Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath accused previous governments of politicizing national issues and human rights for political gain, defending the government’s decision to not request for a vote when the latest Human Rights Council Resolution on Sri Lanka was adopted.
Briefing Parliament on his recent visit to Geneva and engagements with the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC), Herath said calling for a vote at the Council, given Sri Lanka’s record and circumstances, would create an unnecessary problem.
“Previous governments did this, fully aware that the vote will be defeated, wasting both public money and time. This is not our government’s policy,” he said.
Herath was responding to criticism that the current administration lacked the diplomatic skill to build international support for its positions.
He reiterated that the government is committed to replacing the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) with new legislation and establishing a public prosecutor’s office. He also emphasized that safeguarding human rights remains a government priority and will not be politicized.
MP Ravi Karunanayake, raising a point of order, questioned why Sri Lanka did not call for a vote at the Council, despite welcoming the remarks made by Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the UN in Geneva.
MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam said that the Foreign Minister’s statement made no reference to provincial council elections, accusing the minister of deceiving the international community.
Meanwhile, MP Jeevan Thondaman questioned the composition of the Office for Reparations, inquiring whether its membership is limited to ex-servicemen or if new appointments would be made.
In response, Minister Herath said the matter falls under the jurisdiction of a separate body. “I will refer your question on that matter and you can get a final answer,” he said.
MP Harsha de Silva also weighed in stating that Sri Lanka must not back away from requesting a vote, describing similarly challenging circumstances when Sri Lanka’s GSP+ eligibility was decided at the EU Parliament.
Chief Opposition Whip Gayantha Karunathilake proposed that a debate be conducted on the Foreign Minister’s statement in Geneva, to which the Foreign Minister agreed. (Newswire)