Tony Abbott praises Sri Lanka’s human rights progress amid speculation Tamil asylum seekers were handed over to country’s navy

July 4, 2014

Sarah Whyte

Immigration correspondent

“We are breaching our central obligation under the refugee convention” says lawyer Julian Burnside, after two boatloads of asylum seekers were allegedly screened and handed over to the Sri Lankan navy by Australia.

PT1M44S http://www.smh.com.au/action/externalEmbeddedPlayer?id=d-3ba34 620 349 July 4, 2014 – 7:31AM

Prime Minister Tony Abbott has described Sri Lanka as a ”society at peace”, amid mounting speculation that two boats carrying Tamil asylum seekers have been handed over to the Sri Lankan navy in the middle of the ocean.

Speaking to 3AW on Thursday morning, Mr Abbott said it was no secret that Australia was turning back boats on the high seas.

Prime Minister Tony Abbott has praised Sri Lanka’s progress on human rights amid mounting speculation Tamil asylum seekers will be handed over to the country. Photo: Ken Irwin

”We said before the election that one of the policy options that we reserve the right to use, were it safe to do so, is turning boats around,” he said.

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On Wednesday, Fairfax Media revealed that 50 Sri Lankan asylum on board one boat were asked four basic questions by immigration officials via a teleconference, as part of a screening process. It is understood the asylum seekers are likely to be handed over to the Sri Lankan navy.

The questions asked included the passengers’ name, country of origin, where they had come from and why they had left.

Another asylum seeker boat, which held 153 passengers who were also Sri Lankan Tamils, has since been transferred to a navy boat, after civilians lost contact with the boat on Saturday morning.

When asked whether the government was sending asylum seekers back to the country they fled from, Mr Abbott replied: ”There does need to be a process because we do have international obligations so there does need to be a process.

”But I want to make this observation, Sri Lanka is not everyone’s idea of the ideal society but it is at peace . . . a horrific civil war has ended. I believe that there has been a lot of progress when it comes to human rights and the rule of law in Sri Lanka.”

Immigration Minister Scott Morrison has refused to comment on the two boats – one carrying 153 asylum seekers and the other carrying 50 asylum seekers – maintaining that the government does not comment on ”speculation or reporting” regarding on water operations.

Labor’s immigration spokesman Richard Marles, who has so far kept a low profile on the issue, said it would be a disgrace if asylum seekers were handed over to Sri Lanka, and demanded the government come clean with the Australian people.

”They have a right to know and this minister is treating everyone with contempt in denying us the right to know,” he told Sky News on Thursday.

Asked later on Thursday if Australians had a right to know what was happening with asylum seekers on the two boats, Mr Abbott said: ”The public deserve safe and secure borders.”

”They deserve a country that has not become open for the wrong kind of business, the people smuggling business,” he told reporters in Melbourne.

“Everything we do is consistent with safety at sea and everything we do is consistent with our international obligations.

“It is a peaceful country. It is a peaceful country. I don’t say it’s a perfect country, not even Australia is that. But it is a peaceful country and all of us should be grateful that the horrific civil war is well and truly over and that is to the benefit of every single Sri Lankan, Tamil, Sinhalese. Everyone in Sri Lanka is infinitely better off as a result of the cessation of the war.”

Despite Mr Abbott maintaining that Sri Lanka is now a society of peace, advice from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade says Australians should exercise a ”high degree of caution” due to the ”unpredictable security environment” in the country.

”You should avoid all demonstrations and large public gatherings as they may turn violent or be a target for politically-motivated attacks. Police have used tear gas in response to protests,” the advice on the department’s website says.

”In the Northern Province of Sri Lanka, which includes Mannar, Vavuniya, Mullaitivu, Kilinochichi and Jaffna Districts, post-conflict security force activity is ongoing.”

Greens leader Christine Milne said if the transfers with the Sri Lankan navy go ahead, it would the first example of the Abbott government sending people directly back to where they have been persecuted.

”The Prime Minister must explain to Australians how he can claim that what he is doing is not a human rights abuse,” she said. ”How can he claim what he is doing is not a contravention of the convention when he is engaged in total secrecy?

