• Country needs international support for IMF deal, GSP + deal 
• The government’s delegation also briefed about the move to establish a domestic truth-seeking mechanism
• Ambassadors of 38 countries hailed steps taken by us

By Kelum Bandara 

Sri Lanka is required to walk a tightrope in dealing with the UNHRC process at this juncture, a government minister said. Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe who was in Geneva to brief the international community on steps taken to address rights and accountability issues. The Minister said the envoys of around 100 countries were briefed about measures taken domestically.  “The ambassadors of 38 countries hailed steps taken by us. Nine were critical of us. Besides, seven countries took a moderate approach. However, in the event of a resolution, only 47 member states matter,” he said.  

The government’s delegation also briefed about the move to establish a domestic truth-seeking mechanism.
The Minister said geopolitical matters are also at play when the world powers deal with Sri Lanka.

“We have to walk a tightrope because we need the support of the international community to get the support of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and to retain GSP+ trade facility,” he said.