Resolution against UNHRC probe passed in parliament

18 June 2014 01:45 pm Views - 5643

The resolution against the UNHRC probe on Sri Lanka was passed in Parliament with 144 votes in favour while ten TNA MPs voted against it.

The UNP abstained from voting and SLMC and JVP were absent at the time of the voting.

External Affairs Minister G.L. Peiris wound up the debate, with an explanation to the House on the reasons for the rejection of this inquiry by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).

Calling the OHCHR move ‘intrusive and grossly unfair’, the minister said there was no balanced assessment of the country’s achievements on the ground, the resettlement of Internally Displaced    Persons (IDPs), the re-integration of ex combatants and the development of huge infrastructure in the war affected areas.
“Even if there is any recognition, it has been grudging and belated,” he said.

Besides, the minister charged that there was no uniformity in standards applied in the case of Sri Lanka. He said that though some countries stressed the need to flash a spotlight on Sri Lanka, it was time for them to turn the searchlight inward.(KB & YP)