Commenting on the passing of the UNHRC resolution, a Tamil Diaspora representative told LNW that former minister Mangala Samaraweera's retirement from active politics was the major reason behind this victory.
Had Mr. Samaraweera continued to serve as the Minister of Foreign Affairs, or remained in active politics, this resolution would have never passed at the UNHRC, in the event that his influence could have changed the opinion of many member states who have voted in favour today, according to Dr. Arujun Sivananthan, Chair of British Tamil Conservatives and former Chairman of Barclays Capital. The resolution tabled against Sri Lanka at the 46th Sitting of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) has passed with a majority vote today (23), winning 22 votes in favour and 11 votes in opposition. 14 member states abstained themselves from casting votes. The passing of the resolution enables the Human Rights High Commissioner's Office to directly intervene in the human rights affairs and reconciliation process in Sri Lanka paving the way for the UNHRC to table resolutions in view of progress.
Despite the Sri Lankan government's anticipation of securing votes of the member states from the global south at the Council, a majority has voted against the island nation, whilst some have abstained themselves from voting.
Every attempt made by the Tamil Diaspora since 2016 to pass a resolution of this nature was barricaded by the efforts made by Samaraweera, Dr. Sivananthan said, adding that the former Minister had used his personal ties to influence against the Tamil Diaspora, thereby suggesting that Samaraweera's retirement was the biggest victory the Tamil Diaspora worldwide has achieved to date.
Accordingly, the Tamil Diaspora extends its thanks to Samaraweera for retiring from politics, he told LNW.
Denoting that no minister or diplomat of the present regime can even step close to the role played by Samaraweera, Dr. Sivananthan further emphasised that the vote at the UNHRC today stood in advantage of the Tamil Diaspora. (Source: LNW)
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