Killing civilians, violating nation’s sovereignty, unacceptable – President

I always believe that the people are right, but no one should harm innocent citizens, stated President Mahinda Rajapaksa responding to questions with regard to attacks on Libya by coalition forces, during a meeting with foreign media correspondents yesterday.

He reiterated, ‘we are not with anyone killing civilians and cannot accept the violation of the sovereignty of any country’.

Minister of Mass Media and Information Keheliya Rambukwella joining the discussion stated that in some cases the coalition forces appeared to have gone beyond the mandate of the UNSC Resolution 1973.

Responding to questions with regard to the effects on Sri Lanka’s foreign remittance through foreign employment due to the crises in West Asia and North Africa, and the economic crisis in the West, the President said that the country has to look towards alternatives and Korea is one such alternative.

The President, answering a question with regard to the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC), said that it has not requested an extension of its mandate. If a request for extension is made it will be granted, he said.

He added that there is an open invitation for UN officials, just as any others, to testify before the LLRC.