Sri Lanka has rejected a draft resolution (HRC 60/L.1/Rev.1) at the 60th session of the UN Human Rights Council, citing concerns over an external evidence-gathering mechanism established under a 2022 resolution.

According to the statement, Sri Lanka participated in discussions on this resolution in a spirit of open and constructive engagement, which it had demonstrated throughout in its interactions with this Council. 

“We appreciate the core group’s engagement on language amendments proposed by Sri Lanka. We, however, regret that we couldn’t find agreement on certain key concerns for us. While we thank all delegations for their constructive participation on the draft text, Sri Lanka particularly wishes to thank very sincerely those countries which made positive suggestions during informal consultations and bilateral meetings,” the statement said. 

The statement points out that, as Sri Lanka had indicated from the beginning to the core group, the country’s fundamental issue with the text is the reference to resolution 51/1 of 2022, denoting the external evidence gathering mechanism on Sri Lanka within the OHCHR, which, in its view, is an unprecedented and ad hoc expansion of the Council´s mandate. 

“Participating in the Interactive Dialogue on Sri Lanka on 8th September, the Minister of Foreign Affairs reiterated that Sri Lanka does not accept the external evidence gathering mechanism set up by the OHCHR, which it has labelled as the `Sri Lanka Accountability Project`, at a time when the Government is continuing to strengthen the domestic institutions based on its genuine commitment to reconciliation and human rights in the interests of our own people. The ongoing domestic processes include strengthening the independent Offices on Missing Persons and Reparations, and the Office for National Unity and Reconciliation, as well as the operationalization of a truth and reconciliation commission, and an independent Public Prosecutor´s Office,” it said. 

The statement further says Sri Lanka, as well as many other countries, have repeatedly questioned the credibility and transparency of how this Project within the OHCHR was set up, its work and the budget allocated to it, pointing out that after 4 years of its existence, this Council is yet to see any benefits of this Project for the people of Sri Lanka. 

“This is clearly evident from the contents of the High Commissioner’s Report as well. The extension of its mandate will only serve the interests of elements with vested interests seeking to create divisions and polarize the communities in Sri Lanka, and will be counterproductive to the Government’s efforts on promoting unity, reconciliation and human rights,” the statement added. 

Pointing out that it is only fair that Sri Lanka be allowed to seize this opportunity to advance the rights of its own people through domestic processes, the statement says that for these reasons, Sri Lanka does not agree with coercive international action, and it rejects resolution 60/L.1/Rev.1 presented to this Council. 

The statement by Sri Lanka, as the country concerned, delivered during the consideration of draft resolution HRC.60/L.1/Rev.1 on Sri Lanka at the 60th session of the Human Rights Council:

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Minister of Tourism Harin Fernando today provided a clarification on his statement made during a tourism roadshow in India, which had caused controversy in Sri Lanka recently. 

A protest was staged outside the Tourism Ministry this week, over Minister Fernando’s statement that Sri Lanka was part of India. 

Addressing the Parliament today (Feb 21), Minister Fernando said his statement had been taken out of context, pointing out that a minute or two from a 15-minute speech published on social media or by media stations had resulted in this.

Stating that this was the threat from social media faced at present, the minister revealed this was also the answer to questions as to why Sri Lanka requires an Online Safety Act. 

Explaining the context of his statement in India, Minister Fernando said he had thanked India for the continuous support provided over the last 13 to 14 months and had proceeded to highlight the similarities between the two nations, such as food, arts, and culture. 

“I said Sri Lanka is a part of India pointing out the similarities between the two nations. I can’t sell Sri Lanka to India. What kind of an imbecile is the person who is trying to create something that is completely out of context,” he said. 

The minister further pointed out that India is praised for providing monetary aid, medicines, and assistance during Sri Lanka’s difficult times, but is frowned upon when Indian investors are invited to Sri Lanka. 

Citing Dubai, Singapore, and Malaysia for being developed through foreign investments, he questioned how a country could develop without investments.

Pointing out that the Indian Foreign Minister himself had urged Indians to travel to Sri Lanka, Minister Fernando said that based on the ancient history shared between the two nations, was it wrong to say India and Sri Lanka are part of each other?

The Tourism Minister further expressed regret that a statement made on similarities between Sri Lanka and India had been misused for political advantage. (NewsWire)

"Sri Lanka is a part of India" Minister Harin Fernando's response to the criticism of the statement. #Lka pic.twitter.com/4jOe2YlGqL

— Manjula Basnayake (@BasnayakeM) February 21, 2024

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