Sri Lanka’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Vijitha Herath, says the government is committed to advancing accountability through domestic processes and it opposes external mechanisms, such as the Sri Lanka Accountability Project, which create divisions and hinder national reconciliation.
He further said that the government continues to strengthen the domestic reconciliation mechanisms by guaranteeing their independence and the necessary financial and human resources allocations.
“The Government’s commitment to advancing reconciliation, human rights and the well-being of all Sri Lankans has been clearly outlined by the President on several occasions and also during my interaction with this Council.
“I wish to recall that the political movement which I represent was the first to call for the establishment of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission, soon after the war ended in 2009, long before the UN highlighted this need. Our commitment in this regard is, therefore, not merely driven by the need to comply with the Human Rights Council or other human rights mechanisms and treaties. It is a commitment that arises from our principles and experience and the paramount need to ensure the rights and well-being of our own people.
“As President Disanayaka has reiterated, we are firmly and genuinely committed to working towards a country that respects and celebrates the diversity of its people with no division or discrimination, and we are resolved not to leave room for a resurgence of racism or extremism. We are also committed to ensuring that any person alleged to have committed any unlawful act is investigated, prosecuted and brought before courts through an independent national process, irrespective of their social status, background or any other ground.
In keeping with this policy, proactive measures have been taken to investigate and prosecute alleged violations of laws, irrespective of the background of the persons concerned. All of you observing the developments in Sri Lanka would have witnessed several examples in this regard,” he said.
Minister Herath went on to note that external action will only serve to create divisions, thereby jeopardising the genuine and tangible national processes that have already been set in motion.
“The Government is opposed to any external mechanism imposed on us such as the Sri Lanka Accountability Project. My earnest submission to members of this Council, its observers and all stakeholders is to collaboratively join hands with the government, to deepen our mutual understanding and extend your support to Sri Lanka. Our genuine and sincere approach, which is visible, needs to be reciprocated with deeper understanding and noticeable appreciation. We urge that all of you assist us in seizing this historic opportunity to advance the rights and well-being of all Sri Lankans through our own domestic processes,” the foreign minister said.
Minister Vijitha Herath made the remarks while addressing the 60th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva today. (Newswire)
