UNHRC resolution politically-motivated – Nimal Siripala de Silva

by Uditha Kumarasinghe

Leader of the House and Irrigation and Water Resources Management Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva said it was obvious that the motive behind the resolution to be moved against Sri Lanka at the UNHRC sessions was not genuine but politically-motivated to destabilise Sri Lanka.

The US and the United Kingdom are now engaged in a massive campaign to get as many votes in favour of their resolution against the country. Although Sri Lanka is a small country, it will defend its sovereignty and safeguard the dignity of its Security Forces and is ready to face all challenges at the UNHRC sessions, the Minister told the Sunday Observer yesterday.

The resolution clearly shows the double standards adopted by these Western countries.

All violations committed by them from time immemorial and in the recent past are very serious. They are now making a big hue and cry over human rights.

This is something which we need to understand, he said.

The Minister said the Government should make the UNHRC member countries aware of the true situation in Sri Lanka. The Government is now fulfilling this task and expediting the process.

The Government has already apprised foreign governments, leaders and Foreign Ministers about the significant development and reconciliation implemented in Sri Lanka after terrorism was eradicated.

Sri Lanka’s foreign diplomats which held bilateral meetings with many State Leaders and other high-profile foreign dignitaries could convince them that the move adopted by some Western countries to move a resolution against Sri Lanka at the UNHRC sessions was not genuine or justifiable.

The Minister said he feels that UN Secretary General Banki Moon had not studied the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay’s report thoroughly. It was merely a statement by him at the UNHRC sessions. Navi Pillay, an experienced judge has worked within the UN system for a long period.

Hence her lapse cannot be pardoned or condoned. Therefore, we have our reservations on this issue, he said.