We told UNHRC we will only probe HR issues protecting our sovereignty: PM
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday said the government had informed the UNHRC that it is only prepared to probe human rights violations according to its own way.
We follow the policies of the late Prime Minister D. S Senanayake. Therefore we have confirmed this in Geneva yesterday and on Thursday. The UNHRC stressed the need of international judicial system
“Our Foreign Affairs Minister Tilak Marapana has already informed the UNHRC that Sri Lanka will probe human rights violations only in a way its sovereignty is safeguarded and thus followed the policy of late Prime Minister D. S Senanayake,” Mr. Wickremesinghe said. He expressed this sentiment while speaking at a ceremony held to mark the 67th death anniversary of late Mr. Senanayake at Independence Square.
“We follow the policies of the late Prime Minister D.S Senanayake. therefore we have confirmed this in Geneva yesterday and on Thursday.the UNHRC stressed the need of international judicial system. However Sri Lanka Minister of Foreign Affairs said such a system is not needed. He said Sri Lanka is a democratic country and possesses an independent judiciary. Mr. Marapana therefore stressed that international investigation is not needed.” the Prime Minister said.
“At the same time he had told UN High commissioner of human rights that she could visit Sri Lanka any time and observe how the probes are conducted. He said Sri Lanka cannot accept the proposal of setting up an international judicial system.
“We are a democratic nation and have an independent judiciary. This fact is being accepted by the entire international community.
“What we have confirmed by this stance is our independence. Our effort has been so successful that the resolution we co-sponsored has been adopted without a vote,.
“We had to engage with the international community in this manner? It all started with the MOU signed by Sri Lanka with UN in 2009.The Sri Lankan government during that time agreed to set up an international judicial system.the government did not think as to how could Sri Lanka agree to an international probe at that time,” the Prime Minister finally said.
Ven. Thiniyawala Palitha Thero, Ven. Pitigala Vijitha Thera, Speaker Karu Jayasuriya, Ministers Thalatha Athukorala, akila Viraj Kariyawasam, Ranjith Madduma Bandara, Daya Gamage, Ruwan Wijewardene, MPS Wasantha Senanayake, Harshana Rajakaurana, Colombo Mayor Rosy Senanayake, Former Minister Rukman Senanayake, D.S. Senanayake commemoration committee members and distinguished guests participated in the event.