 Sri Lanka’s Ambassador Ravinatha Aryasinha addressing the UN Human Rights Council earlier today. |
Sri Lanka has reiterated its rejection of a resolution at the UN Human Rights Council, moments before member states are set to vote in Geneva.
Addressing the Council, Sri Lanka’s Ambassador Ravinatha Aryasinha, labelled the resolution an “infringement of state sovereignty” adding,
“Sri Lanka categorically and unreservedly rejects this draft resolution, as it challenges the sovereignity and independence of a Member State of the UN, violates principles of international law, based on profoundly flawed premises, and is inimical to the interests to the people of Sri Lanka”.
Slamming the “electoral compulsions of some States at the behest of certain extreme elements with links to the LTTE”, Sri Lanka went on to add,
“Irrespective of the outcome of today’s decision, I wish to categorically state that the democratically elected Government of Sri Lanka, and indeed all peace loving people in my country will never countenance any return of armed conflict or terrorism.”
A copy of Sri Lanka’s statement was handed to all members of the Council, as Sri Lanka was speaking.
See the full statement here.
Find full coverage of the UNHRC vote and reactions to the resolution mandating the OHCHR to undertake an inquiry here.