Those who criticize UNHRC resolution should read it first - Govt.

The resolution presented by the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) has praised Sri Lanka and those who criticize it should first read the resolution, Leader of the House and Minister of Public Enterprise, Kandyan Heritage and Kandy Development Lakshman Kiriella said. 

By Sandun Jayawardana

Responding to allegations leveled by UNP MP Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe, Mr Kiriella observed that during the previous Government’s tenure in 2012, 2013 and 2014, three proposals were passed by the UNHRC against Sri Lanka.

“We were isolated internationally and had Mahinda Rajapaksa won the election in 2015, the country was facing the risk of having economic sanctions imposed against us. Even MP Mahinda Samarasinghe acknowledged it,” Mr Kiriella said.

He remarked that though MP Rajapakshe was blaming the Government for co-sponsoring the UN resolution, he has clearly not read its contents.

The resolution has praised the measures taken by Sri Lanka and reaffirmed the commitment to the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country. 

The UNHRC had also welcomed the setting up of the Office of the Missing Persons, the special visits made by the Special Repertoire, noting with appreciation the return of some private lands, the special steps taken by the Government of Sri Lanka to implement the Human Rights Council Resolution, noted with appreciation the comprehensive report presented by the United Nations Human Rights Commissioner at the 40th session and welcomed the positive engagement of the Government of Sri Lanka with the Human Rights Commission, he explained.

 “I first ask the Opposition to read the document. The resolution does not have any negative impact on Sri Lanka,” the Minister insisted.

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