”It is absolutely wrong for Australia to return people seeking asylum to the countries in which they were being persecuted. It is wrong. It is shameful.”

According to a member of the co-ordinating committee of the Gummudipoondi camp for Tamil refugees, who were on board the boat carrying 153 asylum seekers, in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, members of the Tamil Nadu police force’s “Q” branch, which monitors the activities over refugee camps, had swept his camp and several others seeking information.

“They have been here asking, investigating, looking for the information,” said the coordinating committee member who gave his name as William.

William said there were 17 people missing from his camp who are assumed to be aboard the vessel and that he had been in contact with the families over the past few days.

“They are extremely worried, crying, desperate for information about what has happened, pleading for some country to accept them so they do not be made to return to Sri Lanka,” he said.

“They believe that if the refugees are made to return to Sri Lanka they will face severe harassment, possibly even torture, from the local authorities in Sri Lanka. Of course there is a lot of concern.”

with Jason Koutsoukis

Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/tony-abbott-praises-sri-lankas-human-rights-progress-amid-speculation-tamil-asylum-seekers-were-handed-over-to-countrys-navy-20140703-3b9qf.html#ixzz36S70WIw9

President Rajapaksa highlights importance of sovereignty and territorial integrity of nations to build peace and security

May 29, 2014

Chinese President Xi Jinping receiving President Mahinda Rajapaksa for official talks on 22nd May 2014 at Xijiao State Guest House in Shanghai.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa, participating at the 4^th Summit of Heads of State & Government of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) at the invitation of President Xi Jinping of China, stated that “for building peace and stability in a region, it is imperative that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our nations are secure.” This fundamental right of States is being violated. “With self-interests at the core, some external entities, using the guise of democracy, have sought to interfere in the domestic affairs of countries, resulting in de-stabilizing these nations and thereby even those regions.”

 CICA is a multinational forum for enhancing cooperation towards promoting peace, security and stability in Asia and is based on the recognition that there is a close link between peace, security and stability in Asia and in the rest of the world. Presently, CICA has 24 Member States. 09 countries and 04 multinational organizations have Observer status. Sri Lanka became an Observer State of CICA in 2013.

 The 4^th CICA Summit was held in Shanghai, China from 20 – 21 May 2014 and China took over the Chairmanship from Turkey for the period 2014 to 2016.

 President Rajapaksa, speaking further said that it is “indeed appropriate that Asia takes the lead in the settlement of any Asian affair, and CICA as a multilateral mechanism on security in Asia, should seek to engage appropriately on the proposals made by His Excellency the President of China towards this end.”

On the sidelines of the CICA Summit, President Rajapaksa held bilateral talks with his Chinese counterpart President Xi Jinping. Having discussed an array of bilateral issues, both sides agreed to maintain high level exchanges, fast-track the launch of the Sri Lanka – China FTA negotiations, expand development assistance and investment, cooperate in the implementation of the Maritime Silk Route, associate with the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank project and expand people to people exchanges between the two countries. President Xi Jinping appreciated and accepted the invitation extended by President Rajapaksa to visit Sri Lanka in the near future.

President Rajapaksa also held bilateral talks with President Mamnoon Hussain of Pakistan, President Hassan Rouhani of Iran and the UN Secretary General, Ban ki-Moon.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa was accompanied by the Minister of External Affairs, Prof. G.L. Peiris; Chief of Staff to the President, Gamini Senarath; Secretary to the Ministry of External Affairs, Kshenuka Senewiratne, Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to China Ranjith Uyangoda, the Consul General of Sri Lanka in Shanghai and senior officials of the Presidential Secretariat, Ministry of External Affairs of Sri Lanka and the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Beijing.

Embassy of Sri Lanka

Beijing

24 May 2014

Prime Minister of Solomon Island greatly values gesture of assistance and solidarity by the President of Sri Lanka

May 27, 2014

His Excellency Mahinda Rajapaksa, President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka has sanctioned a cash contribution of US $ 50,000.00 from the Government and people of Sri Lanka to the Government and people of the Solomon Islands as a gesture of solidarity and assistance.  This was in support of the rehabilitation, resettlement and reconstruction programmes underway in Solomon Island after the last month’s devastating cyclone and flood water damages.

