Govt. confident of UNHRC engagement

By Ashwin Hemmathagama – Our Lobby Correspondent

The forthcoming UNHCR sessions will make no changes to the prevailing acceptance of Sri Lanka by the international community with the Government confident the country’s status will remain unchanged, an official said yesterday.   

Public Enterprise, Kandyan Heritage and Kandy Development Minister and Leader of the House Lakshman Kiriella responding to Opposition lawmaker Dinesh Gunawardena held the Government saved the nation from international sanctions and will continue to follow the same path at the ongoing UNHRC sessions.

“During Mahinda Rajapaksa-era, the UNHCR passed three resolutions against Sri Lanka in 2012, 2013, and in 2014. We were on the verge of having sanctions imposed but was saved by the Government change in 2015,” he said.

Kiriella stated the former Government had attempted to whip up fear among the public by spreading false rumours that military leaders would have to face the electric chair or be brought before an international tribunal. 

“With the new Government, there were no sanctions. We were able to save Mahinda Rajapaksa also from the electric chair. We were able to govern for four years without an issue. This proves the management ability of our Government. So, don’t worry about a matter which will not change,” he added. 

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