Commonwealth countries to share Sri Lanka’s experience in several fields

Sri Lanka and majority of the countries participated in the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association sessions yesterday opposed a proposal made at the yesterday’s session for the appointment of a Human Rights Commissioner for the Commonwealth.

Sri Lanka, India, Pakistan and majority of the countries pointed out that since there is a Human Rights Commission under the United Nations there is no necessity for the CPA also to have a separate Commission. Only three countries and the Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe supported the proposal

Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva who is the President of the current sessions of the CPA said that the CPA should concentrate on economic matters as most of the countries have problems relating to economic matters.

He pointed out that appointment of a separate Human Rights Commission in the CPA as well when there is a body totally dedicated for the subject under the United Nations, would create a precedent and other regional groupings such as SAARC will also follow it and there will be gross overlapping of activities when that situation arises.

The United National Party parliamentarians Jayalath Jayawardena and John Amaratunga and M.A. Sumanthiran of the TNA also expressed views in support of the proposal. Ministers Nimal Siripala De Silva, Sarath Amunugama and Deputy Chairman of the committees Chandrakumar Murugesu presented the Government’s views against the proposal.

Speaking to the media after the end of the sessions, the Deputy Speaker Chandima Weerakkody addressing the media after the end of the sessions said that although this proposal was discussed at this session there is no legal framework to put it to vote or to get it approved.

He said that the sessions also discussed the educational, health and vocational training proposals presented by Sri Lanka and the foreign representatives participated in the sessions commended the progress achieved by Sri Lanka in these sectors. Proposals for sharing the Sri Lankan experience in these sectors were also submitted at the sessions.

Meanwhile, 60 foreign representatives have come forward to visit the Northern Province. However, Britain and another group are planning to visit several other places instead of the Northern Province tour arranged by the Sri Lankan Branch of the Commonwealth.

The Deputy Speaker said at present anyone can visit any part of Sri Lanka and the Government has not objected for the proposed visit by Britain and their allies.

(News.lk)