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Last Updated : 2024-04-25 00:00:00
3.57 pm: UNHRC resolution on Sri Lanka adopted 25 – 13 with eight abstentions
The UNHRC resolution on Sri Lanka has been officially adopted by the council, with 25 members voting for the motion, and 13 voting against it. There are eight abstentions. The numbers are almost unchanged from that of last year. India voted for the resolution.
India’s envoy Dilip Sinha made a strongly worded statement on Sri Lanka, saying that it was imperative that Sri Lanka implemented the recommendations of the LLRC and moved forward in accordance with the 13th amendment to its constitution.
“It is vital that Sri Lanka addresses issues like missing persons, detainees, and the return of private lands by military”, Sinha said, adding that the measures taken so far were unsatisfactory.
Sinha added that it was India’s belief that the end of the conflict provided an unique opportunity to Sri Lanka for reconciliation and the opportunity needed to be grabbed.
“India is Sri Lanka’s closest neighbour and share thousands of years of relationship. We cannot be but untouched by what happens in Sri Lanka”, he said, adding that India would continue to enage with the country.
Sinha also urged the President of the UNHRC to accept an invitation by Sri Lanka to visit the country.
3.52 pm: Update – Japan will abstain from vote on Sri Lanka
Japan will abstain from the vote, said its envoy while asking the Sri Lankan government to move forward on the recommendations made by the LLRC, and appreciating the assurances made by President Mahinda Rajapasaka when he visited Japan earlier this year, that Provincial Council elections would be held in Jaffna.
3.49 pm: Thailand to vote against resolution, Korea to vote for
Both Thailand and Republic of Korea have expressed satisfaction with the Sri Lankan government’s steps, but while Thailand said it would vote against the resolution, Korea said it would support it.
3.42 pm: Why this obsession with Sri Lanka, asks envoy
Warning that resolutions such as that which was being brought against Sri Lanka would cause the UNHCR to suffer the same fate of its predecessor, the Sri Lankan envoy is asking “why this preoccupation with Sri Lanka on an inordinate and disproportionate level. It has been just three years and ten months since the war ended. We have demonstrated so much progress in a short period of time”, he asked.
The Lankan envoy also indirectly lashed out at the United States, saying it was only targeting countries that did not conform to its political agendas. “Today it is Sri Lanka, tomorrow it will be any country which does not adhere to the agenda of those who bring forward this resolution, who claim to stand for Human Rights the world over, while actively pursuing agendas other than Human Rights”, he said.
3.35 pm: Sri Lanka takes the floor, says ‘pessimistic’ draft is unacceptable
An extremely indignant Sri Lankan envoy has taken the floor, saying that the draft resolution is completely unacceptable to Sri Lanka. “The preambular part of the text is intrusive, replete with misrepresentations, focuses disproportionately on the negative and eliminates or is dismissive of the positive”, he said,
“There are also aspersions cast on domestic processes which are undergoing without any foundation”, he said.
3.30 pm: Venezuela slams Sri Lanka resolution as ‘hypocritical’ and ‘double standard’
Venezuela has rejected the resolution against Sri Lanka, saying that the resolution does not have any genuine cooperation or dialogue which is the cornerstone of any meaningful resolution. The envoy slammed it as being ‘hypocritical’ of ‘double standard’ and said that Sri Lanka was being targeted despite the meaningful steps its government had been taking to foster reconciliation.
He added that Venezuela would vote against the resolution.
3.27 pm: EU, Switzerland, Brazil and Sierra Leone to vote against Sri Lanka
The envoys from Ireland (speaking on behalf of the EU), Switzerland, Brazil and Sierra Leone have all welcomed the resolution on Sri Lanka as being geared towards helping the country promote national reconciliation and accountability, and have said that they will support it.
India’s envoy Dilip Sinha is reading out a diplomatic, yet strongly worded statement on Sri Lanka, saying that it was imperative that Sri Lanka implemented the recommendations of the LLRC and moved forward in accordance with the 13th amendment to its constitution.
The 13th amendment establishes the Provincial councils in Sri Lanka, and was an attempt to devolve power from the centre. It was introduced to the Sri Lankan constitution at the behest of India in 1987, and recently was called into question when President Mahinda Rajapaksa ruled out devolution of power in the Tamil dominated North and East.
