US invites countries to co-sponsor UNHRC resolution on Sri Lanka

Mar 16, 2017 (LBO) – United States State Department says it is pleased that Sri Lanka has agreed once again to co-sponsor a UNHRC resolution and applauds the administration of President Sirisena for continuing efforts to promote reconciliation. Issuing a statement the State Department invited like-minded UN members to demonstrate support for reconciliation and peace in Sri Lanka by adding their names to the list of cosponsors. “On March 13 at the UN Human Rights Council the United States and other members of the friends of Sri Lanka Core Group tabled a draft resolution,” the statement said.

“The United States worked in close consultation with the United Kingdom, Montenegro, and Macedonia, and in partnership with the Government of Sri Lanka, to draft the resolution.” The statement further said the resolution seeks to promote reconciliation, accountability, and human rights in Sri Lanka that reflects United State’s enduring commitment to lasting peace and justice for all the people of Sri Lanka. “We look forward to the adoption of the text, which will support reconciliation and justice in Sri Lanka, help ensure a non-recurrence of conflict, and strengthen democratic governance and freedoms for all Sri Lankans.” Deputy Foreign Minister Harsha de Silva said that what Sri Lanka undertook at the current UN session is a two-year extension of the timeline for fulfillment of commitments made in Resolution 30/1. He added that there will be no additional or new commitments arising from the High Commissioner's Report to the current 34th Session.