Sri Lanka steps up lobbying at UNHRC after C4 video

Friday, 16 March 2012 00:01 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Sri Lanka has stepped up lobbying for support against the US resolution at the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC), but insisted that the Government would not encourage boycotting of American goods.

Acting Cabinet Spoke-sman Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardana told media that in response Sri Lanka’s Government had dispatched delegations to Muslim countries and nations that do not have embassies to lobby for support at the UNHRC.

Hundreds of people also joined a ‘peace march’ in the capital that visited several embassies, including UK, Norway and China, to hand over petitions calling for non-interference in Sri Lanka’s internal matters.

“We are working with the UNHRC and have been doing so for a number of years. What we do not agree with is targeting a specific country, especially one that has emerged from a long conflict and simply wants to move on,” he said, adding that the Government would continue to protest the resolution with all its strength. However, he smiled over a question regarding whether the Government would boycott American products and stressed that it was a point limited only to Housing Minister Wimal Weerawansa.

He also praised India for its stance on the US resolution. Abeywardana said that the Sri Lankan Government was heartened by the “pragmatic and holistic” view taken by India in considering all implications and acknowledging the steps taken to rebuild the former war-torn areas of the island.

“We are very happy over the stance taken by India. We are conscious of the fact that there are internal challenges for the Indian Government, given that it is an election year.

They may need the support of the Tamil Nadu political parties so we will be very conscious of how Sri Lanka could affect them,” he said.

Abeywardana was referring to the statement made by External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna to the Indian Parliament on Wednesday insisting that any action on the resolution on Sri Lanka must be taken with consideration for long-term implications.

“We look forward to continuing the close relationship between the two countries, which has lasted for centuries,” he said.