Governor Raghavan responds to UN Chief's remarks; regrets misquoting and misrepresentation in media

Northern Province Governor Dr Suren Raghavan responding to the recent remarks made by UN High Commissioner Michelle Bachelet on the discussions held with the Sri Lanka delegation, said he regretted any misquoting and any misrepresentation that appeared in the local media.

In a statement issued one week after the Human Rights Council’s 47 Member States heard the report, and passed a resolution giving Sri Lanka another two years to deliver reforms, High Commissioner Bachelet dismissed reports which quoted Dr. Raghavan as saying that Ms Bachelet "agreed" that certain facts incorporated in the UNHRC (UN Human Rights Council) report against Sri Lanka could not be condoned.

“I am deeply disappointed by the spin that has been put on my discussion with the Sri Lankan Government delegation,” she said in her statement. 

Governor Raghavan issuing a statement today (March 28) regarding his media briefing following his return from the Geneva UNHRC sessions said " it was deeply regrettable  and unfortunate that some portions of that interview - especially in the English media had lost its original meaning and intention either in language translation or for reasons unknown."

The statement further said "all disucssions were conducted with full bilateral support"

"Madam Bachelet is an exemplary high commissioner who displayed the highest order of diplomacy and skills which I valued so much," Mr. Raghavan said in his statement.