Sri Lanka opposed to any external mechanism: Sri Lanka tells UNHRC

The government is in the process of repealing the PTA and introduce a new counter terrorism legislation

By Ajith Siriwardana   

Sri Lanka is opposed to any external mechanism imposed on  Sri Lanka, such as the Sri Lanka Accountability Project, which serves to  create divisions and complicate the national reconciliation process  underway in Sri Lanka, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment  and Tourism Vijitha Herath said. Addressing the 60th Session of the Human Rights Council,  the Minister said development within less than a year clearly  demonstrates the government’s genuine commitment and determination to  protect and promote the rights and well-being of all Sri Lankans through  domestic processes.

“We are committed to working towards a country that  respects and celebrates the diversity of people in line with our  domestic legal framework. 

The government will continue to work in close  cooperation with the international community through capacity building  and technical assistance in mutually agreed areas to further strengthen  these efforts. We urge this council to take note of the progress made  within a short period. We seek continued support to provide us the time  and space that is required to make use of this historic opportunity to  advance the rights and well-being of Sri Lankans through national  processes,” he said addressing the Council.   

The Minister said a number of measures have been introduced  to promote economic and social well-being of the people to strengthen  reconciliation and social justice.   

“Our anti-corruption drive has been strengthened with new  legislation enabling new independent investigations and prosecutions, leading to landmark convictions. The government is in the process of  repealing the PTA and introducing a new counter terrorism legislation.  Amendments are being formulated through consultations on the Online Safety Act. The government continues to strengthen domestic  reconciliation mechanisms by guaranteeing their independence and  necessary financial and human resources allocations.  

Respecting the rights of truth and justice, the government  has allocated the required resources for excavations at the Chemmani grave  site, which are being carried out under judicial supervision. The  government is committed to advancing accountability through credible  domestic processes. Recent decisions by the Sri Lankan courts  demonstrate the independence of the Sri Lankan judiciary. The  government has afforded full independence of the police, and  investigations have resumed into many long-standing cases, including  the Easter Sunday attacks and attacks against journalists. A large  majority of lands have been released,” the Minister said.