http://www.dailynews.lk/2011/09/06/news01.asp

SL ready for rights allegations
Rasika SOMARATHNA
*Ministers to leave for Geneva
*Delegation to enlighten on govt’s achievements
Sri Lanka hopes that the UN Human Rights Council will not raise any matter against the country, Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva said yesterday and added that if they do, the Lankan delegation was well prepared to answer their charges.
Minister de Silva
A Sri Lankan delegation headed by Plantation Industries and Human Rights Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe, including Minister de Silva and several other ministers and officials will leave for Geneva shortly to attend the 18th session of the UNHRC, to be held from September 12 - 30.
The delegation is expected to enlighten the world body on the progress the country has made and on the government’s achievements ranging from protection of human rights to development, resettlement, rehabilitation, reconstruction etc. in the post – conflict era.
They are also expected to counter numerous false allegations levelled against the country. Minister Samarasinghe is to deliver a special statement on behalf of the country during the sessions. Meanwhile, the documentary Lies Agreed Upon will be screened at the Dag Hammarskjold Auditorium of the United Nations Headquarters in New York.
The documentary was made in response to the Channel 4 film, to counter the false allegations contained therein.
Other video documentaries projecting the progress achieved by the country in numerous spheres since the end to the conflict too are expected to be screened for UN members.
Meanwhile, External Affairs Minister Prof. G.L.Peiris told the diplomatic community in Colombo recently, it was unreasonable for the international community to expect a complete remedy for all issues in the short span of two and a half years since the Lankan conflict ended.
He pointed out that some other countries which have faced similar situations had taken a number of years to come up with lasting solutions to major issues.
He insisted on having clarity with regard to the procedure relating to international forums whether they are UNHRC or others for there to be precision and predictability in their functions. He emphasised that this in turn would ensure cohesion and stability to the global system.
Prof. Peiris stressed that procedures of these institutions should not be distorted. He noted that it may open the door for numerous abuses in the future. The Minister pointed out that the UNHRC had a procedure when certain issues related to member countries were to be discussed and this should be done at the Universal Periodic Review.
The minister presenting extensive details also pointed out to the diplomatic community that Sri Lanka had made unprecedented progress in meeting the needs of the conflict affected,(including the humanitarian and economic needs) in the short span of two and a half years since the Lankan conflict ended.
The next cycle of the UPR is scheduled for the period 2012 – 2016. The UPR is a process which involves a review of the human rights records of all member states of the UN, once every four years.