Therefore, on the directive of the Minister of External Affairs Hon. Prof G.L. Peiris, the High Commissioner of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka in Canberra, Australia Admiral Thisara Samarasinghe, who is also accredited to Solomon Islands visited to Solomon Islands on 22nd May 2014 and called on His Excellency Gordon Darcy Lilo, Prime Minister of Solomon Islands and handed over a letter from His Excellency Mahinda Rajapaksa, President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of         Sri Lanka and also handed over a bank draft of USD 50,000.00 to Hon. Connelly Sandakabatu, Minister for Development Planning and Aid Coordination.

The meeting with His Excellency Gordon Darcy Lilo, Prime Minister of Solomon Islands and Hon. Connelly Sandakabatu.  Minister for Development Planning and Aid Coordination was also attended by Mr. Robert Iroga, Chief of Staff of the Prime Minister and Mr. Ranjith Hewagama, Hony Consul designate in Solomon Islands.  

His Excellency the Prime Minister of Solomon Islands conveyed his profound gratitude for the donation and appreciated the gesture of His Excellency Mahinda Rajapaksa to support the people of Solomon Islands in this hour of need.  H E the Prime Minister assured the High Commissioner that the invaluable funds donated by the Government of Sri Lanka would be gainfully utilized in providing immediate challenges of shelter, food and sanitation.  Prime Minister also recalled his memorable time in Sri Lanka during the CHOGM 2013 and once again congratulated the President and the Government of Sri Lanka for the rare achievement. .

H E the Prime Minister conveyed his best wishes to His Excellency the President and the people of Sri Lanka and emphasized the valuable and strong friendship that exist between the two countries and encouraged to further enhance the existing good relations. 

High Commissioner also called on the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon, Clay F Soalaoi   and the Secretary/Foreign Affairs Mr Beraki Jino who also very appreciative of the kind gesture of the cash donation. 

High Commission of Sri Lanka

Canberra

Vesak Celebration in Canberra

May 22, 2014

Vesak Themagul, at the Sri Lanka High Commission in Canberra was celebrated from 14^th to 18^th May 2014 in a colourful manner dressing the High Commission building with large number of Buddhist flags, lights, lanterns.  Decorations were on display till the 5^th Ranaviru memorial Pinkama which fell on 18^th of May.

The (Petaw Kooduwa) a lantern inclusive of 20 sub lanterns rooting out of mother lantern, with changing colour reflections was the one main item of decorations.  It was hung over as to be sighted from far away.  Seven blossoming red lotus, with a creation of Prince Siddhartha revealing his first words at birth on the last lotus was the other main attraction.   Another single lantern represented blossoming flower.  Surrounding fence and the building around were covered with Buddhist flags and illuminated with bulb lines.

The Australian and Sri Lankan viewers were treated with a Dansala of tea, coffee and snack for two days.  Many viewers notably Australians, inquired about the reason for the function and were keen to know the meaning of this different lighting.  They admired thankfully about the beauty of Vesak decoration at the Mission.

All decorations were the creations of the High Commission staff.

The High Commission staff also participated in Vesak devotional songs (Bakhthi Gee) at the Canberra Buddhist temple which was highly appreciated by the large gathering for Vesak celebration.

High Commission of Sri Lanka

Canberra

20^th May 2014

The speech delivered by H.E. the President at the Victory Day celebrations held in Matara on 18th May 2014.

May 21, 2014

The link to the speech:

http://www.president.gov.lk/speech_New.php?Id=146

Visit to Australia by Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Secretary, Ministry of Defence and Urban Development to Co-Chair at the Second Joint Working Group on Human Smuggling and other Trans-national Crime 21st to 23rd April 21014, Canberra, Australia

April 30, 2014

On  

On the invitation of the Government of Australia, Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa led a senior delegation for the above Second Joint Working Group (JWG) which was successfully concluded under the Co-Chairmanship of Mr. Martin Bowles, Secretary, Department of Immigration and Border Protection.

