Statement by Hon. Foreign Minister of Sri Lanka at the 48th Regular Session of the UN Human Rights Council, 14 September 2021, Geneva

Madam President,

Let me begin by reiterating our strong and continued cooperation with this Council and the United Nations mandated human rights system, in keeping with our Constitution and our international obligations voluntarily undertaken.

Twelve years ago, Sri Lanka eradicated LTTE terrorism on its soil. We have restored peace, security and stability for the benefit of our people. We held firm to our democratic traditions and elections were held at regular intervals with high levels of voter participation – most recently at the 2019 Presidential and 2020 Parliamentary polls. The Government is committed to holding the Provincial Council elections at the earliest.

We are dealing with post-conflict recovery from the perspective of healing. Most recently, 16 LTTE cadres convicted of serious terrorist crimes were granted Presidential pardons. The success of post conflict demining, reconstruction and resettlement programs has contributed immensely to national reconciliation.

Despite the daily challenges of the devastating COVID-19 pandemic, let me highlight the progress made in the domestic processes:

· The Office on Missing Persons (OMP) as its core function, is finalizing the list of missing persons in collaboration with other agencies.

· The Office for Reparations (OR) has processed 3775 claims this year.

· The Office for National Unity and Reconciliation (ONUR) continues its 8 point action plan.

· The National Human Rights Commission is carrying on its mandate.

· A steering committee on SDG 16 is working towards enhancing peace, justice and strong institutions.

· A Cabinet Sub Committee was appointed to revisit the PTA and to bring it in line with international norms and best practices. A report will be submitted to the Cabinet of Ministers at the end of this month. An Advisory Board was appointed to look into cases of detention under the PTA and to make recommendations to deal with such cases expeditiously. Speedy disposal of cases under the PTA is also taking place.

 A Commission of Inquiry headed by a sitting judge of the Supreme Court was established to address issues on accountability and missing persons and to revisit recommendations by previous Commissions. The COI submitted its Interim report to the President. The final report will be submitted within the next 06 months.

· We are maintaining vigorous engagement with civil society to obtain their insights and to harness their support in achieving reconciliation and development.

Madam President,

Sri Lanka continues to investigate and prosecute the perpetrators of the appalling terrorist attack on Easter Sunday in 2019 complying with due process of law in all respects. As always, we will remain vigilant in combatting terrorism and protecting Sri Lankans of all religions.

Madam President,

We reject the proposal for any external initiatives purportedly established by Resolution 46/1 while domestic processes are vigorously addressing the relevant matters. This will polarize our society, as we experienced with Resolution 30/1. The Council must adhere to its founding principles. External initiatives embarked upon without the cooperation of the country concerned cannot achieve their stated goals, and will be subject to politicization. The resources expended on this initiative are unwarranted, especially when they are urgently needed for humanitarian and other constructive purposes in many parts of the world.

Madam President,

Under the current and pressing challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, we consider it a basic duty of a government to ensure the uninterrupted supply of commodities essential to the life of the community. We are open in acknowledging our challenges and as a responsible and democratic government, we are committed to achieving tangible progress on the entire range of issues relating to accountability, reconciliation, human rights, peace and sustainable development.

I thank you, Madam President.

Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa’s Speech at the G20 Interfaith Forum Bologna, Italy

It is with great pleasure that I address this very timely G20 Interfaith Forum in the historic city of Bologna on the theme, “Time to Heal: Peace among Cultures, Understanding between Religions”.

I am grateful to Professor Alberto Melloni, Chair of the Italian Organizing Committee, and to his colleagues for their kindness in inviting me to participate. I appreciate the opportunity, particularly because of the relevance of the conference theme to my own country, Sri Lanka, and more generally to the geographic region of South Asia.

A prominent feature of our region is ethnic, religious and culture diversity. Our countries are home to people from diverse ethnic backgrounds, professing different religions and nurtured by an array of cultures. And yet, rising above these differences, we have responded to the challenge of building a sense of mature nationhood, uniting all the different communities. Our future as one nation depends very much on this idea of unity and solidarity which is absolutely essential to achieve our economic, political and social goals.

