‘Sri Lanka’s voice was heard and respected’:

Triple diplomatic triumph for SL at CHOGM

Terrorism eradication, victory for entire SAARC region:

Dinesh Weerawansa in Perth, Australia

Sri Lanka achieved a major diplomatic victory beating all overwhelming odds at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) which concluded in the Western Australian capital of Perth yesterday.

Sri Lanka achieved a triple success when it beat litigation, concocted human rights allegations and attempts to change the venue of the next CHOGM, External Affairs Minister Prof G.L. Peiris said.

In an exclusive interview with three newspaper editors from Sri Lanka at Hyatt Regency in Perth yesterday, the minister said that attempts to tarnish Sri Lanka’s image have been effectively handled with the support of Sri Lanka’s friendly countries.

“Sri Lanka’s voice was heard and respected at the Commonwealth,” the minister said.

Prof. Peiris said attempts by Canada to question on human rights in Sri Lanka was effectively shot down with the support of 15 countries which voiced strongly for Sri Lanka at the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (MAG) meeting.

“During the closing stages of the third session of the Commonwealth Foreign Ministers, Canadian Foreign Minister John Baird attempted to criticise Sri Lanka on the human rights accountability issue, against which I made a strong protest and objected,” he said.

Prof. Peiris pointed out that it was an attempt to politicize the Commonwealth MAG meeting.

Prof. Peiris had vehemently objected to the remarks made by his Canadian counterpart, stating that it was totally inappropriate at such level of discussion.

Sri Lanka has pointed out that such action by Canada does not sound well at a time the Commonwealth is steering ahead with modern realities. “We pointed out that it is not the practice to question domestic issues of a member country.

However, we stated that we are willing to hold bilateral discussions with member countries, which we have been conducting on the sidelines of the CHOGM,” he said. It was at this stage that 15 other countries raised their voice strongly in support of Sri Lanka.

The Chair of CMAG, Australian Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd had stated that the consensus was clear and that he is not taking the matter any further.

The external affairs minister said that several countries in South Asia were of the view that Sri Lanka’s success in eradicating terrorism under President Mahinda Rajapaksa is not only a victory for Sri Lanka but also to the entire SAARC region.

They have pointed out that the counter terrorism measures adopted by Sri Lanka are important to peace and stability in the region.

Prof. Peiris, referring to a human rights case filed by a LTTE sympathiser in Melbourne, said it was intimidating tactics and a well orchestrated campaign in the Australian media on the lead-up to the CHOGM.

“We made representation to the Australian government stating that the Head of State enjoys diplomatic immunity and overcame that attempt with a clear ruling by the Attorney General here,” he said.

Prof. Peiris said the third victory for Sri Lanka was when the CHOGM ratified a decision taken in 2009 to hold the 2013 CHOGM in Sri Lanka. “Various attempts were made to change the venue but the CHOGM stood with its original decision,” he said.

Minister Peiris also explained the steps taken by Sri Lanka to enlighten the international community on the progress the country has made since the eradication of terrorism in May 2009.

“We have had several bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York last month and the current CHOGM. We have briefed them extensively on the progress the country has made in the reconciliation, resettlement and development efforts,” the minister added.