Lanka gets opportunity to counter accusations

Written submissions to Geneva:

Sri Lanka will get an opportunity to respond to UN Human Rights Commissioner Michelle Bachelet impending written report to the 49th session of the Geneva-based United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC).

The former Chilean President Bachelet is scheduled to present her report on 28 Feb. The UNHRC will take it up for discussion on March 03.

Foreign Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris said that the government was to receive a copy of Bachelet’s written report on Monday (14).

Addressing the media at the SLPP office, Battaramulla, Prof. Peiris said that Sri Lanka’s response would have to be sent by Feb 19.

Prof. Peiris explained measures taken by the Foreign Ministry and Sri Lanka’s Permanent Representative in Geneva C.A. Chandraprema to brief members of the UNHRC.

The Geneva body divided into five groups consists of 47 countries.

Prof. Peiris said that the government is confident the majority of countries would respond positively to Sri Lanka’s efforts at addressing accountability issues.

Prof. Peiris, who had served as the Foreign Minister during 2010-2015 received the same portfolio in August last year. During his first tenure, Sri Lanka lost two votes at the UNHRC. Sri Lanka suffered third defeat during Minister Dinesh Gunawardena’s tenure (2020-2021).

Prof. Peiris said that further votes on accountability resolution pertaining to Sri Lanka at Geneva would hinder post-war reconciliation efforts. Prof. Peiris said that inquiry that had been undertaken by special mechanism wouldn’t help the reconciliation process. (SF)