The government said that it was ‘disturbed’ by Pillay’s attempts to pay a floral tribute in Mullivaykaal, saying that “ if such a gesture needed to be made it should be done at a venue common to all victims”.
The government also accused the UN of “selective manipulation of the media in Sri Lanka” since the UN had invited three international news agencies to cover the planned tribute.
On Pillay’s comments concerning the separation of police powers and the creation of the new Ministry of Law and Order, Sri Lanka said that “it is inappropriate for the High Commissioner to propose the assignments of Cabinet portfolios of a sovereign nation, which is a prerogative of the Executive Head of State.”
See full statement here. Extracts below:
“The High Commissioner’s often repeated position of war crimes, in this instance not even alleged, and the call for an international investigation, are reflected in her statement as an innuendo, although detailed information was presented on the falsity of these allegations at the meetings she held with the representatives of the Government of Sri Lanka.”
“With regard to the High Commissioner’s expression of surprise that the GOSL seemed to “downplay” the issue of incitement of hatred and violence against religious minorities, the Government is equally surprised and dismayed at this reaction,”
“The High Commissioner’s observation that Sri Lanka “is showing signs of heading in an increasingly authoritarian direction” is a political statement on her part, which clearly transgresses her mandate and the basic norms which should be observed by a discerning international civil servant.”
“The judgment on the leadership of the country is better left for the people of Sri Lanka to decide, than being caricatured by external entities influenced by vested interests.”