Asserting that Sri Lanka will remain engaged with the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath reportedly said yesterday that the government needs ‘more time and space’ to address issues raised by the UN body regarding the reconciliation process and alleged wartime rights violations, Daily Mirror learns.
Ahead of the UNHRC session and President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s visit to the UN in New York and Japan later this month, the Minister briefed the Colombo-based diplomatic community.
The UNHRC will begin its 60th session on September 8. The UK- led core group of countries working on Sri Lanka’s issue will move another resolution this time. Preliminary discussions have been conducted but the resolution has not yet been finalized, according to a source familiar with the process.
Minister Herath is reported to have said that Sri Lanka needs time and space to address the issues raised by the Office of High Commissioner for Human Rights. He, therefore, sought the support of the diplomatic community for Sri Lanka to present its case.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk who visited Sri Lanka earlier is expected to submit his report during the upcoming session.
The previous government rejected the UNHRC resolutions on Sri Lanka. The current government also rejected the resolution when it was taken up last year.
The Minister also briefed the diplomatic community about developments done by the government during its past 11 months in office.
Besides, Foreign Secretary Aruni Ranaraja who was present at the meeting said that the President would address the UN General Assembly on September 24. Afterwards, he will travel to Tokyo on an official visit.