“It is vital that Sri Lanka addresses issues like missing perosns, detainees, and the return of private lands by military”, Sinha said.
Sinha added that it was India’s belief that the end of the conflict provided an unique opportunity to Sri Lanka for reconciliation and the opportunity needed to be grabbed.
“India is Sri Lanka’s closest neighbour and share thousands of years of relationship. We cannot be but untouched by what happens in Sri Lanka”, he said, adding that India would continue to enage with the country.
Sinha also urged the President of the UNHRC to accept an invitation by Sri Lanka to visit the country.
The Pakistan envoy has said that the draft resolution against Sri Lanka was overly intrusive and interfering, adding that Pakistan was appreciative of Sri Lanka’s efforts to foster reconciliation and its continuing efforts to update the council on steps being taken in this regard.
And in what can be construed as a dig against India, the envoy said that Sri Lanka had suffered for many years from “externally sponsored terror” and said the country needed more time to right all the wrongs that had been perpetuated on it.
He added that Pakistan was of the opinion that country specific resolutions must be of a constructive nature to bear any fruitful results, and that the Sri Lanka resolution was not an example of such a resolution.
“A country like Sri Lanka needs to be helped and not chastised”, he added.
3.05 pm: United States presents the draft resolution on Sri Lanka
The resolution on Sri Lanka is being co sponsored by 41 countries, says the US, saying that Sri Lanka must take meaningful action on accountability, the deteriorating human rights situation and said that much remains to be done in terms of adopting the constructive suggestions of the country’s Lessons Learned and Reconciliation Commission.
The US said that they were committed to working constructively with Sri Lanka, and stood ready to assist in the effort to rectify the situation.
Nadi Karunaratne Thursday, 21 March 2013 12:13 PM
Funny that nations where human rights, freedom of press and rule of law pertain voted against us...once upon a time we aspired to be like them......now we can only rely on those who are strangers to democracy and freedom.
Fly Thursday, 21 March 2013 12:26 PM
13 countries, 7 Muslim countries
Chtisitan Thursday, 21 March 2013 12:24 PM
Ok people ..... Now you know who are enemies of our nation. Don't ever forget the countries vote against us. When the time comes we will have it with USA UK and India
kumar Thursday, 21 March 2013 12:21 PM
NOW WITH IMPUNITY TAMILNATU FISH FOLK WILL FISHED OUT,BY LANKAN FISH FOLK.TAMILNATU WAS ASKING FOR THIS.
NOW LETS WATCH UNTIL NEXT YEAR
kumar Thursday, 21 March 2013 12:18 PM
world is changing,
USA thought it has power but at least 21 countries did not support,
INDIA,is now sandwiched between SL AND PAKISTAN.
ON THE POWER GAME,IN THE LONG RUN INDIA HAS TO WATCH OUT
ind Thursday, 21 March 2013 12:17 PM
you are really mad. they are living there as they love those countries, not Sri Lanka.
kumar Thursday, 21 March 2013 12:15 PM
US and its coolies DID NOT GET WHAT IT TRIED,
ONE CAN SAY LOOKING AT THE RESULT SRI LANKA WON,AND EGG ON INDIA'S FACE.
LOOK AT THE COMMENTS FROM PAKISTAN,UAE,KUWAIT,VENEZUELA,.
YANKEE POWER IS OVER NOW,NEW WORLD HAS BEGUN
Sampath Thursday, 21 March 2013 12:14 PM
Out of the 13 votes 7 Muslim countries vote in support of SL. Amongst them the UAE.
Dil Thursday, 21 March 2013 12:26 PM
At this point of time we need clear cut strategy to counter these resolution. going around shouting isn't going to solve this. we need to be wise and smart. the critical factor remains that we do not have skilled diplomats (most of the high commissioners are political appointments of friends) they lack professionalism and skills. Also subsequent foreign ministers we had after late Laksman Kadirgamar did not pursue are strategy that could counter the lobbies from the diaspora and LTTE sympathizers.
shan Thursday, 21 March 2013 12:11 PM
Just look at the Many countries that voted with the USA.. Many of them have pending and equally worse resolutions against them. HR watch argued that two of the nations should not even sit on the unhcr.. This is a joke. just like calling the USA Upholders of HR. Double standards is the middle name
Globalica Thursday, 21 March 2013 12:09 PM
America does not care killing of millions of people anywhere in the world.The only fear of Sri Lanka is growing Chinese foot print.Not Only US but also India really worrying only on this.They brought such kind of barriers to us to paralyze economy and change regime.
