Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena claims that it is evident to the world that a majority of the members of the United Nations Human Rights Council did not support the new resolution on Sri Lanka during the 46th session in Genève.
The 47-member UNHRC adopted a resolution – sponsored by a group of countries that includes the United Kingdom, Germany and Canada – which gives UN Human Rights chief Michelle Bachelet the mandate to collect and preserve evidence of wrongdoings related to Sri Lanka’s civil war that ended in 2009.
A total of 22 countries voted for the resolution that was very critical of Sri Lanka’s failure to address alleged human rights violations that occurred during the civil war.
The resolution also contended the human rights situation has deteriorated under the present administration and that rights defenders and ethnic and religious minorities are facing problems.
Eleven countries, including Bangladesh, China and Pakistan, voted against the resolution, while 14 countries, including India, Indonesia, Japan and Nepal, abstained. Minister Gunawardena said they opposes the resolution as it violates the UN convention.
He added the resolution also extended the mandate of the Commissioner until the 51st UNHRC session.
Minister Dinesh Gunawardena claimed that Sri Lanka is facing the consequences since the previous administration co-sponsored a resolution at the Human Rights Council.
He said however the present government will not betray the country and noted that they will stand for the protection of the sovereignty and the people of Sri Lanka.
Minister Dinesh Gunawardena noted that the government will continue to work for the best interest of the people of Sri Lanka.