also said that the appointment of the three-member advisory panel by UN General Secretary Ban Ki Moon is the primary step that would prompt the Sri Lankan leaders to be produced to the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

The UN last week responded by saying its security officials were monitoring the comments made by Weerawansa. UN spokesman Farhan Haq said the UN had contacted the Sri Lankan government over the article appearing on Daily Mirror online last week with the comment made by Weerawansa and the government has assured the UN that the comment made by Weerawansa was his “individual opinion”.

He also said there was an indication the government may apologise to the comments made by Minister Weerawansa. (Daily Mirror online)

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  Comments - 16

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  • Mushi Sunday, 04 July 2010 06:41 AM

    Why this man cant undestand he is part of govt now before his NFF. He has a boneless tongue. this is the truth.

    Matara Kolla Sunday, 04 July 2010 07:49 AM

    It is regretful that the Hon. Minister made an error of judgement . As an inexperienced member of the Govt. he should avoid controversial issues. This has caused huge embarrassment to the Govt. To add insult to injury, now he is refusing to retract he statement. For heavens sake Minister, don't rock the boat. Get familiar with your portfolio and your position, leave out individual agendas and to the Govt. line. You cannot travel forward and backward at the same time.

    Benadict Sunday, 04 July 2010 08:30 AM

    I think before giving any statement President MR should interfere and clarify whether it suits our country. otherwise these irrelevant statements will ruin our country.

    Elaris Sunday, 04 July 2010 08:46 AM

    Is the Hon minister ready to take the responsibility of the safety of UN staff in case such an event take place.

    Farshard Sunday, 04 July 2010 08:50 AM

    mind your words man

    RCF Sunday, 04 July 2010 09:41 AM

    BRAVO!!!! at least one man is thers to stand for us!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Raj Gonsalkorale Sunday, 04 July 2010 10:13 AM

    Which hat comes first? cabinet ministership or NFF? I think Mr Weerawansa's primary responsibility is as a minister, not the leader of the NFF. Although Mr weerawansa's anger is towards the UN Secretary General is understandable, and many Sri Lankans share that, it is time now for behind the scenes diplomacy to cool down framed tempers. The Sri Lankan government has stated its position on the panel, now it can and must go ahead with its own investigation and prove to the world that it can manage its own affairs in a free and fair manner. Any aggravation of the delicate position the country is in needs to be handled carefully and tactically. For example, the SL government must use all its resources and friends like Russia and China to put pressure on the UN SG. The NAM movement is another body that must be encouraged to take a stand. The country must win this battle as they won at the UN Human Rights Council. That was diplomacy at its best. If we did then, we can do it again.

    Practical Sunday, 04 July 2010 10:35 AM

    With people like you we all have a great future!

    Ro Sunday, 04 July 2010 11:59 AM

    dont poke your hand to every other thing. now concentrate with your portfolio.

    L. Samaraweera Sunday, 04 July 2010 12:39 PM

    If people accept the GOSL's appointment the panel to investigate war crime in Sri Lanka why do they oppose the panel appointed by UN? Both panels are expected to come out with facts and there can not be any reason to oppose one and accept the other.

    Anjana Sunday, 04 July 2010 12:46 PM

    You are a hero Wimal
    Go ahead Go ahead we give you our blood support

    Lalith Kuruwita Sunday, 04 July 2010 12:52 PM

    Let UN investigate. UN cannot bring back LTTE.

    Upul Sunday, 04 July 2010 01:08 PM

    Classic case of cheap politics that goes so well in Sri lanka!!

    Rajitha Sunday, 04 July 2010 02:58 PM

    there's no doubt his statement regarding UN is totally unwarranted. but we should appreciate the fact that, unlike many other politicians, he stood by his statement. that is not something we really get to see very often

    ravi raj Monday, 05 July 2010 05:03 AM

    Try to get maximum advantage this time. He is the bigest enemy of your loving party

    Minnal Monday, 05 July 2010 08:08 PM

    Cheap politicians look for major publicity at the expense of our country.


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