THIS IS POORLY A POLITICAL AGENDA LED BY INDIA AND US
Bo bo Thursday, 21 March 2013 12:07 PM
Stop all from India and stop all to India. Then only they will feel,,
John Fernando Thursday, 21 March 2013 12:07 PM
Lets start a protest against Navaninda Pillay.
Pramod Fernando Thursday, 21 March 2013 12:06 PM
Who cares... Go fly a kite you stupid Navi Pillay alias Navi illay....
LK Thursday, 21 March 2013 12:02 PM
Will Japan say that because of this resolution that they cannot give the loan what they agreed with MR?
PRASANNAJIT Thursday, 21 March 2013 12:01 PM
The No 1 question is why Japan abstained? Govt was making a big noise on Japan's support after the visit of MR. In the case of India it was clear they were going to vote against. The govt has no clue whatever on the happenings around the world. Ministry of Foreign Affairs is in a total mess with the Professor.
KRK Thursday, 21 March 2013 11:20 AM
Who cares.......go Sri Lanka...
Dont Know what going Thursday, 21 March 2013 12:27 PM
What is all the hullabullo? SL had almost half of them on their side today. well done.
truth Thursday, 21 March 2013 12:32 PM
If it is independet and fair and squre.what if LTTE buy the investigators??they;ve political and money power
KD Thursday, 21 March 2013 12:33 PM
Every Muslim nation voted for Sri Lanka and the true Sinhala nation, proving they are our true friends. Indonesia, Kuwait, Maldives, Pakistan, Qatar, UAE voted against and Malaysia abstained. Thank you!
please respect the Muslims and treat them like true friends.
Rahula Thursday, 21 March 2013 12:34 PM
Japan abstain in voting but Muslim countries still supports SL
Lankan Thursday, 21 March 2013 12:40 PM
Shame on you Colombian Yuppies who celebrate this.
You are of no value to this country.
Shaun Friday, 22 March 2013 01:29 AM
USA did not spend trillions to buy countries, but LTTE did. Wiinners are the terrorists
NE Friday, 22 March 2013 02:13 AM
Siera Leon and Libya voting against SRi Lanka. Joke of the century.
GoSri Lanka Friday, 22 March 2013 02:18 AM
Who cares India...Go Sri Lanka.........
D.M.PUNCHI BANDA Friday, 22 March 2013 05:05 AM
note that 21 countries out of 44 did not support this resolution
Dilup Saturday, 23 March 2013 07:46 AM
Resolution being proposed from a country (US) which has a population equal to Sri Lanka there who are homeless, starving and forgotten from their so called society.
modaya Thursday, 21 March 2013 11:00 AM
Well done Sri Lanka, proud to be a true patriot. Majority members once again either kicked out the US dictatorial double sided resolution or abstained purely because they were afraid of US/EU & its thugs.
ShihanFz Thursday, 21 March 2013 10:37 AM
Ok. whats next?
Conrad Thursday, 21 March 2013 10:31 AM
How about drafting a resolution against America on HR violations in Vietnam, Pakistan, Afganistan and Iraq. Think about it.
Ramzeel Thursday, 21 March 2013 10:32 AM
Sri Lanka spent billions on the ministers globe trotting but the result is negative.
Lokka Thursday, 21 March 2013 10:39 AM
US and European countries including Canada are enemies of Sri Lanka
Chinthaka Thursday, 21 March 2013 10:34 AM
typical U.S policy of trying to bring down countries who do not dance to their tune.13 votes against U.S, At least now we know who are "real" friends are
kumara Thursday, 21 March 2013 10:43 AM
God exists! well done USA.
sampath Thursday, 21 March 2013 10:38 AM
maxa
Shandy Thursday, 21 March 2013 10:45 AM
See you next year for the next resolution. What a waste of time.
thulash Thursday, 21 March 2013 10:46 AM
People, The drama is over see you all in next year. please get back to usual work now. Thanks all for free publicity given to Sri Lanka.
semage Thursday, 21 March 2013 10:46 AM
By the way what happend to the last year resolution.......
