Killing civilians, violating nation’s sovereignty unacceptable -
President
‘I always believe people are right’:
I always believe that the people are right, but no one should harm
innocent citizens, stated President Mahinda Rajapaksa responding to
questions with regard to attacks on Libya by coalition forces, during a
meeting with foreign media correspondents at Temple Trees yesterday.
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Frank discussions
Foreign media correspondents met President Mahinda Rajapaksa
at Temple Trees yesterday. National Languages and Social
Integration Senior Minister Vasudeva Nanayakkara, Mass Media
and Information Minister Keheliya Rambukwella, External
Affairs Deputy Minister Neomal Perera, Secretary to the
President Lalith Weeratunga and Mass Media and Information
Ministry Secretary W D Ganegala were also present. Picture
by Sudath Silva |
He reiterated, ‘we are not with anyone killing civilians and cannot
accept the violation of the sovereignty of any country’.
Mass Media and Information Minister Keheliya Rambukwella joining the
discussion stated that in some cases the coalition forces appeared to
have gone beyond the mandate of the UNSC Resolution 1973. Responding to
questions with regard to the effects on Sri Lanka’s foreign remittance
through foreign employment due to the crises in West Asia and North
Africa, and the economic crisis in the West, the President said that the
country has to look towards alternatives and Korea is one such
alternative.
The President, answering a question with regard to the Lessons Learnt
and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC), said that it has not requested an
extension of its mandate. If a request for extension is made, it will be
granted, he said. He added that there is an open invitation for UN
officials, just as any others, to testify before the LLRC. |
