• The resolution was yet another example of the divisive and political nature of the UN Human Rights Council

By Yohan Perera and Ajith Siriwardana  

Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Sabry yesterday called for a multiparty effort to set up a domestic truth seeking mechanism that would prevent an external mechanism that has been proposed by the recent UNHRC resolution.  

“ We call for a multi-party effort to set up a truth seeking mechanism that would prevent an external mechanism. I invite all parties representing Parliament to agree on a mechanism. We also invite those who are unfairly accused and those who are grieving to come forward and state their cases under a domestic mechanism. If we do not do this the mechanism might go out of the country,” the Minister said.  

‘We also invite those who are of Sri Lanka origin living all over the world to build our nation. We invite them all irrespective of the races,” the Minister added.  “ We reject the external evidence gathering mechanism and the resolution as a whole as it is contradictory to our constitution, Sri Lanka made it clear that it will not comply with any external mechanism but the sponsors of it presented it with new elements. 

I have met the heads of foreign missions in Colombo and written to foreign Ministers and appraised them on the Sri Lankan situation. 

Through my engagement it is clear that a vast majority of UNHRC members oppose the  resolution. They are with Sri Lanka at heart and fully support us. 
They cannot express it at the time of voting as they were no match for the incensed pleasure of the powerful sponsors of the resolution. 

It was no match for Sri Lanka as well. Sri Lanka is grateful to the nations who withheld pressure and supported it. ‘Over half of the nations did not support the resolution and seven nations voted against. Some of those who voted for last year’s resolution are no longer members of the council anymore,” he also highlighted.  

The resolution was yet another example of the divisive and political nature of the UN Human Rights Council which is in contrary to its founding principles of universality, impartiality and non-selectivity,” he also said.  

“We also note that the hard stance taken by the sponsors to bring in the resolution fulfills its domestic political objectives,” the Minister stressed.  
The Minister also noted that questions have been raised on the finances allocated to implementation of the resolution at a time the UN is facing financial constraints.