Extremist ideology, and violence associated with it, represent one of the most serious challenges of our time. It is appropriate to recall the tragic events of 09/11, exactly twenty years ago, and to share our deep sense of grief with the families of victims of this outrage and, indeed, with all humankind. This is a reminder of the need for eternal vigilance against all forms of terrorist action, whoever be the offenders and whatever be their professed aims and purposes.

It is especially fitting that this prestigious event should take place in Bologna, a city which has rightly established its reputation as a world leader in culture, in the arts and in all fields of intellectual activity. This enchanting city enshrines for all time the spirit of the Italian Renaissance, and its remarkable contributions to the growth of civilization. The world has certainly been enriched by the genius and creativity of the great Italian masters of that period in history.

I observe from the conference documents, prepared with great clarity, that you have placed a sharp focus on the areas in which peace and harmony among cultures play a vital role in our time.

I have no hesitation in identifying education as the most important of these areas. Young minds are impressionable, and it is during the childhood years that there is the greatest chance to develop the right attitudes and values. While there are,

clearly, differences embedded in the substance of different religions, there is also a core of beliefs and convictions that are common to all religions.

It is the duty of policy makers and educationists, through the curriculum and methods of teaching in our schools and universities, to emphasize what all religions share in common, the areas of consensus rather than the points reflecting differences. Youth in our educational institutions have the unique opportunity to build bridges rather than walls and to forge friendships which last through life. The government in my own country is giving priority right now to reform the content of education to bring it in line with modern requirements and to equip our youth to secure satisfying livelihoods which will sustain them in life.

The grave heath crisis which the world is experiencing at this time, serves to underline the bonds which unite us all: COVID-19 makes no distinction among religions, nationalities and civilizations. It strikes a deadly blow at all humanity. In order to survive the pandemic and resume our lives once more, international cooperation needs to be strengthened.

Vaccines and other protection, made possible by modern medicine, must be available across the globe, with firm arrangements in place for less affluent nations to be assisted by international organizations and by countries with stronger economies. It is a battle that has to be won, not by some, but by all.

While it may be legitimate for countries to close their borders temporarily to contain the virus, isolation is not the answer. One of the realities of the world in which we live, is the free movement of goods, services and people across national frontiers. Migration in search of a better life is challenged by conditions prevailing today, but employment opportunities on an equitable basis must continue to be available freely.

This is a field in which gender equality and dignity is of special importance. Gautama the Buddha, in his final sermon, The Maha Parinibbana Sutra, declared that the moral quality of a society is to be assessed by the kindness and compassion shown to its more vulnerable members.

Our government is very much preoccupied with the protection of women and children against exploitation and all forms of discrimination at home, in places of employment and in society at large. Outdated laws relating to marriage, custody and inheritance are being currently updated by the Parliament of Sri Lanka. Our attitude is one of zero tolerance of human trafficking.

Climate change and other environmental issues are in the forefront of our minds. Sri Lanka is trying its best to adopt a balanced approach to human development. While progress on economic issues is necessary to support rapidly growing populations, this cannot be done at the expense of the environment.

Arahat Mahinda, the son of Emperor Dharmasoka of India, who brought the cherished gift of Buddhism to our shores, addressing King Devanampiyatissa of our country, said, “O, King, you are not the absolute owner but only the temporary trustee of our mountains and forests, our rivers and streams, the fauna and flora of our land: you are duty bound to hand over these assets to future generations in the condition in which you inherited them from your forefathers”. These words, an integral part of our culture, continue to define our policy towards the environment.

Reconciliation is a critical need of our time. Conflicts and escalating tensions are all too evident around us. Peace and stability come from healthy relationships with all who live in our countries, including those with whom we have deep disagreements.

Here, again, our religion teaches us that hatred is not conquered by hatred but by love alone. Rather than dwell on grievances derived from the past, we must focus on the present, the need for harmony with points of view different from our own, and the inspiring new frontier which awaits us all if we forge the urgently needed links of brotherhood and understanding.

To this end, this refreshing symposium in Bologna, the oldest seat of learning in Europe, makes a contribution of the highest value. The G20 Interfaith Forum, which has been a
regular event over the last seven years, presents a rare opportunity for intercultural dialogue.

I am deeply conscious of the honor you have bestowed on me by your invitation to address this prestigious gathering. I thank Professor Melloni and his colleagues warmly, and I
wish your discussions every success.

