Janaki Chandraratna Perth, Australia

The United States backed UNHRC resolution against Sri Lanka was recently amended with the intention of appeasing the prevailing attitude of delegates to the original draft. In presenting the amended version, Donahue stressed the continued ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ”¹…”solemn desireƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢ to assist GoSL to achieve its own LLRC report recommendations and provided an option for non members to be co-sponsors so that US backers like Britain, Canada and Australia can be actively involved with the resolution. ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ 

The amendments were only cosmetic mainly to soften the earlier approach and did not alter the original content in any significant manner. The controversial stipulation, for the High Commissioner UNHRC to provide and GoSL to accept advice and technical assistance for the implementation of LLRC recommendations, is retained with rigour. In addition the amendments provide an opportunity for the High Commissioner to report to the Council on the assistance provided at the 22^nd session. These stipulations are more akin to a Spanish inquisition rather than a 21^st century democratic organisation such as the UN that values independence, sovereignty and cooperation as opposed to coercion to achieve mutual well being of all member States.

Whilst the world is aware that there is no requirement for a resolution against Sri Lanka as work on LLRC recommendations had already commenced, it is obvious that no sane country could agree with the above stipulation which tantamounts to an outright intervention in a democratically elected sovereign country, which has the backing of more than 70% of the population. The disastrous impact of this resolution, if adopted, on the political, social and judicial integrity of our country cannot be over estimated.

Sri Lanka however has hope and trust that common sense would prevail and the resolution is defeated, at least till the next UNHRC session. GoSL has done its part to inform the delegates of ground realities, albeit with a sluggish start, to expose the fallacy of unsubstantiated allegations and its dedication to investigate the so called war crimes, if evidence is provided, implement LLRC recommendations and report on outcomes to the next session. Our delegation to UNHRC has worked hard to expose the intentions of UNHRC to create a mini UN with intervention powers under the guise of Human Rights.

Sri Lankan representative to the UN in Geneva has pointed out the accountability, transparency and impartiality issues and obligations of UNHRC officers to the powerful States of the West that controls 80% of the funding. Our Minister for Foreign Affairs has also performed his role with alacrity in African countries that has 13 delegates to UNHRC.

These officers and supportive teams both in Sri Lanka and abroad are to be commended for their dedication to defend our independence and sovereignty. There were a few skirmishes highlighted in the media in recent times on the campaign and these are to be expected when dealing with such a mammoth task within a short period of time. The next few days leading up to the voting would not be easy for GoSL.

The imminent release of the second Channel 4 video, although based on unsubstantiated events is intended to shock the delegates and the world. I am certain GoSL is in control of its task and the resolution is defeated as per expectations as this is not a game where we one can leave in a hurry like Fiji did with the Commonwealth. ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ 

In hindsight however there are several areas the Govt. could look into for the prevention of similar fracas in the future. Prompt response to issues, that are of international and national significance, at least at a high level, is paramount and the current mechanism in place needs to be reviewed for efficiencies and effectiveness. We also need to establish processes that can demonstrate accountability and transparency in all government and non government activities. In this respect the role of the Auditor General and his office need to reviewed.

The world has progressed in leaps and bounds in this regard and good governance practices need to be adopted. ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ It is also worth while to be abreast of strategies undertaken by other States such as Singapore, Malaysia etc. to mange national interests. Although there are confronting issues in these countries they are not aired at international forums.

We also need to educate our younger generation on obligations to the country and matters that can affect the sovereignty of our nation as it is the younger generation that need to hoist the flag in the future. History is a valuable subject to be taught to all students so that mistakes made in the past such as the loss of our independence to colonial imperialists through disloyalty of our own people would not be repeated.