Addressing the UN Human Rights Council at the adoption of a consensus resolution on accountability in Sri Lanka, India reiterated the need for meaningful devolution of political authority.
"As Sri Lanka's closest neighbour, India cannot remain untouched by developments in that country," India's ambassador to Geneva said on Thursday.
"India has always supported efforts to preserve Sri Lanka's character as a multi-ethnic, multi-lingual and multi-religious society in which all citizens, including the Sri Lankan Tamil community, can live in equality, safety and harmony, and prosper and fulfil their aspirations within a united Sri Lanka."
"Towards this direction, we reiterate our firm belief that the meaningful devolution of political authority through the implementation of the 13th Amendment of the Constitution of Sri Lanka and building upon it would greatly help the process of national reconciliation in Sri Lanka."
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Statement reproduced in full below:
India’s Explanation of Vote after the Vote delivered by Ambassador/PR Ajit KumarMr. President,
My delegation wishes to make this explanation of vote after the vote in connection with the resolution titled “promoting reconciliation, accountability and human rights in Sri Lanka”, that was adopted by the Council by consensus under the Agenda Item 2.
The Consensus Resolution, co-sponsored by Sri Lanka, underscores the collective desire of Sri Lankans expressed in elections earlier this year for change, reconciliation and unity and the rejection of extremist voices.
Mr. President,
As Sri Lanka's closest neighbour, India cannot remain untouched by developments in that country. India has always supported efforts to preserve Sri Lanka's character as a multi-ethnic, multi-lingual and multi-religious society in which all citizens, including the Sri Lankan Tamil community, can live in equality, safety and harmony, and prosper and fulfil their aspirations within a united Sri Lanka.
Towards this direction, we reiterate our firm belief that the meaningful devolution of political authority through the implementation of the 13th Amendment of the Constitution of Sri Lanka and building upon it would greatly help the process of national reconciliation in Sri Lanka.
We hope that with the sagacity and political will of its leadership and the support of its people, Sri Lanka will achieve genuine reconciliation and development.
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