UN panel unacceptable - Media Minister

Sri Lanka is a sovereign nation with a strong Constitution in which we have an Executive and Legislature elected by the people through a very strong democratic process. We also have a vibrant judiciary. The sovereignty of the country lies with its people and their rights have been guaranteed by the constitution, Mass Media and Information Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said.

The United Nations appointing of a Panel of Experts to advise the Secretary General on accountability of activities that took place towards the last end of war in Sri Lanka is uncalled for and unnecessary. The Sri Lankan government is already addressing the concerns raised, the Minister said.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa has already appointed a Lesson Learnt and Reconciliation Commission with a mandate to look into all aspects of the conflict. For the UN to have a parallel probe is to pre-judge and undermine a process that Sri Lanka has begun as part of its national reconciliation and establishing lasting peace, he said.

The UN Secretary General has appointed a three-member panel ignoring the wishes of a member state. Sri Lanka will take appropriate action, the Minister said.