Human Rights used by some as political tool against SL – GL

While the progress achieved in Sri Lanka since the end of hostilities is in excess of that accomplished in any other post-conflict situation, human rights continue to be used as a political weapon against the country, and the public must be vigilant about this situation, External Affairs Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris said in the Hambantota district. He was addressing 11 meetings in the Angunukolapalessa and Ambalantota areas on the eve of the handing over of nominations by UPFA candidates contesting the Southern Provincial Council elections.

The Minister, who stressed the importance of public awareness in this regard, referred to the government's decisions, taken without considering partisan political interests, to re-integrate 14,000 ex-combatants into society and to allocate to the Northern Province, for infrastructure development, a vastly disproportionate volume of resources.

"These measures have gone with grossly inadequate acknowledgement," Prof. Peiris said.

"What is seen today, he continued, is an agenda which involves the acceptance of reckless allegations as proven facts and a strong resolve to pursue the country relentlessly in international fora with scant regard for facts and evidence. Influence and might are being used without restraint, the governing factor being not the merits of the situation in Sri Lanka but sheer pressure".

"All this is designed to bring about political changes which cannot be effected through the political process in this country, because of the consistent support for the President and his government, shown by the public of Sri Lanka at each successive election at every level," Minister Peiris said. He concluded by reminding his audience of the vital need to protect the victories won against overwhelming odds, and not to give in to a sense of complacency.

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Human Rights used by some as political tool against SL - GL