SL Rep. to UNHRC says Army Chief appointment a sovereign decision by Head of State

• External attempts to influence decisions and internal administrative processes “unwarranted and unacceptable”
• Raising concerns based on allegations “regrettable and contrary to principles of natural justice”
• Country’s security forces stood resilient to protect country and people, while ensuring fundamental rights after Easter Sunday attacks

Sri Lanka’s Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva Ambassador A.L.A Azeez yesterday reiterated that the recent appointment of the Army Commander is a sovereign decision taken by the Head of State and “external attempts to influence decisions and internal administrative processes of public service promotions in Sri Lanka are unwarranted and unacceptable”.

Ambassador Azeez who was addressing the 42nd Session of the Human Rights Council said this in response to concerns raised about the appointment by certain bilateral partners and international entities, adding that raising concerns based on allegations “is regrettable and contrary to the principles of natural justice”. 

The Lankan representative also referred to the role of the country security forces  in the aftermath of the Easter Sunday terrorist attacks over four months ago during which the country’s security forces stood resilient to protect the country and its people, while ensuring fundamental rights, consistent with the pledges it has made before this Council.

These, the Ambassador said, included the speedy restoration of security which has minimised the impact on the country’s socioeconomic fabric and upheld its international reputation, the lifting of the State of Emergency within four months, providing the ICRC full access to individuals detained, engaging in an informed debate on seeking to upgrade the new counter terrorism legislation, and in deference to the sensitivities of the Muslim community, adjustment of the regulation banning full facial cover attire.

“The Government remains committed to combating hate speech and all forms of crimes directed against ethnic and religious communities and is taking steps to counter religious radicalisation and violent extremism,” the Ambassador added.