'UN is engaged in an international conspiracy against re-establishing peace in Sri Lanka'

Buddhist monks-led Jathika Hela Urumaya (JHU) staged a protest in front of the UN headquarters in Colombo against Ban ki-Moon's move to appoint a panel to advise him on alleged human rights violations during the last phase of the war.

Newly appointed JHU leader, Prof Omalpe Sobhitha thero said it is ironic that an organisation "formed to unite the world, to resolve conflicts is engaged in an international conspiracy against re-establishing peace in Sri Lanka."

The UN secretary general has set up a panel to look into alleged human rights abuses during the final stages of Sri Lanka's civil war in 2009.

'Uncivilised and uncultured act'

Ban Ki-moon's spokesman said the three-man panel would advise on how to deal with alleged perpetrators.

The UN says more than 7,000 civilians died in the last five months of the conflict between the Sri Lankan troops and Tamil Tiger rebels.

JHU says the West is jealous of Sri Lanka's war victory against the LTTE while 'struggling to fight against lame Taliban'

Rights groups accuse both sides of war crimes - a claim which has been denied.

He added that Mr. Moon's move was an intervention in Sri Lankan affairs and an undemocratic.

"This is an uncivilised, uncultured and impolite act," the thero added.

JHU chairman, Athuraliye Rathana thero, MP, also took part in the protest march.

Legal advisor to the JHU and a minister in Western Provincial Council, Udaya Gammanpila accused the West of being jealous of Sri Lanka's war victory against the LTTE.

"America and England are struggling to fight against lame Taliban while we defeated the LTTE. That is why they are jealous," he said.

The JHU insisted that the advisory panel appointed by the UN chief would not be allowed to visit the country for their investigations.