Highlight of the proceedings was the historical signing of the transfer of deeds of the outright gifting of two Bay Class Patrol Vessels by Australia to Sri Lanka .  The deeds were signed by Hon. Scott Morrison, Minister of Immigration and Border Protection and Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Secretary/Defence in the presence of the two High Commissioners of the respective countries.

Addressing the JWG gathering, Hon. Scott Morrison, thanked the Government of Sri Lanka for the genuine effort of the Ministry of Defence and the relevant agencies, specially the Sri Lanka Navy for helping the Government of Australia in combating human smuggling.   Hon. Minister emphasised the fact that Sri Lanka-Australia relationship should now focus on other fields of development and progress.  Hon. Minister also acknowledged the post conflict achievements of Sri Lanka as solid.

Responding to the Minister, Secretary/Defence Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa thanked the government of Australia for the invaluable gift of two naval vessels which would invariably improve Sri Lanka’s capability in  border protection.  He also emphasized the sharing of important evidence for the mutual benefit and the value of capacity building in all spheres of the relevant agencies.

Secretary/Defence also endorsed  the model and the mechanism that was followed by this JWG where exchange of views and engagement of several relevant agencies being very productive and educative.  He congratulated both parties of the JWG  for gaining lot of ground within a short period of time and for agreeing to be a part of other similar regional mechanisms where both countries could engage effectively.

Secretary/Defence Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa also thanked the Government of Australia for the bold decision of not co-sponsoring this year’s human rights resolution on Sri Lanka.

Secretary/Defence during the visit met following Senior Officials and discussed and shared important information of mutual interests and agreed to work towards further cooperation :-

a)    Mr. Dennis Richardson, Secretary/Defence
b)    Air Marshal Mark Binskin, Chief of Defence Force designate
c)    Mr. Chris Birrer, Asst. Secretary, Major Powers, Department of Defence
d)    Mr. Chris Moraitis, Acting Secretary, Department of Foreign Affairs
e)    Mr. Michael Pezzullo, Chief Executive Officer, Australian Customs and Border Protection
f)    Mr. Nick Warner, Director General, Australian Secret Intelligence Service
Secretary/Defence also had a brief unscheduled meeting with the Minister of Defence Hon. David Johnston and exchanged courtesies. Defence Minister conveyed the appreciation of the Australian government for the outstanding performance of the Sri Lanka Navy and reiterated the commitment to continue the engagement as two friendly countries.

It was evident from all interactions that the Australian government, at the highest level was appreciative of Sri Lanka’s success of defeating 30 year brutal terrorist conflict and the subsequent post conflict achievements.

It was also revealed that government of Australia considers accountability and human rights concerns should be addressed within an internal mechanism and not by any international investigation as suggested by other countries.  Australian side indicated that they would render all possible assistance to Sri Lanka in this regard.

The visit of the Secretary/Defence to Australia at an important juncture has positively raised the level  of cooperation between the two countries and understanding the challenges that Sri Lanka faces due to unsubstantiated and unfounded allegations with bias attitudes.

The Secretary/Defence also visited the newly constructed Sri Lanka  High Commission building and met High Commission officials and the staff.  Having made a tour of the Chancery and the facilities, the Defence Secretary conveyed his appreciation of the work carried out by the staff of the Mission.  To mark this significant visit to Australia and the Sri Lanka High Commission, Secretary/Defence planted a tree in the Chancery premises.

The Sri Lankan delegation included H.E. Admiral Thisara Samarasinghe, the High Commissioner, Officials of the High Commission and Senior Officials of Ministries of Defence and Urban Development, External Affairs and Justice and Sri Lanka Navy, National Intelligence Service, Sri Lanka Coast Guard, Sri Lanka Police, Departments of Attorney General, Immigration and Emigration.

The Australian delegation comprised of H.E Robyn Mudie, the High Commissioner for Australia in Sri Lanka, Commander of the Joint Task Force Operations “Sovereign Borders” Lt. Gen. Angus Campbell and Senior Officials from the National Security and Criminal Justice Group, Border Protections Command, People Smuggling Task Force.

