Sri Lanka being unfairly treated: GL

Friday, 24 January 2014 00:35 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

External Affairs Minister G.L. Peiris says repeated resolutions at the UN Human Rights Council were bringing excessive pressure on Sri Lanka which was counterproductive because of their polarising effect. Addressing the Board of Directors of the Asia Foundation from the US who are currently on a visit to Sri Lanka to survey projects

supported by the Asia Foundation at the Ministry of External Affairs on Tuesday at an informal discussion, Minister Peiris said there was a growing perception in Sri Lanka that the country was not being fairly treated. Minister Peiris noted that difficult accomplishments within a brief time span are not sufficiently acknowledged and that standards not invoked in respect of comparable post-conflict situations are being applied selectively to Sri Lanka. He urged greater sensitivity and understanding, and the desirability of approaches founded more on partnership and respect consistent with the country’s dignity than on coercive elements which inject needless strain into a long established relationship.said Minister Peiris, in his discussions with the group, pointed out that Sri Lanka’s relations with the United States are multi-faceted, and that there is good co-operation in a variety of fields including defence, higher education and public investment in several sectors. There is also, he said, considerable interest on the part of American companies in expanding their commercial operations in Sri Lanka, taking advantage of the conditions of peace and stability now prevailing in the Island. Sri Lanka values her relationship with the United States and has consistently engaged in a candid dialogue on current issues.