United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay chaired a meeting on 29th November 2012 at the Palais des Nationsin Geneva to commemorate the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People.
Sri Lanka's Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva Ravinatha Aryasinha who was associated with the High Commissioner at the event, read outthe statement of the Chair of the Special Committee to Investigate Israeli Practices Affecting the Human Rights of the Palestinian People and Other Arabs of the Occupied Territories, Sri Lanka's Permanent Representative to the UN in New York Dr. Palitha Kohona.
Sri Lanka is deeply concerned and disturbed at the recent serious escalation of violence in Gaza and deeply regrets the loss of lives and the great suffering experienced by the people of Palestine.
Sri Lanka strongly believes the use of force and militaristic threats should be halted and that there is no alternative to the peaceful resolution of the conflict through peace talks.
We call upon both the Israeli and Palestinian leaders to display restraint and avoid civilian casualties. It is hoped that the parties would continue to demonstrate leadership and political courage and keep open the door to peace.
MEA Statement in PDF.
Sri Lanka's renowned tourist attractions and its finest teas were in focus at the United Nations Women’s Guild Bazaar held on 21 November 2012 at the Palais des Nations, organized by the Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka accredited to the United Nations in Geneva with assistance from representatives of Sri Lankan Airlines from around Europe. The Sri Lanka national stall also offered tea for sale, while the Guild’s second prize this year included 2 return air tickets to Sri Lanka from Ethihad Airways with a 6 day stay at the luxurious Sidhaleppa health spa. Proceeds from the Permanent Mission’s national stall were donated to the United Nations Women’s Guild’s charity account which assists in raising funds for disadvantaged children around the world. Over the years, the Bazaar has become a premier event with the international community, attracting close upon 6 000 visitors.
Sri Lanka's renowned tourist attractions and its finest teas were in focus at the United Nations Women’s Guild Bazaar held on 21 November 2012 at the Palais des Nations, organized by the Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka accredited to the United Nations in Geneva with assistance from representatives of Sri Lankan Airlines from around Europe. The Sri Lanka national stall also offered tea for sale, while the Guild’s second prize this year included 2 return air tickets to Sri Lanka from Ethihad Airways with a 6 day stay at the luxurious Sidhaleppa health spa. Proceeds from the Permanent Mission’s national stall were donated to the United Nations Women’s Guild’s charity account which assists in raising funds for disadvantaged children around the world. Over the years, the Bazaar has become a premier event with the international community, attracting close upon 6 000 visitors.
Minister of Plantation Industries and Special Envoy of the President on Human Rights Mahinda Samarasinghe addressing the concluding session of Sri Lanka's Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Working Group in Geneva on Monday (5 November 2012), appreciated the interest shown by the 98 countries that made interventions during the Review on 1 November 2012. Referring to the outcome document adopted which summarized the comments made by the participating countries (attached below), Minister Samarasinghe said most speakers had commended the progress made by Sri Lanka in the short time since the end of the separatist conflict, while others who registered concerns, had also acknowledged the positive developments in the country.
A photographic exhibition titled “Sri Lanka; Facets of Post Conflict Development” was held in the entrance hall to the Human Rights Council Chamber at the Palais des Nations in Geneva from 1 – 5 November 2012. It portrays the rapid political, economic and socio-cultural developments that have taken place in the Northern and the Eastern Provinces of Sri Lanka since the ending of the terrorist conflict in May 2009.
The Universal Periodic Review (UPR) of Sri Lanka took place this afternoon at the United Nations Headquarters in Geneva , amidst Member States and Observers of the Human Rights Council. The country’s opening Statement was delivered to the Council by Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe, Minister of Plantation Industries, Special Envoy of the President on Human Rights and Leader of the Sri Lanka Delegation.