High Commission of Sri Lanka
Canberra

Greetings for Sinhala and Tamil New Year 2014

April 13, 2014

On behalf of His Excellency Mahinda Rajapaksa, the President of Sri Lanka, His Excellency the President’s family, the Government and the Staff of the High Commission of Sri Lanka and on my own behalf, I am very pleased to extend my best wishes to all Sri Lankan community and their families residing in Australia, Fiji, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu and Soloman Islands a Very Happy and a Prosperous Sinhala & Tamil New Year.

The traditional New Year is a truly great national festival which is mainly celebrated by the Sinhalese and Tamils and also by others making it a Sri Lankan New year.. We, Sri Lankans, begin celebrating our New Year or Aluth Avuruthu or Puththandu in the month of April. This celebration brings the new hopes and anticipation of new beginnings to march towards a new life. Therefore, it is our responsibility to set aside differences and march forward in unity irrespective of caste, creed, ethnicity, religion, language, ideologies and any other prejudices and work hand in hand to promote our Mother Lanka. The two communities in Sri Lanka observe similar customs and traditions which forge the family bonds to strengthen our society. Therefore, it is essential to follow the New Year customs and traditions such heritage and values  to be preserved and passed on to the benefit of our future generation.

Under the visionary leadership of His Excellency Mahinda Rajapaksa, Sri Lanka continued to enjoy lasting peace. Sri Lanka’s economy has improved and growing stronger. Production is progressing rapidly in agriculture. The unprecedented development drive in the fields of trade, investment, tourism and infrastructure are continuing. Therefore, I appeal in earnest, to all Sri Lankans to join hands  in protecting  your country of origin from external challenge and to contribute your invaluable knowledge and thoughts to make Sri Lanka a peaceful and prosperous nation. Your total dedication, commitment, loyalty and untiring efforts to promote and develop our motherland are essential and thereby you could extend your contribution to our national economy

I also wish greater friendship between Sri Lanka and Australia, Fiji, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, and Vanuatu and Solomon Islands on this special and happy occasion.

I thank all individuals and Sri Lankan Associations for their initiative and the commitment in organizing New Year Celebrations in respective countries, and States/Territories  in Australia..

May the New Year bring good health, happiness, peace and prosperity to you all strengthening the unity amongst all Sri Lankans ensuring the safety, security and prosperity of our Mother Lanka.

Admiral Thisara Samarasinghe

High Commissioner

Sri Lanka takes over First Australian Custom Vessel “Corio Bay” gifted by Australia on 30th March 2014 in Port of Cairns

April 1, 2014

Ex-ACV Corio Bay Ceremonially dressed for the Occasion

Briefing by Ships Commanding Officer to the High Commissioner and the Commander of the Navy

Commander of the Navy, High Commissioner, Border Protection Commander , Director Naval Projects and Plan and New Commanding Officer designate saluting the national Anthems, Flag shifting event

National Director a Border Protection Command Capability and Commander of the Navy after Handing over of the Vessel

High Commissioner and the Commander of the Navy in the bridge wing

The Sri Lankan flag replaced the Australian Border Protection Command flag on board Australian Custom vessel Corio Bay amidst the two National Anthem to symbolize the handing over of the above vessel to the Sri Lanka Navy on the 30^th of April 2014  at Port of Cairns in a simple ceremony.  The flag shifting ceremony was attended by the following dignitaries of both countries:-

1.     Admiral Thisara Samarasinghe, High Commissioner

2.     Vice Admiral Jayanath Colombage, Commander of the Navy

3.     Rear Admiral Michael Noonan, Commander of the Australian Border Protection

4.     Commodore (Rtd) Nigel Perry, National Director of the Border Protection Capabilities

5.     Commodore S. Mohotti, Director Naval Protection and Projects of the Sri Lanka Navy

6.     Commander Janaka Samaranayake, Commanding Officer Designate

7.     Officials from the Australian High Commission in Sri Lanka

8.     Members of the Sri Lanka Navy crew

9.     Members of the Australian crew of the Corio Bay.

The gift of the two Australian coast guard vessels was announced by Hon. Tony Abbott, Prime Minister of Australia to Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Secretary, Ministry of Defence and Urban Development at a ceremony held on board SLNS “Sayura” in the Port of Colombo on 18^th of November during the CHOGM 2013. 

