Foreign Minister refutes claims of talks between UN rapporteur and Chief Justice

Foreign Minister Thilak Marapana has refuted allegations against the Foreign Ministry that it had taken steps to facilitate discussions between a visiting UN envoy with the Chief Justice and some High Court judges.

Addressing Parliament today (Jul 25), Mr. Marapana explained that UN Special Rapporteur Clement Voulé had only sought to meet these officials in the judicial sector, and that the foreign ministry had conveyed the request to the Justice Secretary.

Voulé is currently conducting an assessment on the right to peaceful assembly in Sri Lanka.

The Foreign Minister explained that a preparatory meeting had been held on July 5 with the relevant stakeholders prior to the arrival of the Rapporteur in order to discuss arrangements for the visit.

He further stated that the Ministry writes to the relevant authorities in order to convey the request of the visiting envoy.

“In this instance, the same procedure was followed, including with respect to over 20 meetings sought, including with the Chief Justice and Judges of the Colombo High Court,” Marapana told Parliament.