Govt will maintain close ties with all countries - Minister

Chaminda Perera

The government yesterday said that it will maintain very close relations with all countries in the world irrespective of their stance over Sri Lanka at the 19th session of United Nations Human Rights Council.

According to Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa, Sri Lanka as a Non Aligned nation will forge closer ties with all countries in the future.

“We have never hated any country and we have hatred towards none. If there are shortcomings,we will rectify them and go ahead”, he said.

Speaking at a press conference at the Economic Development Ministry yesterday, Minister Rajapaksa said that there is no connection between the outcome at the UNHRC and the economic policy of the government.

He added that most investors, buyers and suppliers who participated in Expo 2012 were from countries that stood against Sri Lanka at the 19th session of UNHRC in Geneva The minister said that a number of investors came from the Tamil Diaspora too and their response is very encouraging.

Commenting on the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission( LLRC), minister Rajapaksa said that a number of recommendations included in the LLRC report have already been implemented by the government. He said a number of recommendations with regard to rehabilitation of former LTTE combatants, resettlement, bilingual policy have already been implemented.

The minister added that the government has also ensured the livelihood of the people in the Northern Province.

All paddy lands in the Northern Province were brought under the plough during the last Yala season.

He said that many reports of commissions appointed by previous governments were not publicized.

Minister Rajapaksa said that the government tabled the LLRC in Parliament a few days after it was presented to the President.