Jayalath J's Geneva proposal rejected

Mahinda ALUTHGEDERA

A proposal submitted to the sessions of the Inter Parliamentary Union on Democracy and Human Rights in Geneva by UNP Parliamentarian Dr Jayalath Jayawardena alleging human rights violations in Sri Lanka was roundly rejected by the Union.

The Union membership rejected this proposal after considering the submissions made by Plantation Industries Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe who presented the actual situation in Sri Lanka.

The Sri Lanka Government delegation to the sessions led by Minister Samarasinghe also included Irrigation and Water Management Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva and Parliamentarian Nirupama Rajapaksa.

Dr Jayalath Jayawardena submitted the allegation regarding human rights in a bid to tarnish the image of Sri Lanka and bring the Government into international disrepute.

The Opposition delegation to the sessions also included UNP MP Akila Viraj Kariyawasam and TNA member Suresh Premachandran.

Dr Jayalath Jayawardena's proposal included allegations of human rights violations and dictatorial tendencies of governance.

The Government delegates countered the allegations and spoke at length for nearly two hours to convince the delegates of 154 countries about the actual situation in Sri Lanka including the judicial process regarding the incarceration of Sarath Fonseka and his final imprisonment.

Dr Jayalath Jayawardena who was not included in the Sri Lanka Parliamentary delegation had gone to Geneva on his own to bring Sri Lanka into disrepute. He has found accommodation in Geneva at the residence of an LTTE confidante named Sandran alias Selvaraja.Dr Jayalath Jayawardena and Suresh Premachandran had been refused entry into the main conference hall following objections made by the Government delegation. Meanwhile, the Opposition delegation had also boycotted a banquet hosted by the Sri Lanka Ambassador in Geneva. Dr Jayawardena had even made certain accusations against Sri Lanka's Acting Ambassador Jaufer.