UN Hig Commissioner for Human Rights Louise Arbour

Speaking to Sandeshaya minister Mahinda Samarasingehe said “president has explained the measures the government has introduced to bring down the human rights violations despite fighting with the terrorists”.

“Commissioner commended the steps taken by the government but reiterated that the government must act to stop human rights violations; and said that the UN would appreciate if it could take part in this process”, the Minister added.

Answering to a question minister said the president had not discussed individual human rights violations with the commissioner; “this is not the time to discuss those matters”, he said.

Human Rights policy

Sandesaya special correspondent, Priyath Liyanage who is in Geneva said “High Commissioner for Human Rights, Louis Arbour indicated her interest to visit Sri Lanka to assess the human rights situation”.

“She is concerned about the human rights violations in Sri Lanka” he said.

	President Rajapaksha in Geneva

“Commissioner Arbour said that the government should introduce a policy to stop worsening human rights situation and it is the responsibility of the government” added Priyath Liyanage.

International monitoring

According to Priyath Liyanage the Human Rights commission is lobbying to establish an international monitoring mission to oversee the steps that Sri Lanka is going to take to safeguard the human rights” he said.

Amnesty International is also keen to meet the president to discuss the Human Rights issues in Sri Lanka.

President was due to meet with the head of the Amnesty International Irene Khan to discuss the deteriorating human rights situation in Sri Lanka.