Rajitha Thursday, 21 March 2013 10:48 AM
India cannot engage in Sri Lanka by attacking our citizens. First if they cant control their own people how can they ask to improve Human Rights in Sri Lanka ? Tamil Nadu had been messing up with Sri Lanka so blatantly . even fishermen encroach daily our waters. India must first put their house in order.
Dinesh Thursday, 21 March 2013 10:58 AM
An international probe is the only way to silence all these nations. this villification of the whole country will stop only then
Mithra Thursday, 21 March 2013 10:58 AM
Where is Mr.Weeeeerawansa
amitha mdun Thursday, 21 March 2013 10:37 AM
We have requested this ... and delivered...
god help Thursday, 21 March 2013 11:02 AM
shows over, party time in india
viki Thursday, 21 March 2013 11:02 AM
Well done US! This is the first step in the long walk to Hague.
mad Thursday, 21 March 2013 11:03 AM
Ask all Sri Lankans living in those countries to come back Sri Lanka! lol
Gamaya Thursday, 21 March 2013 11:04 AM
Lanka has scored an own goal. Dismissal of CJ and lack of independence of the judiciary hardened the attitude of countries who voted despite many progresses, doubted Lanka to live up to promises!!!
renu Thursday, 21 March 2013 11:06 AM
This was foregone conclusion. Even Japan Abstained and wanted the GOSL to implement what they have been dragging on like accountability by the Top advisers of the GOSL with regard to HR , Humanitarian laws
Antony Thursday, 21 March 2013 11:07 AM
India has clearly stood against Sri Lanka twice at UNHCR. Its time to terminate all imports from India and concentrate with other friends, Russia, China, Japan, Pakistan etc
Dinesh Thursday, 21 March 2013 11:07 AM
While it is regrettable, It also gives an opportunity to introspect, Sarath Fonseka is right when he says let us have a probe and tell the world to GO TO HELL and let the probe be independent, because of a few elements in the army and in the political establishment, the whole country is vilified
Shehan Jayawardene Thursday, 21 March 2013 11:08 AM
Only international pressure will make SL implement the LLRC. Well done to all those countries who voted in favour of the resolution.
Dinithi Thursday, 21 March 2013 11:11 AM
Yes we spend billions to buy countries and USA spends trillions to buy countries. The most powerful and the rich as of today have won. Human rights are of the least concern. Resolution passed. So what? Nothing happens because these resolutions are not binding like security council resolutions. Let's meet in March next year. Oh ...forgot...there is some Commonwealth party supposed to be in SL. Few countries who just cant spend the unnecessary time for such mundane events will say 'we will avoid the summit because SL violates human rights' which is a convenient reason to avoid it without hurting Britain. and they will hope that every host violates human rights so that they can avoid it. What a time waster.
SL Thursday, 21 March 2013 11:12 AM
I think you will take a long walk to Hague since Sri Lanka hasn't ratified it neither US. If pro LTTE diaspora wants they are very welcome since they are the people whom supported killing of innocent people in the south for nearly 30 yrs.
Danhush Thursday, 21 March 2013 11:15 AM
kiyala wada naha mahathayooo...what happened to the one already adopted and what is going to happen now...UN would say...this is not my cup of tea......boru sobana
Cancer Thursday, 21 March 2013 11:16 AM
IF WE LICK THEIR BOOTS, US. AND EU WOULD HAVE HAILED SRI LANKA. DOUBLE STANDARD SONS OF HYPOCRITES..
be fair Thursday, 21 March 2013 11:18 AM
Typical Sri Lanakan mentality. though I do not accept this govt right now, as a Proud SRI LANKAN I admire their courage to finish the war. Lets agree it was too tough during that time. I wonder why India and the rest were quiet for 30 years about LTTE bombs, massacres and so on. Is this actually justice to us? I DO NOT THINK SO. The UN system has in fact failed Sri Lanka, sad day I reckon
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