Final version of resolution on SL after Wednesday

• The western countries, particularly those in the Scandinavian region, asked for strong wording of the resolution
• SL has made engagements with India to woo its support, but there was no commitment even yesterday   

By Kelum Bandara   

The core group of countries working on Sri Lanka’s issue at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) will be ready with the final version of the resolution after another session of informal consultations with the states interested in the issue, an official said yesterday.   

During the past week, such sessions were conducted on the resolution which Sri Lanka has already rejected. The United Kingdom which leads the core group called for these sessions. The western countries, particularly those in the Scandinavian region, asked for strong wording of the resolution amidst objections by the member states that back Sri Lanka.   

China, Russia, Cuba and Pakistan are among the countries that lead support for Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka has made engagements with India to woo its support, but there was no commitment even yesterday.   

The vote on the resolution is likely to be taken later this month. Sri Lanka has to muster the support of 24 countries out of the 47-member UNHRC to defeat adoption of the resolution. 

• SL has to muster the support of 24 countries out of the 47-member UNHRC to defeat adoption of the resolution