Sri Lanka rejects proposal for any external initiatives - GL tells UNHRS

COLOMBO (News 1st); Foreign Minister (Professor) G. L. Peiris told the UN Human Rights Council that Sri Lanka rejects the proposal for any external initiatives purportedly established by Resolution 46/1 while domestic processes are vigorously addressing the relevant matters.

"This will polarize our society, as we experienced with Resolution 30/1. The Council must adhere to its founding 

principles," he said.

The Foreign Minister said that under the current and pressing challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Sri Lanka considers it a basic duty of a government to ensure the uninterrupted supply of commodities essential to the life of the community.

"We are open in acknowledging our challenges and as a responsible and democratic government, we are committed to achieving tangible progress on the entire range of issues relating to accountability, reconciliation, human rights, peace and sustainable development," he said on Tuesday (14).

He also said that Sri Lanka continues to investigate and prosecute the perpetrators of the appalling terrorist 

attack on Easter Sunday in 2019 complying with due process of law in all respects.

"As always, we will remain vigilant in combatting terrorism and protecting Sri Lankans of all religions," he added.