Govt does not recognise HRC Resolution -  Prof. G.L. Peiris

External Affairs Minister Professor G.L. Peiris, briefing the diplomatic community, said that, while the government does not recognise the Human Rights Council Resolution on Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka's engagement with the United Nations system remains vibrant and consistent.

The rejection of the Resolution is predicated on a number of reasons which go to the very core of the nation's well-being, he said. Among these reasons are the intolerably intrusive nature of the terms of the Resolution and its harmful impact on an ongoing sensitive internal process.

However, he emphasised that Sri Lanka's commitment to the international system, of which it had been a member for more than seventy years, continues to be strong and unwavering. It is by no means the case that the country is distancing itself from international engagement. Recent initiatives make this abundantly clear, the Minister pointed out. He cited a number of examples in the course of his presentation.

The Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights of Internally Displaced Persons, Dr. Chaloka Beyani, undertook a four-day official visit in December last year on the invitation of the Government of Sri Lanka.

The government extended an invitation to the Special Rapporteur on Education to undertake a visit to the country this year. The Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights of Migrants, Francois Crepeau, is scheduled to visit Sri Lanka in the third week of May.

Sri Lanka, during its Universal Periodic Review Second Cycle, briefed the Human Rights Council in detail on the substantial progress made on different aspects of the reconciliation process. A Joint Needs Assessment for the Northern Province is being carried out by the Presidential Task Force in collaboration with the United Nations system.

There is, as well, a fruitful partnership with the United Nations mechanism for humanitarian assistance (OCHA). Sri Lanka has proactively engaged with the Working Group on Detention. The country's permanent Representative in Geneva remains engaged in regular dialogue with special procedures mandate holders on a variety of relevant matters.

The Minister also referred to Sri Lanka's leadership role in such areas as youth and the environment. The World Youth Conference, to be held in Sri Lanka in two weeks' time, promises to be an international event of major importance.

The country has played a pioneering role in symposia on the Blue Economy, held in the Gulf region. As Chair-in-Office of the Commonwealth, Sri Lanka will give leadership to discussions on the post - 2015 development agenda and the economy of small States on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in September.

Sri Lanka's contribution in all these areas is that of an active and responsible member of the international community, Minister Peiris said.