Foreign Minister criticises British travel advisory, calls for fair play towards SL

•  Speaking at launch of Lord Naseby’s book, Foreign Minister questions rationale behind British Govt. travel advisory saying terrorist attacks likely in SL
• Says FM has protested vehemently against it
• Points to Govt. not asking for generosity
• Wants fair play, dispassionate view of situation
• Commends Lord Naseby for courage in standing by SL

By Chandani Kirinde

Foreign Minister Prof. G.L. Pieris yesterday criticised the latest travel advisory issued by the British government for its citizens wanting to visit Sri Lanka and called for fair play and objectivity in addressing issues related to the country.

The Minister questioned how  truthful is  the warning in the latest travel advisory  which tells British  nationals wanting to Sri Lanka that terrorist violence is likely in the country.

The Minister made the remarks at the launch of the book by Lord Michael Naseby titled ‘Sri Lanka -Paradise Lost, Paradise Regained.’ at an event held in Colombo.

“There are many problems in this country and tourists are well aware of them. There are power cuts, shortage of diesel and gas. These are all facts of life. A travel advisory can certainly draw attention to these inconveniences which may be suffered by tourists who are planning a visit to this country,” he said.

He however questioned the rationale behind the British government stating in its travel advisory that terrorist violence is likely in this country and disclosed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has vehemently protested against this.

“The answer we have got is that this is what they have been saying for two years and that the travel advisory has been downgraded from very likely to likely by now.”

“Is that a convincing or acceptable answer? If you were a British family contemplating a holiday with your loved ones, your friends, in Sri Lanka, would you for a moment consider holiday in a country where your government says terrorists’ violence is likely’,” he asked.

The Minister said Sri Lanka is not asking for generosity or for kindness. “As the country’s foreign minister. I’m asking for fair play. I am asking for justice. I’m asking for an objective and a dispassionate view of the situation,” he said.

The Minister said that it is very important that the public of this country believe that whatever is done is genuinely for the wellbeing of this country and not to promote the fortunes of politicians in other countries.

Peiris also questioned the focus placed on Sri Lanka by the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) asking is there is any rational justification for the degree of focus attention, energy, money that has been spent on Sri Lanka.

“Sri Lanka is being singled out by the application of standards and criteria, which are not being applied to any other country on the planet. Is that because we are small, we don’t have large armies. We are not an affluent nation,” the Minister questioned.

“My country cannot be used as a political football to serve others interests. There is no arrogance on our part. We are not self-opinionated. We do not believe in an isolationist policy. We do not want to cut ourselves off from the world. We want to engage with them, but in a spirit of partnership, on the basis of equality, in a manner that is at all times compatible with the dignity and self-respect of Sri Lanka.”

He commended Lord Naseby for the courage he had shown in standing by Sri Lanka and questioning the British authorities and asking them to disclose information relating to the last phase of the war which were cabled from Colombo and which debunk the claims of war crimes committed by the armed forces of Sri Lanka.

“I commend Lord Naseby for the indefatigable energy that he has displayed in fighting the establishment, going again and again to obtain the information that he has sought. Although he has succeeded only partially, I salute him for that endeavour. I recognise him as a genuine friend,” he said.