Sri Lankan activists welcome the United Nations resolution on war crimes

He termed the new resolution – co-sponsored by the U.S., Sri Lanka and a few 38 other nations and adopted by consensus – a triumph for his government.

Ruki Fernando, a human rights advocate, hoped that the Sri Lankan government would not come in the way of denying truth and justice to the families of survivors and recognize “that the best option for accountability is through hybrid accountability mechanisms that will have global judges, prosecutors, lawyers and investigators”.

In yet another step to improve governance, the government announced the formation of the Constitutional Council (CC). The former Sri Lankan government that prosecuted the war to its end, denied allegations of mass civilian killings in smashing its way through this human shield or of other war crimes.

A senior minister in the government was ready to give Sirisena the benefit of the doubt.

The High Commissioner’s Report contained in document A/HRC/25/23 is not balanced and a few of the elements including recommendation to establish an global inquiry mechanism exceed the mandate granted by HRC resolution 22/1 said Permanent Representative of Pakistan Ambassador Mr. Zameer Akram.

“The victims of the conflict have waited years and now responsibility rests with the government of Sri Lanka, working together with stakeholders including civil society”, said New York-based Human Rights Watch in an October 1 statement. Sri Lanka media went on overdrive after Indian minister Gadkari spoke of discussing a proposal to construct a land-tunnel link between India and Sri Lanka with the Sri Lankan prime minister; however, Colombo denied holding any talks with India on this issue.

The Sri Lankan strategy of not releasing the fishing boats, the sole source of livelihood of the poor fishermen, is further aggravating the situation. We are deeply mindful that any perceived compromise causes hurt to those most traumatized by the horrific crimes that have been committed in Sri Lanka.

They added that they “deeply regret that references to demilitarization of the North-East and an increased role for the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) which were included in the initial draft of the resolution have been removed”. “All political parties and all religious groups will be included in the discussion”. The resolution merely calls for an oral report in June 2016 and a written report in March 2017. And the Sri Lankan government’s willingness to support and facilitate such an office would be seen as a real test of their proclaimed commitment to making this process work.