Human Rights Watch’s Asia Director Brad Adams said last week the New York-based organisation does not expect Sri Lanka to conduct a credible investigation into mass atrocities committed during the armed conflict.

Speaking to IPS ahead of Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera’s visit to the US this week, where he will meet with US officials and representatives of HRW, Mr Adams said the UN should continue to be central to the current process.

“We do not expect the government to conduct a serious investigation,” he said when asked about the government’s proposed domestic investigation, pointing out former army commander Sarath Fonseka’s presence in the government would politicise a domestic probe.

“The United Nations should continue to be at the centre of the current process,” he said, but complimented the new government for reaching out to HRW. “We are very encouraged and we are happy to meet with the foreign minister.”

The 33rd naval fleet of Iran's navy, docked in Colombo on Monday, where it will be conducting a three day visit.

Senior Sri Lankan navy officials are scheduled to meet with the Iranian naval personnel onboard during their stay.

"I do not fear any retribution from any quarter or Western witch hunts. We knew the risks involved when we took on the LTTE despite resistance from interested nations. We fought terrorism to a finish because that was our duty by our nation. The people of Sri Lanka still appreciate the sacrifices we made and the risks we took."

A Sri Lankan army contingent is leaving the island for UN peacekeeping duties in Lebanon, according to the army's website.

The 9th Sri Lanka’s Force Protection Unit (9 SLFPU) will join the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), replacing the 8th contingent, currently serving in the Levant.

A passing out parade was inspected by suspected war criminal Major General Jagath Dias at a ceremony in Kurunegala.

The deployment will be made up of 10 officers and 140 other soldiers from various regiments, including those which served in the armed conflict against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam. The army is accused of committing mass atrocities, including rape, torture and extrajudicial killings during the intense fighting, particularly in the final phase.