Sri Lanka’s security forces continued resilience to protect the country and its people, following Easter Sunday attacks over 4 months ago.
All those security measures have been taken by security forces ensuring fundamental rights, in consistent with the pledges the government has made before the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) .
This was stated by Sri Lanka Permanent Representative to UN in Geneva, Ambassador A.L.A Azeez when he addressed the 42nd session of the UN Human Rights Council recently.
These measures range from the speedy restoration of security which has minimized the impact on the country’s socio-economic fabric and upheld its international reputation, and the lifting of the State of Emergency within 4 months.
The government has provided the ICRC full access to individuals detained, engaging in an informed debate on seeking to upgrade the new counter terrorism legislation.
In respect to the sensitivities of the Muslim community, adjustment of the regulation banning full facial cover attire has also been made, he said.
The Government remains committed to combating hate speech and all forms of crimes directed against ethnic and religious communities. It is taking steps to counter religious radicalization and violent extremism.
Defending the recent appointment of Lieutenant General Shavendra Silva as the Army Commander of Sri Lanka he informed the UN Council that it is a sovereign decision taken by the Head of State.
External attempts to influence decisions and internal administrative processes of public service promotions in Sri Lanka are unwarranted and unacceptable, he added.
Articulating a position of concern on this appointment by certain bilateral partners and international entities, based on allegations, is regrettable and contrary to the principles of natural justice, he claimed.
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