No link between ECT & India's position at UNHRC; G. L. Peiris

Colombo (News 1st); Minister (Professor) G. L. Peiris told reporters on Monday (17), there is no link between the East Container Terminal issue and India's position on Sri Lanka at the United Nations Human Rights Council session. 'There are always issues when working with another country,' said the Minister adding the issue on the East Container Terminal was not a reason for a rift to be created between India and Sri Lanka. He said the country is already discussing with India about the West Container Terminal and therefore, there is no reason to assume India would maintain a position that would negatively impact Sri Lanka at the UNHRC. The convenor of the Organization for the Voice of Sri Lankans Internationally, Venerable Pahiyangala Ananda Sagara Thero called on the Government to withdraw from the United Nations Human Rights Council, citing the allegations made against the country are false and unfounded. 'If the United States of America can withdraw from the UNHRC, Sri Lanka too can do the same,' the Venerable Thero added. The Venerable Thero said if Sri Lanka can withdraw from the UNHRC, the country can move ahead protecting its sovereignty.