By Shamindra Ferdinando Courtesy The Island

January 28, 2016, 10:11 pm
Former External Affairs Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris yesterday alleged that President Maithripala Sirisena hadn’t been properly briefed on the Geneva Resolution that dealt with the alleged accountability issues during the war. The Prof. was addressing the media at N.M. Perera Centre, Borella.

Prof. Peiris said President Sirisena had recently contradicted vital sections in the Resolution unanimously adopted on Oct. 1, 2015, prompting Premier Ranil Wickremesinghe to reiterate the country’s commitment to it.

President Sirisena had declared that the participation of foreign judges wouldn’t be allowed under any circumstances whereas the resolution which also received wholehearted blessings of the newly elected Sri Lankan government provided for the involvement of the foreign judges in the investigative process, Prof. Peiris said.

The sixth condition/proposal in the resolution specifically recommended Commonwealth and other foreign judges, in addition to defence lawyers, and authorised prosecutors and investigators, Prof. Peiris noted.

He also dealt with several other provisions inimical to Sri Lanka while urging President Sirisena and the government to speak with one voice on a matter of highest national importance. Contrary to the position taken by President Sirisena, the process undertaken, in accordance with the Geneva resolution had to be brought to a conclusion by Sept. 2017, the former Foreign Minister said, alleging that all sectors had been in turmoil since the change of government.

Leader of the Joint Opposition and Colombo District MP Dinesh Gunawardena said the government hadn’t been able to push through a resolution to introduce a new Constitution due to strong position taken up by them as well as the SLFP group in the administration. For want of a clear strategy and an understanding with the genuine Opposition, the government hadn’t been able to make headway, MP Gunawardena said.

The MEP leader declared that the UPFA group, including those SLFPers in the government had thwarted the UNP project. MP Gunawardena appreciated civil society groups and other interested parties which had thrown their weight behind the Joint Opposition.

The Opposition lawmaker stressed that they were determined to ensure that the Constitution making process would be carried out in accordance with constitutional provisions and Standing Orders.