Harsha calls on Opposition to support Govt. led reconciliation efforts, set aside political agendas

• Says no hybrid courts under UNHRC resolution

 

Rejecting any establishment of hybrid courts in the country as a part of the UNHRC resolution, the Government yesterday said only foreign expertise may be sought and called on opposition parties to support ongoing reconciliation efforts. 

Non-Cabinet Minister of Economic Reforms and Public Distribution Dr. Harsha de Silva said in Parliament: “Establishing hybrid courts are referred to by many at different forums. Last week the Leader of the Opposition Mahinda Rajapaksa also mentioned this. Our Government never agreed to establish a hybrid court ever. We haven’t brought any proposals either.”  According to de Silva, the Government never proposed the UNHRC to establish a hybrid court. De Silva, who was a former Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, held that none of the delegations ever mentioned anything to agree for foreign judges. “When we had to go to Geneva for the first time in March 2017, I led the delegation. I know it was not proposed or agreed. This was also reported in media. Prime Minister also stated during that time Sri Lanka will not tolerate if a hybrid court is established. But he also stated that Sri Lanka will take the support from foreign experts,” he said. “No foreign judges will be here to try Sri Lankans and punish. We will only follow the Constitution. During the 52 days, you violated the Constitution. But the strong and independent court system in this country stopped you from proceeding,” he added.

Seeking the Opposition lawmakers to help unite the country, the Non-Cabinet Minister held that it is high time the Opposition stop petty political games and recognised all Sri Lankans equally.

“We want to re-establish peace in the country. Some want to create trouble with the elections around the corner. We have allocated Rs.500 million for the Office of Missing Persons. We all should say we are Sri Lankans. There has to be a limit to politics. It is our Sri Lankans who die. You should have the backbone to consider all Sri Lankans equally. I stand for every citizen in this country. You should have the backbone to say that. Be more responsible,” he said. (AH)