Human Rights allegations baseless - Minister

Rasika Somarathna

The recent allegations regarding Human Rights violations in Sri Lanka, made by a few parties with vested interests, was found to be baseless as the Human Rights Council in Geneva had not tabled any document detrimental to the country, Minister of Disaster Management and Human Rights, Mahinda Samarasinghe said yesterday.

Following his statement in Parliament on Thursday, the Minister pointed out that during deliberations in September, the European Union too had taken a decision not to table the country’s Human Rights situation as an important topic.

Thus, Sri Lanka stands cleared with regards to these bogus allegations, the Minister said, while stressing that the Government always stood for promotion and protection of Human Rights.

The Minister also revealed that the International Independent Group of Eminent Persons(IIGEP), which was conducting investigations into 15 incidents of alleged serious violations, had now concluded their observation process.

He noted that the whole process had been done in a very transparent manner and also the panel had commended the support given by Sri Lankan authorities.

“This does not mean that the Government efforts to curb Human Rights violations would take a back seat from here onwards”

“Instead we would redouble our efforts and all those who are responsible for such violations would be brought to book regardless of any affiliations,” the Minister said.

He noted that action according to law would be enacted without delay and new initiatives like the Witness and Victim Protection Bill would help to allay fears among the public regarding giving information and evidence on cases of abuse.

Commenting on reported cases of torture he said that the Government had Zero tolerance on such issues and would take all steps to control alleged abuse.