Sri Lankan president reiterates rejection of foreign experts

There is no reason for allowing the participation of foreign experts as we have sufficient judges and our judiciary is strong and independent enough to handle issues like these

22 January 2016

Sri Lanka’s president reiterated the rejection of foreign expert involvement in an accountability mechanism for mass atrocities committed during the armed conflict, in an interview with Frontline magazine.

When asked about the Sri Lankan government’s efforts in implementing a United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) resolution on accountability, Mr Sirisena replied:

“I have held meetings with representatives and leaders of all parties, apart from ascertaining the views of experts… There is no reason for allowing the participation of foreign experts as we have sufficient judges and our judiciary is strong and independent enough to handle issues like these [concerning accountability]. Foreign experts can share their experience with us, but we will be handling [the mechanisms] on our own.”

Mr Sirisena went on to add:

“We have not been ordered [by the UNHRC] to do anything. We are proceeding step by step towards implementation.”

His comments come after an interview to BBC Sinhala, where the president stated he “will never agree to international involvement on this matter”. “The international community need not worry about matters of state interest,” he had commented.

The UNHRC resolution called for the participation of “Commonwealth and other foreign judges, defence lawyers and authorized prosecutors and investigators”.

Speaking to Frontline magazine, Mr Sirisena went on to state that “at the moment, there is no requirement to discuss” the formation of special courts to provide justice for violations of international humanitarian law.

When asked if this was not a priority, Mr Sirisena replied,

“There are certain things that we have to do immediately. Only then can we look at the issue of the special court and come to a conclusion on whether it is required or not.”

“One has to evaluate, investigate, go through the process of study and see whether certain things have happened,” he added. “If so, subsequent steps become necessary.”

See the full interview here.

Also see our earlier posts:

Sri Lanka rejects international component to accountability, denies reports of ongoing torture (22 Jan 2016)

Triumphant return for president who 'achieved a great victory' at UNHRC, as he pledges 'domestic inquiry' (03 Oct 2015)Consensus resolution on promoting reconciliation, accountability and human rights in Sri Lanka adopted at UNHRC (01 Oct 2015)Sri Lanka cannot domestically deal with 'grave crimes' found in OISL report says UN Rights Chief (16 Sep 2015)