Experts panel:

Interference in Lanka's internal affairs - Minister

Lakshmi DE SILVA

The Government strongly opposes appointing a panel of experts to advise the UN Secretary General on Sri Lanka which is unacceptable. The repercussions will be very unfortunate, External Affairs Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris said yesterday.

Addressing a press conference at the Ministry, he said Sri Lanka objects to this commission on principle as it is a move aimed at interfering in the country's internal affairs.

"We have already appointed a commission of distinguished persons on 'Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation' with a clear mandate as it is an internal matter. We have confidence to move forward on this matter and we consider the panel of experts an interference in the internal affairs of Sri Lanka," the Minister said.

"The Government successfully rid the country of terror and is in the process of rebuilding the lives of the people. The Government is confident that the commission could give significant contribution to further strengthen national amity," he said.

"The UN Human Rights Council has formally accepted the human rights situation of our country by a resolution commending our commitment to promotion of protection of human rights," the Minister said.

Speaking about the GSP+ issue, Prof Peiris said: "We have reserves of US$ 6 billion and even if we were not given the GSP+ we would lose only about US$ 150 million.

Some of our entrepreneurs and exporters are performing well even in areas where there are no concessions. We are not prepared to give a written undertaking on conditions and we will not sacrifice our dignity for this benefit."