The Government has decided to reject the Report by the United Nations Human Rights Commissioner Michelle Bachelet on alleged human rights violations in Sri Lanka, as it has acted in violation of the mandates and and non-submission of reliable evidence, said Co-Cabinet Spokesman Minister Udaya Gammanpila yesterday.
He made this observation during a press conference held in Colombo.
He said further that the Government’s response to the report has already been submitted in writing to the United Nations. He also said that it will be made public when Foreign Affairs Minister Dinesh Gunawardena addresses the UN Human Rights Council, which begins its sessions on February 22.
Bachelet’s report which alleges HR violations in Sri Lanka has been published in several media outlets on January 27.
Minister Gammanpila said the Government decided to reject the report as it has been prepared in violation of the mandates given through resolutions 30/1 and 40/1 of the UN Human Rights Council to the Human Rights Commissioner. The present Government has withdrawn the co-sponsorship of several UNHRC resolutions.
Minister Wimal Weerawansa speaking at the press conference said that the Eastern Terminal issue proves the Government’s stance on national assets. He added that the former Minister Malik Samarawickrama had decided to commence 10 projects with India in 2017. Former Minister Sagala Rathnayake too had entered into an agreement with India to continue the Eastern terminal project in 2019.
However under the leadership of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, the Government has decided to retain the operation of the facility 100 percent through the SLPA. Instead, the Western Terminal would be developed with foreign investments.
Ministers Vasudeva Nanayakkara and Dayasiri Jayasekara too addressed the press conference.