Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera said that the lack of commitment to address issues locally paved way for the UN Human Rights Council Resolution which was passed against Sri Lanka in March 2014.

 

Briefing the Diplomatic Corps based in Colombo on August 28, Samaraweera said that in 2009, Sri Lanka made positive gains immediately following the end of the war.

 

Firstly, “the Government made a Joint Statement with the United Nations at the conclusion of the UN Secretary-General’s visit to Sri Lanka in May where it undertook, on behalf of the people of this country, to take certain steps including on accountability” Samaraweera reminded.

 

Secondly, Sri Lanka proposed a Resolution in the UN Human Rights Council titled ‘Assistance to Sri Lanka in the promotion and protection of human rights’ which was adopted by the Council.

 

However, the former government of President Mahinda Rajapaksa did not fulfill on its promise which led the way for a resolution against Sri Lanka, calling for an international investigation.

 

Samaraweera pointed out that the process was revered by the new government following President Maithripala Sirisena’s election victory, adding that the government was committed in achieving true reconciliation.