UNHRC decision will retard domestic reconciliation – Deputy Speaker

by Uditha Kumarasinghe

Deputy Speaker Chandima Weerakkody said that the UNHRC’s decision to investigate the alleged human rights violations during the final phase of the humanitarian operation will retard domestic reconciliation and eventually dent racial harmony.

When this type of mechanism is adopted due to international pressure, the trust that is strengthening among communities could be damaged hampering the expectations of reconciliation. Trust and mutual understanding is very important to bridge the gap among communities, the Deputy Speaker told the Sunday Observer yesterday.

He said it is important for Sri Lanka to go for a home-grown solution to resolve its internal problems. We eradicated LTTE terrorism through our own mechanism under the leadership of President Mahinda Rajapaksa. Our systems and cultural values are unique.

There could be some similarities to be shared within the region, but not with some Western countries that are deliberately trying to push us into an international inquiry, he said.

The Deputy Speaker said no action, international or otherwise could be taken against the Sri Lankan Army under any circumstances which eradicated the menace of terrorism.

No action was taken against the allied forces during the Second World War. International action was taken only against the Nazis on the understanding that the allied forces got together to ward off Nazi hegemony.

“It is the duty of the security forces to safeguard the territorial integrity of the country,” he said.