Australian Border Protection Command facilitated the transfer formalities and also provided three hour sea excursion on a similar class of vessel to demonstrate her capabilities at sea.  The vessel was observed to be a versatile, reliable, well maintained craft and amply capable of performing the Sri Lanka Navy’s coastal surveillance duties for many years which would undoubtedly enhance the Sri Lankan Navy’s capabilities at sea.

Both High Commissioner and the Commander of the Navy speaking at the ceremony paid their   appreciation and thanks to the government of Australia and the Border Protection Command for the friendly gesture of providing the vessels as gifts, and committed to work towards further strengthening Australia Sri Lanka relations. 

The vessel is expected to sail to Sri Lanka shortly under Sri Lankan Navy flag and the second vessel is also expected to be handed over shortly.

Channel 7 Australia television network covered the ceremony.

Few photographs taken at the ceremony are attached.

Sri Lanka High Commission

Canberra

01.04.2014

Australia and New Zealand decides not to Co-sponsor the United States sponsored Geneva Resolution

March 28, 2014

Australia and New Zealand did not co-sponsor the United States Sponsored United Nations Human Rights Council resolution that was adopted in Geneva on 27^th March 2014 on Sri Lanka. This is a clear change of the stance from the previous years since both Australia and New Zealand co-sponsored the US sponsored UNHRC resolutions on Sri Lanka in 2012 and 2013.

The following Media statement issued by Hon. Julie Bishop, the Australian Foreign Minister is a clear indication of Australian stance and the support for the Government of Sri Lanka’s efforts for reconciliation after eradicating brutal separatist terrorism.

The High Commission wishes to thank both the Australian and the New Zealand governments for the bold decision taken in this regard.

Quote

Media release – Supporting Reconciliation on Sri Lanka

28 March 2014

The Australian Government considers engagement with Sri Lanka to be the most effective way to encourage progress on human rights issues.

Genuine advances in accountability and reconciliation will only be possible with the cooperation of the Sri Lankan Government.

I note the Human Rights Council passed a resolution on Sri Lanka today. I note that Australia is not a member of the Human Rights Council and does not vote. Nevertheless I am not convinced that the resolution’s call for a separate, internationally-led investigation, without the cooperation of the Sri Lankan Government, is the best way forward at this time.

In addition, I do not think the resolution adequately recognised the significant progress taken by the Sri Lankan government to promote economic growth and its investment in infrastructure in areas formerly dominated by the LTTE in the north and north-east of the country. We should recognise the brutality of the LTTE, a proscribed terrorist organisation, during the 30-year civil war from which the country is struggling to emerge.

Australia will increase its efforts to work constructively with the Sri Lankan Government, the Tamil National Alliance and other stakeholders to identify ways to promote economic, social and cultural reconciliation.

I urge the Sri Lankan Government to implement the recommendations of its Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission, and to engage with domestic and international stakeholders to advance an effective and transparent reconciliation agenda.

Unquote

Minister Peiris rejects High Commissioner’s Report, saying those “those who exalt its virtues only seek to inflict harm on the reconciliation process”

March 6, 2014

මානව හිමිකම් මහකොමසාරිස්වරියගේ වාර්තාවේ යහපත්බව ගැන ප්‍රශංසා කරන පුද්ගලයන් මාන බලනුයේ ශ්‍රී ලංකා සමාජය භේද කොට සංහිඳියා ක්‍රියාදාමයට හානි පැමිණවීමට බව කියමින් අමාත්‍ය පීරිස් එම වාර්තාව ප්‍රතික්ෂේප කරයි.