Theruwan Saranai. [May the Tripple Gem Bless you]

President’s Media Spokesman Kingsly Rathnayaka’s statement on 11-09-2021 regarding the misconceptions about rice mill owners, rice traders and the rice shortage.

Ayubowan!

Given the current situation in the country and in line with the decision taken by the President, I would like to take this opportunity to inform the country of the views of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and the Government dispelling the misconceptions about rice mill owners, rice traders and the rice shortage.

You are aware that President Gotabaya Rajapaksa issued a Gazette Notification on August 30 containing the emergency regulations under the Public Security Ordinance in accordance with the powers vested in him, regarding essential commodities including rice, flour and sugar. This decision was taken by the President with the primary objective of protecting the consumers, discharging responsibility of a people-friendly government. At the same time, a Commissioner General of Essential Services was appointed to coordinate and oversee the distribution of consumer goods, including paddy, rice and sugar, in order to maintain the livelihood of the people.

The proposal made by the President to enforce the emergency regulations was also tabled in Parliament recently. The entire country witnessed that it was passed by a majority of 81 votes of people’s representatives.The government has taken up a gigantic challenge to control the current Covid-19 situation. An amount of over Rs. 500 billion has already been spent for this purpose.

All this shows that the government led by the President is committed to the people in the face of the current situation, in order to ensure that the livelihood of the people is not disrupted.  The President will never take any action to aggrieve any party when making the necessary decisions in this regard.

From the very beginning, the government took measures to resolve the issue of rice by reaching an agreement with all stakeholders. The government expected a fair system that would protect the farmer, the businessman as well as the consumer. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa held lengthy discussions with leading rice mill owners. Agreements were reached. The Ministers in charge of the subject as well as Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa held discussions with the business community.

The government set a guaranteed price for paddy, which was between Rs. 30 to 32 per kilo, with the aim of strengthening the farmer community. Accordingly, approval has been granted to purchase a kilo of Nadu and Kekulu paddy for Rs. 50, Samba at Rs.52 and Keeri Samba at Rs.55.

However, despite the guaranteed price for paddy, the market price of rice rose and a kilo of Nadu rice sold at Rs. 125.00, a kilo of Samba rice at Rs. 150.00 and a kilo of Keeri Samba at Rs.225.00, leaving consumers stranded.

It was then that the Commissioner-General of Essential Services, who was appointed vesting full powers under the ‘Public Security Ordinance’, took measures to ensure maximum justice to the affected people. Accordingly, guaranteed prices were gazetted and the maximum price of a kilo of Samba rice is 103 rupees, while for Nadu it is 98 rupees, a kilo of Kiri Samba rice is 125 rupees and a kilo of Kekulu rice is 95 rupees.

You may recall that the business community then acknowledged the crisis facing the country at this time and issued public statements that they will not take actions to put pressure on the government and would act in accordance to overcome this calamity period. But, unfortunately, the agreements they entered with the government were neglected. At the same time, in the last few days, large-scale rice mill owners have reduced their daily rice production and distribution by more than 50%.

It is a well acknowledged fact by everyone that this is an unbearable injustice to the consumer, who is suffering from the COVID-19 pandemic. During the raids carried out by the Commissioner-General of Essential Services on September 08, 2021 alone, 807,375 kilograms of rice were obtained from the rice warehouses owned by the large-scale mill owners at the government controlled price and handed over to the Sathosa.

You can easily understand the political agendas behind all these actions, as the people who have once accused the large scale rice mill owners of creating a rice mafia, are now coming forward to protect them.

However, the President is of the view that a people-centric economy and a prosperous country will be built by making decisions in accordance with the powers vested in the President for the welfare of the people, affirming the mandate and trust given by the people to build a secure country.

The island-wide quarantine curfew enforced has been further extended until September 21, stated the Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella.

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa is to attend the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly to be commenced on September 21 in New York.

This is the President's first address to the United Nations General Assembly and also the first foreign conference to take part outside of the country.

The President is expected to hold bilateral discussions with several Heads of State on a number of areas including economic, education and agriculture during the visit.

Foreign Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris, Principal Advisor to the President Lalith Weeratunga and Foreign Secretary Admiral Prof. Jayanath Colombage will accompany the President during the visit.

