UNHRC resolution is merely a note of caution made by concerned friends- Mangala

The silver lining on the dark Geneva cloud .
Daily Mirror Friday, 23 March 2012 00:32

UNHRC resolution is merely a note of caution made by concerned friends who are genuinely worried about the self-destructive direction Sri Lanka is taking.

The resolution in Geneva must be understood in the spirit in which it was presented. The key sponsors of the resolution are all long standing friends of our country and many of them in addition to being important economic and trading partners, helped Sri Lanka in its fight against terrorism. The US, not only proscribed the LTTE, but also played a key role in curbing their fund raising while a special 'Contact group' was formed to monitor and curtail arms procurement in SE Asia. The UK and the EU also dealt a severe blow to the LTTE by proscribing it and coming down heavily on their fund raising activities while continuing to provide Sri Lankan exports with an important market. India, who voted with the resolution, has been a great friend throughout and as Kadirgamar once said our friendship has reached a state of 'irreversible excellence'. Rather than hurl vitriolic abuse at them, the government, even at this stage must realize that the UNHRC resolution is merely a note of caution made by concerned friends who are genuinely worried about the self-destructive direction Sri Lanka is taking.
 
 Perhaps, this is an appropriate moment for introspection and some soul searching by the Rajapaksa regime. Even now, it Is not too late for the Government to admit that it is the short sighted policies and its anti democratic tendencies which paved the way for this resolution and its resounding victory at the UNHRC.
 
 However, it is still not too late to turn a new page and start afresh in a new direction.
 
 The Rajapaksa regime is now at the cross- roads. By continuing on the same old path, they can turn Sri Lanka into the 'new Burma' of Asia - a rogue regime shunned and sidelined or they can choose a new direction which will transform Sri Lanka into a vibrant  multi ethnic, multi-cultural democracy which can deliver the bright and prosperous future our people surely deserve.
 
 Dhammashoka or Mugabe?  The choice is yours, Mr. President.