WHO: Anti- Sri Lanka proposal defated

CHAMINDA PERERA

A proposal by Israel to send a comprehensive investigation team to Sri Lanka to inquire into what they termed as alleged human rights violations by the Government of Sri Lanka has been defeated by countries which are friendly with Sri Lanka at the 62nd General Assembly of the World Health Organisations.

Addressing journalists on his return to the island at the BIA, Health Minister Nimal Siripala De Silva said Israel brought forward a proposal calling for the United Nations and the World Health Organisation to send a high profile investigation team to inquire into alleged Human Rights violations perpetrated by the Government under the pretext of eradicating terrorism.

The Minister said the Israel representative attempted to mislead the WHO General Assembly citing that the Sri Lanka Government is engaged in violating Human Rights under the pretext of launching an operation against the terrorists and these right violations need to be investigated.

“Sri Lanka has been trading on the non alignment path and our friendly countries countered this threat in the form of Isreali proposal effectively,” the minister said.

The Minister said the proposal was defeated among the strong objection by our friendly countries such as China, Russia and Japan. They cited that such an investigation is untimely and unwarranted when the country was rescued from the clutches of terrorism. They cited that the LTTE is responsible for violating the rights of the people.

Almost all representatives except Israel commended the Government’s efforts to liberate the country from the clutches of terrorism . Talking of Human Rights by a country like Israel is hilarious, the Minister said.

All members of the World Health Organisation except Israel approved the appointment of Health Minister Nimal Siripala De Silva as the Chairman of the WHO at this august assembly.