UNHC's visit will help build positive image of Lanka

by Manjula Fernando

The External Affairs Ministry said the UN Human Rights High Commissioner Navi Pillay's visit will help build a positive image of Sri Lanka among the section of the international community that has reservations of the country's outstanding achievements in ending terrorism and developments thereafter.

The Head of Publicity Division of the External Affairs Ministry Rodney Perera said, "the intention is for her to see as much as possible and find out what is really going on," adding that there's nothing to be covered up but give access to clear the misconceptions spread due to the LTTE and its sympathisers' propaganda.

He said the government was aware of the publicity stunts being arranged by various elements but the UN has been given a free hand to facilitate her to meet up with anyone she wishes to meet and visit places she wanted to visit. The UN Envoy is expected to undertake visits to the North, the East and the South where she will inspect the UN funded projects in progress.

She is scheduled to arrive in the island today around 10.00 am and depart on August 31.