Let’s get on with the LLRC recommendations and be done with it

A national newspaper ran a front-page story last week titled “Geneva; Lanka fails to beat the odds”, giving Geneva coverage and mentioning three amendments made to the original UNHRC resolution against Sri Lanka. The amendments called on the Government of Sri Lanka to:

– Implement the constructive recommendations made in the LLRC report;

– Expeditiously implement an action plan;

– Seek the advice and technical assistance of the office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and relevant Special Procedures Mandate Holders.

These steps are being taken, and the work will continue. Was it necessary, therefore, for our loud-mouthed politicians to excite the masses and go on parades, carrying placards, handing over petitions to the US Ambassador, and asking Sri Lankans to boycott American products?

The UN only wants the recommendations of the LLRC implemented expeditiously, knowing well what invariably happens with government-appointed commissions and their recommendations – these end up in pigeonholes and no follow-up action is ever taken.

The saying is that “those who live in glasshouses should not throw stones”, in a clear reference to the US, at a respected body like the UN, shows a very poor sense of diplomacy.

Not only the UN but all Sri Lankans would like to see the LLRC recommendations implemented expeditiously, so we can enjoy our hard-won freedom by defeating the LTTE.

We pray that those in power will not make us look like asses in the eyes of the world. S. Weerakoon Banda

Suduhumpola SPO