Prime Minister Harini Amarasooriya has asked for two weeks before revealing the government’s official position on the critical United Nations Human Rights Council resolution on Sri Lanka, igniting debate in Parliament over accountability and transparency.
Prime Minister Harini Amarasooriya has requested two weeks to present the government’s official position on the upcoming United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) resolution concerning Sri Lanka. The announcement came in response to a series of questions raised in Parliament by Tamil National Alliance (TNA) MP Shanakkian Rasamanikkam, who pressed for clarity on Sri Lanka’s commitments to accountability and international obligations.
MP Rasamanikkam specifically asked the Prime Minister about the government’s future actions following previous resolutions adopted at the UNHRC, whether the recommendations outlined in the High Commissioner’s report would be implemented, and if those recommendations would be tabled before Parliament. He also inquired if alternative international mechanisms were under consideration to strengthen Sri Lanka’s accountability process in line with the High Commissioner’s findings.
Prime Minister Amarasooriya explained that she was not prepared to answer these questions immediately, as they had not been part of the scheduled inquiries for the day. She stated that she was prepared to address other queries posed by the MP, but since these particular questions were introduced unexpectedly, she required two weeks to deliver a comprehensive response.
This development highlights the growing tension surrounding Sri Lanka’s relationship with the UNHRC and the pressure to demonstrate a credible roadmap for justice and accountability. The government has faced mounting international scrutiny over unresolved issues of human rights violations, transitional justice, and the implementation of recommendations that remain stalled. Critics argue that continued delays in presenting a clear position risk further isolating Sri Lanka in the international arena, while supporters of the Prime Minister’s approach believe a carefully considered response is vital to avoid diplomatic missteps.
The eyes of both domestic and international observers now remain fixed on the government’s next move in Geneva.
