Rajiva Wijesinha

“ In Sri Lanka, the ongoing military operation has increased the need for humanitarian assistance, but we reject the noble Lord’s assumption that that adversely affects human rights. On the contrary, we are close now to eliminating one of the most effective terrorist organisations in the world, and that should be encouraged, not stymied, by those who believe in human rights and in basic human decency. ”

“ We in Sri Lanka, and all of you here, must appreciate the need to improve the human rights situation in all our countries. The High Commissioner has stressed the importance of social and economic rights, this Council has focused on the right to development. The Universal Periodic Review process is intended to keep all of us on our toes, on behalf of all our peoples. Complacency on the part of anyone is misplaced. ”

“ That, Mr President, give or take a few drummer boys in Britain, is the preserve not of regular armies but of terrorists, and all those who want our children, now held by terrorists, released should welcome our victory over terrorism. ”