Statement by the Hon Mahinda Samarasinghe M.P.Minister of Plantation Industries and Special Envoy of the President on Human Rights Leader of the Sri Lanka Delegation to the 19th Session of the UNHRC High Level Segment 27th February 2012, Geneva

I am honoured and privileged to be able to once again share with this august body, Sri Lanka’s experience in promoting and protecting the human rights of its people, in accordance with universally accepted standards.

Joint Statement issued on the occasion of the visit of

His Excellency Mahinda Rajapaksa,

President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka to Pakistan 

 MEDIA RELEASE 

The Permanent Mission of Switzerland to the United Nations in New York organized an informal lunch time discussion on February 08, 2012, on the Report of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) for interested States and organizations. There was a full house, consisting not only of diplomats but also of NGO representatives. They had previously hosted a discussion on the UN Secretary-General’s Panel report. 

After Ambassador Paul Segar had introduced the speakers, the Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the United Nations, Ambassador Dr. Palitha Kohona outlined the key features and recommendations of the final report of the LLRC. In particular, he highlighted its recommendations and the commitment of the Government, as expressed in Parliament, to implement these recommendations. 

He stated that several measures have already been taken towards implementing these recommendations, despite the time and resource constraints faced by the country. 

The full text of the comments made by Dr. Kohona is given below. 

February 08, 2012

New York.

THE LLRC – Some comments on the Report

Delivered at the Permanent Mission of Switzerland

Ambassador Dr. Palitha Kohona

Permanent Representative to the United Nations

Background:

On May 15, 2010, President Mahinda Rajapaksa appointed the Commission of Inquiry on Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation (LLRC).  Hardly 15 months after the end of the conflict, this independent body, commenced hearings on 11 August 2010. These hearings were open to the public. Many of the sessions of the LLRC were observed by Colombo based diplomats and the media. The LLRC collected evidence from hundreds of witnesses,  had sittings in many parts of the country and even invited AI,  HRW and ICG to  present evidence, which they, regretfully  declined to do. The Commission submitted its Report on 20 November 2011 and it was subsequently tabled in Parliament. It is now a public document. The Government has categorically stated that it will implement its recommendations.

H.E. the President’s Speech which was delivered at the 64th Independence Day celebrations in Anuradhapura.

Rural people should be given the results of giant development works - President addressing the 64th Independence Day celebrations at Anuradhapura
2012-02-04

Venerable Maha Sangha and clergy of all religions
Hon. Prime Minister
Hon. Speaker
Hon. Chief Justice and other Justices
Ministers and Members of Parliament
Governors
Chief Ministers of Provinces
Members of the Diplomatic Corps
Secretary to the President and other public servants
Commanders of the Three Forces
The Inspector General of Police
Director-General of the Civil Defence Force
Mothers and Fathers
Dear Children

Friends,

Today we have come to a city with a great history to commemorate the 64th anniversary of independence. This city was established prior to 400 BC. Even the wind that blows from a city that exemplified prosperity, pride, religion and great traditions for thousands of years reminds the Sri Lankan nation of independence, freedom and prosperity. On this occasion I pay the nation's respect to the war heroes who dedicated their lives and all others who were committed to freedom.

by Ambassador H.E. Dr. Palitha T.B. Kohona
Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the United Nations

Fiftieth Session 
Commission for Social Development

02nd February 2012

“Alleviating poverty and economic deprivation and improving the quality of life of its people has been uppermost in Sri Lanka’s social development policies over many decades. Several poverty reduction and citizen empowerment programmes were implemented by successive governments, with a commitment to balanced resource allocation. Despite a range of difficult challenges, including brutal terrorism, the poverty level in Sri Lanka declined from 15.2 per cent in 2006-2007 to 8.9 per cent in 2009-2010. This 41 per cent reduction in three years is the highest drop ever witnessed. Increased literacy rates and health indicators accompanied this achievement”.