Opposition MPs in Sri Lanka called for a national referendum on the inclusion of foreign judges in a domestic justice mechanism as detailed in the resolution to be adopted by the UN Human Rights Council, reports the Daily Mirror.
“If the people feel they are fine with the UNHRC recommendations and a court with foreign judges and investigators to probe alleged war crimes in Sri Lanka, then the government can go ahead with the proposals. We also request the people to urge their MPs to vote against an Act to be tabled in parliament asking for the approval of the UN recommendations,” UPFA MP, Wimal Weerawamsa was quoted by the paper as saying at a press conference on Tuesday.
Urging the government to refrain from co-sponsoring the resolution, MP Dinesh Gunawardane said, “co-sponsoring a resolution is similar to writing one’s own death certificate and is a bad precedent to other countries. This move has also put our allies in a difficult situation."
Meanwhile, MP Vasudeva Nanayakkara said the government's decision to co-sponsor was a betrayal, likening it to the agreement signed in 1815 with the British.
“We all know the nature of the US. They just want to get closer to their prey,” Mr Nanayakkara said.
Related articles:
Ranil consults with military and monks over UN resolution (29 Sep 2015)
Sri Lankan prime minister rejects foreign judges (28 Sep 2015)
Mangala hails resolution as a victory for Sri Lanka (26 Sep 2015)
Ranil says biggest issue facing Sri Lanka has been removed, resolution mandates domestic mechanism (25 Sep 2015)
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