ජිනීවා නුවර අද (2014 මාර්තු 05) පැවති විසිපස් වැනි එක්සත් ජාතීන්ගේ මානව හිමිකම් කවුන්සිල සැසියේ ඉහළ පෙළ රැස්වීමේදී ශ්‍රී ලංකා ජාතික ප්‍රකාශය ඉදිරිපත් කරමින් කතා කළ ශ්‍රී ලංකා නියෝජිත පිරිසේ නායක, විදේශ කටයුතු අමාත්‍ය මහාචාර්ය ජී.එල්. පීරිස් මහතා, ත්‍රස්තවාදයට එරෙහිව කෙරුණු යුද්ධය අවසන්ව ගතවූ වසර පහ ඇතුළත රජය විසින් අත්පත් කරගනු ලැබූ හරයාත්මක ප්‍රගතිය  නොසලකා හැර ඇති බැවිනුත්, මූලික වශයෙන් දෝෂ සහගත බැවිනුත්, ශ්‍රී ලංකාව සම්බන්ධයෙන් වූ එක්සත් ජාතීන්ගේ මානව හිමිකම් පිළිබඳ මහකොමසාරිස්වරියගේ වාර්තාව සපුරාම ප්‍රතික්ෂේප කළේය. 

එම වාර්තාව සංවේදී සංහිඳියා ක්‍රියාදාමයක සංකීර්ණබව සහ දේශීය තත්ත්වයන්ගේ සියුම් වෙනස්කම් කෙරෙහි ඉතා මඳ සැලකිල්ලක් දක්වන අතරම, සාධාරණීකරණය කළ නොහැකි ඉල්ලීම් නිරතුරුවම වෙනස් කරමින් ශ්‍රී ලාංකික ජනතාවගේ විශ්වාසය පළුදු කරන බව අමාත්‍යවරයා පැවසීය. පවතින තත්ත්වයන්ට පැහැදිලිවම සමානුපාතික නොවූ ආකල්පයක් දරමින් ඔවුන් නොනැවතී කටයුතු කරන බවත් අපගේ තත්ත්වය හා සැසඳිය හැකි වෙනත් අවස්ථාවන්හිදී කටයුතු කළ ආකාරයට ක්‍රියා නොකරන බවත් ඔහු ප්‍රකාශ කළේය. මහකොමසාරිස්වරියගේ වාර්තාවත් එහි යහපත්බව ගැන ප්‍රශංසා කරන පුද්ගලයනුත් මාන බලනුයේ ශ්‍රී ලංකා සමාජය භේද කොට සංහිඳියා ක්‍රියාදාමයට හානි පැමිණවීමට පමණක් බව හෙතෙම කීය.

ශ්‍රී ලංකාව සම්බන්ධයෙන් වූ එක්සත් ජාතීන්ගේ මානව හිමිකම් පිළිබඳ මහකොමසාරිස්වරියගේ වාර්තාව පිළිගනිමින් එක්සත් ජාතීන්ගේ සංවිධානයේ ඉහළම ස්ථරයෙන්ද ඇතුළුව මානව හිමිකම් සමුළු සැසියේදී කෙරුණු ප්‍රකාශ කනගාටුවට කරුණක් බව අමාත්‍යවරයා පැවසීය.  විශේෂයෙන්ම, ඒවා ගොඩනැගී ඇත්තේ එක්සත් ජාතීන්ගේ රාමුවෙන් පිටතදී සැකසුණු  කරුණුද ඇතුළුව සැක සහිත හා පදනම් විරහිත කරුණු මතය යන්න සලකා බැලීමේදී එම ප්‍රකාශවල ඛේදනීයබව වඩාත් දැඩිවන බව ඔහු තවදුරටත් පැවසීය. 

කිසිදු අන්තර් රාජ්‍ය ක්‍රියාදාමයක ප්‍රතිඵලයක් ලෙස නොව, එක්සත් ජාතීන්ගේ සංවිධානයේ මහලේකම්වරයා තමන්ට උපදෙස් ගැනීම සඳහා පෞද්ගලික මට්ටමෙන් පත්කරනු ලැබූ විශේෂඥ මණ්ඩලයේ කටයුතුවල ප්‍රතිඵලයක් ලෙස සකස් කළ වාර්තාව, මහකොමසාරිස්වරිය සිය වාර්තාවට එක්සත් ජාතීන්ගේ රාමුව තුළ නීතිමය තත්ත්වයක් ලබා දීම සඳහා දැඩි ලෙස ඉවහල් කර ගන්නා බව අමාත්‍යවරයා සඳහන් කළේය. ඒ සඳහා ඇයට කිසිදු බලයක් නොමැති බවද ඔහු පැවසීය. කෙසේවුවද, මේ අවස්ථාවේදී ශ්‍රී ලංකාව සම්බන්ධයෙන් මානව හිමිකම් පිළිබඳ මහකොමසාරිස්වරියගේ කාර්යාලය විසින් ගනු ලබන පියවර, අප රට විනිශ්චය කිරීම සඳහා භාවිතා කරන මිනුම් දණ්ඩ වන්නේ නම් එය ඉතා පැහැදිලිවම යුක්තිය හෑල්ලුවට ලක්කිරීමක් බව ඔහු පැවසීය.

