Sri Lanka seeks shift from focus on human rights

Sri Lanka has asked the world community not to focus just on the human rights issue in the country, saying it has already launched a process to ensure justice for all communities and promote reconciliation with minorities.
Addressing the Colombo-based diplomatic community, Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera said, "This process is already underway".
He said that for far too long now, Sri Lanka's relationship with the international community has been dictated by 'human rights'.
"I can confidently say that the Government of President (Maithripala) Sirisena and Prime Minister (Ranil) Wickremesinghe is committed to address human rights and related issues, work on changing the political culture and achieve meaningful reconciliation.

"...We think the time has now come to focus our attention to other areas as well which will contribute to strengthening our economy," Samaraweera said.
"Justice that has long proved elusive is now becoming a reality and Sri Lanka's courts are again vigilant in protecting all its citizens," he said.

Commenting on the results of the August 17 parliamentary elections, Samaraweera said, "It is clear that strengthening good governance practices and democratic institutions, respect for the rule of law and enabling structural and legal reforms are all measures that the people cherish and support".
He said the formation of a unity government will ensure the "formation of national policies and the passage of important legislation including the provision required to adopt a new Constitution that will include a Bill of Rights that takes into account not only civil and political rights but economic, social and cultural rights as well".

"A Constitution that addresses the requirements of all citizens and communities; one which would allow greater participation for the public in decision-making processes relating to matters in their respective areas," he said.
These measures, he said, would enable more accountable and more responsible government in the country.
Such a Constitution along with electoral reform would be essential to ensure reconciliation and durable peace with justice and rule of law, he said.
Samaraweera's comments came after the announcement this week by the US government to move a pro-Sri Lanka resolution at the UNHRC in Geneva.
The US was at the forefront in adopting a total of three resolutions at the UN human rights session on Sri Lanka.