The President has decided to undertake the visit with a least number of delegates in line with his principle and after taking into consideration the current situation in the country.

Accordingly, this will be the smallest Sri Lankan delegation to attend the United Nations General Assembly in recent history. Mrs. Ioma Rajapaksa will join the visit at her own expense.

After assuming duties as the Minister of Development Coordination and Monitoring, Minister Namal Rajapaksa visited Jaffna on Thursday to advise the officials to expedite the ongoing development activities in Jaffna.

During his visit, the Minister also inspected the construction work of the Jaffna Municipal Council, the construction project near Bosco College, work on Hospital Road and the Ariyakulam Tank Development Project.

The Minister also inspected the development projects of the Nallur Kalaimagal Stadium which is being renovated under the Ministry of Sports, the development activities under the Maruthanamadam Multipurpose City Project, the Tellippalai Arunodaya School Building and the development projects for landless families in Jaffna.

He discussed with the Jaffna officials the current progress of these constructions and also inquired into the reasons for the slow progress of the development work and resolved many issues during his visit.

Another consignment of 120,000 doses of Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine will arrive in Sri Lanka nextweek, said the State Minister of Production, Supply and Regulation of Pharmaceuticals Professor Channa Jayasumana.

The vaccines are expected to be rolled out in Kandy and several other areas, he said.

The Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapakse and the Foreign Minister Professor G.L. Peiris will shortly make a visit to Bologna, Italy, to participate in an international event which is to be graced by the Prime Minister of Italy and other dignitaries from Italy and other European countries. The Foreign Minister, at his media briefing described the
purpose of the scheduled visit by stating that the Prime Minister will be delivering the keynote address at the opening session of the international symposium which will be held in one of Europe’s oldest seats of learning, the University of Bologna. The foreign Minister stressed that at no stage has the Prime Minister requested nor has he received an audience with His Holiness, the Pope. The Prime Minister and the Foreign Minister will be leaving Italy, at the conclusion of events in Bologna.

General Shavendra Silva, Head, National Operation Centre for Prevention of COVID-19 Outbreak (NOCPCO), Chief of Defence Staff and Commander of the Army on Friday (27) presented HE the President Gotabaya Rajapaksa with a cash cheque to the value of Rs 10 million, to be credited to the ‘Itukama’ COVID-19 Healthcare and Social Security Fund after it was delivered to the Security Force HQ-Jaffna by the Founder and Chairman of ‘Thiyahie’ Charitable Trust, Mr Vamadeva Thiyagendran, a well-known philanthropist cum donor.

Sri Lanka has extended the current island-wide quarantine curfew orders by a week, in a bid to curb the increasing COVID-19 figures in the country prompted by the rapid spread of the Delta variant. Minister of Health Keheliya Rambukwella tweeted that the extended quarantine curfew orders are effective until 4.00 am on the 06th of September. He urged the members of the public to continue to work from home and to abide by the curfew orders while refraining from unnecessary travel.

Army Commander General Shavendra Silva says that essential and other services which are currently functioning will be permitted to continue until the quarantine curfew is lifted. The decision had been taken by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa during the meeting of the Special Committee on COVID-19 Control which convened at the Presidential Secretariat this morning. He said Curfew passes will not be required for those engaged in essential services including apparel, industries, and agricultural activities during the quarantine curfew. The Commander said essential services, other sectors and those who report for duties are allowed to operate while pharmacies will remain open during the quarantine curfew period. General Silva said the vaccination program will also continue and urged the public to avoid unnecessary travel and adhere with health instructions to prevent the further spread of Covid-19.

The president’s media division says that State Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Corporation has planned to produce one new medicinal drug each month and to provide those to the national hospital system. So far 8 medicines have been produced. Importation of those medicines has been stopped. Constructions of 3 pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities which are to be completed in 2023, are now taking place. All facilities are built according to European standards.

The High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka Gopal Baglay called on the new Foreign Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris after his assumption of duties. Foreign Minister Peiris expressed appreciation and continuous support being provided by India for combatting the COVID-19 pandemic. Minister Peiris thanked the Government of India for supplying emergency consignments of liquid oxygen from east Indian ports, even by using Indian naval ships.