මෙම වාතාවරණය තුළ, සංහිඳියාව සම්බන්ධයෙන් ශ්‍රී ලංකාව හා සමාන අත්දැකීම් ඇති රටවල් විසින් මානව හිමිකම් සැසියේදී ඉදිරිපත් කරන ලද අදහස් ශ්‍රී ලංකාව ඉතා අගය කොට සලකන බව අමාත්‍ය මහාචාර්ය ජී.එල්. පීරිස් මහතා ප්‍රකාශ කළේය.  දේශපාලන අරමුණුවලින් පණ පෙවුණු න්‍යාය පත්‍රයන් මත පදනම්ව ශ්‍රී ලංකාව වෙත අනවශ්‍ය තරමේ අවධානයක් යොමු කරන ආකාරයෙන් නොව​, තමාගේම වූ ක්‍රියාදාමයක් අභ්‍යන්තර වශයෙන් හා විස්තීර්ණ ආකාරයකින් ක්‍රියාත්මක කිරීමට ශ්‍රී ලංකාවට අවශ්‍ය කරන කාලය හා අවකාශය ලබා දිය යුතු බව අමාත්‍යවරයා තවදුරටත් පැවසීය. 

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ශ්‍රී ලංකා නිත්‍ය නියෝජිත කාර්යාලය

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2014 මාර්තු 05 වැනිදා 

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2014 khh;r; 05 Mk; jpfjp

Minister Peiris rejects High Commissioner’s Report, saying those “those who exalt its virtues only seek to inflict harm on the reconciliation process”

Minister of External Affairs and Leader of the Sri Lanka delegation Prof. G.L. Peiris, delivering the National Statement at the High Level Segment of the 25^th Session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva today (5 March 2014), rejected the Report of the High Commissioner in its entirety, saying it was fundamentally flawed and disregarded the substantial progress made by the Government during the five years which have elapsed since the end of the thirty year conflict against terrorism. He said it also pays scant regard to the complexities and local nuances of a sensitive reconciliation process, while eroding the confidence of the people of Sri Lanka by the constant changing of unjustifiable demands. Moreover, they persist in an attitude which is clearly disproportionate to the circumstances and inconsistent with the treatment of comparable situations. It is much to be regretted that the High Commissioner’s Report and those who exalt its virtues only seek to inflict harm on the reconciliation process by bringing about a polarisation of the Sri Lankan society.

The Minister said the few references made in the Council welcoming the High Commissioner’s Report on Sri Lanka, including at the highest level of the UN are regrettable, particularly considering that it is based on questionable and baseless material including what has been processed outside the UN framework.  He noted that the Panel of Experts Report which was the culmination of a private consultation that the Secretary General sought for his own advice, and is not the product of any intergovernmental process, has been extensively resorted to by the High Commissioner in her Report to the Council, in a bid to legitimize it within the UN framework despite the lack of mandate in this regard. However, if the initiative taken on Sri Lanka at this juncture by the OHCHR is to be the basis on which the country is to be judged, it will clearly be a travesty of justice.  

In this context, the Minister said Sri Lanka greatly valued the sentiments expressed in the Council by countries who have similar experiences with regard to reconciliation, that Sri Lanka be provided with the requisite time and space to address its own process domestically in a comprehensive manner as opposed to those who continue to pay disproportionate attention to Sri Lanka, based on agendas driven by political motives.

Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka to the UN

Geneva

05 March, 2014