Former Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe opposes international accountability for Sri Lanka, asserting that the country’s contributions during World War II underwrite the modern human rights framework. He criticizes double standards in international responses, advocates for domestic mechanisms for justice, and suggests that accountability should extend to all perpetrators.
In a recent interview reported by the Jaffna daily Maalaikathir, former Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe reaffirmed his opposition to Sri Lanka being taken to the International Court of Justice (ICJ). He criticized Western nations for perceived double standards and claimed that Sri Lanka’s contributions during World War II were pivotal to the establishment of the modern human rights framework.
Wickremesinghe advocated for justice for Tamil victims through domestic frameworks rather than international courts. Despite his tenure’s shortcomings in fully implementing the 13th Amendment, he called for increased power and responsibility for Provincial Councils, emphasized the need for accountability regardless of the perpetrator, and urged adherence to previous commitments made to the United Nations.
His remarks coincide with ongoing demands from Tamil victims and international entities for independent investigations into wartime conduct. The former president’s stance mirrors the consistency of Sri Lankan governments resisting international oversight in favor of domestic solutions, despite a history of inadequate justice and reform delivery.
Critiquing international responses to Ukraine, Wickremesinghe addressed the discrepancies in how Western nations treat various situations. He remarked that Ukraine has been granted autonomy in decision-making, which he believes has not been extended to Sri Lanka. He emphasized, “If they can go after President Trump, what chance do we have,” protesting that the UN Human Rights Council should not adopt standards that disadvantage Sri Lanka.
Furthermore, Wickremesinghe voiced his discontent with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), suggesting they should engage in constructive dialogue instead of confrontation. He claimed that the regional office should consider their existence is due to Sri Lankan sacrifices.
In his notable assertion, he proclaimed that Sri Lankans, alongside Indians and Africans, had liberated Europe during World War II. “If we hadn’t fought and defeated Hitler, you would not have been able to create a human rights charter,” he stated, attempting to elevate Sri Lanka’s historical contributions in global context.
In summary, former President Ranil Wickremesinghe strongly opposes international accountability mechanisms for Sri Lanka, citing the wartime contributions of Sri Lankans to legitimize his stance. He underscores the need for domestic justice frameworks while criticizing perceived double standards by Western nations and the United Nations. His assertions reflect a persistent trend among Sri Lankan leadership to resist external scrutiny while advocating for local solutions, despite historical challenges in delivering justice.
Original Source: www.tamilguardian.com
