By Colombo Telegraph –
A high level delegation from the International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI) has been forced to postpone a planned visit to Colombo to assess the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary after a last minute withdrawal of permission to enter the country, a media release from the Institute said moments ago.
Chief Justice J.S. Verma
The IBAHRI delegation consisting of distinguished jurists that was tipped to be led by former Indian Chief Justice J.S. Verma, was scheduled to arrive in Colombo on 1 February for a 10 day visit.
“A visa had been issued to one member of the delegation on 18th January 2013 and was revoked on 29th January 2013, while approval to enter the country was suspended in the cases of other delegates on 29th and 30th January 2013,” the IBAHRI press office said.
It said the Institute had expressed its serious concern to the Sri Lankan High Commission in London regarding the revocation and suspension of entry approval for its delegation and “looks forward to working together with the relevant authorities in ensuring a speedy and satisfactory resolution.
The IBAHRI delegation had intended to conduct meetings and consult a wide diversity of stakeholders in regard to the development of the legal profession, the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary in Sri Lanka, including members of the legal profession, government, media and civil society.
The delegation was to be headed by Justice Verma, and comprise UK House of Lords Member Baroness Usha Prashar, IBA Human Rights Institute Programme Lawyer, Shane Keenan and a British Barrister working with the IBA’s Human Rights Institute, Sadakat Kadri.
The respected Indian Jurist told the Indian press a few hours ago that he had decided against heading the delegation. Diplomatic sources said a problem had arisen with regard to the visas, but Verma reportedly denied the claim. Justice Verma recently headed a panel that concluded a report on Crimes Against Women in the aftermath of the Delhi gang rape last month.
Dev / February 1, 2013
Wonderful news, I love it when Sri Lanka shoots itself in the foot, good times ahead –after all this is what people wanted right, to become the ‘miracle of Asia’ and a ‘suba anagathayak’
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Senguttuvan / February 1, 2013
The regime is shooting itself on the foot in that rapid isolationism
that is not uncommon in despotic societies. If we have nothing to hide
why not allow these distinguished jurists visit and judge for themselves. What has the learned Prof. GL Peiris have to say on this?
Senguttuvan
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srilal / February 2, 2013
Kokatath thailya “ sovereignty” comes in to play , Senguttuvan.
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JULAAMPITYE AMARAYA / February 3, 2013
SEN,
As per my knowledge, M R Regime is Playing RUSSIAN ROULETTE,
With The International political arena, Pawning Peace Loving Sri lankan’s Lives.
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Thrishantha Nanayakkara / February 1, 2013
The guilty is always scared.
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Bonaparte / February 1, 2013
LOL…… did someone say that Rajapaksha’s were looking for a suitable enemy?
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eureka / February 1, 2013
Some people who get visas use it inappropriately:
[Edited out]
Please write instead of posting links – CT
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eureka / February 2, 2013
Some people who get visas use it inappropriately:
Minister Burt, accompanied by the army. visits the people living under the boots of the army in Kilinochchi
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bonaparte / February 1, 2013
Like to see more and more visitors trying to come, and turned down, as IMF loan neotiations get closer and closer!!!
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Jayantha / February 1, 2013
I just herd yesterday’s Govt.TV news saying that International Bar Association was satisfied with the way Sri Lanka Govt. Conducted CJ impeachment hearing.
If GOSL say that the IBA is happy with the way it conducted CJ impeachment, then why Govt. is reluctant to issue visa to IBHARI to come to Sri Lanka. It is against democratic governance and shows President Rajapakse is trying to hide his CJ impeachment misconduct.
President should immediately allow IBHARI to come and investigate the reasons for CJ impeachment and the PSC verdict to chase CJ from her position.
As CJ Shirani Bandaranayake supporters we demand from Rajapakse Government to allow IBHARI to come to Sri Lanka and to give justice to CJ Shirani Bandaranayake.
If GOSL fail to abide by IBHARI request, we request Commonwealth countries to abandon Sri Lanka from holding November CHOGAM in Hambanthota.
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m c spencer / February 2, 2013
The so-called GOSL will only emulate the other so-called Govts’ of Israel & Fiji as being the law and act to twist and bend the law as a tool to serve their ulterior purposes with tear gas canisters and bullets.
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Mahela / February 3, 2013
Yes when the Govt. orders Bullets and tear gas canisters…..only way for us to save our lives are by buying Bullet proof vests and gas masks.
I herd they go cheap in Afganistan and Pakistan border……..leftover US stocks.
If someone could import…….
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Jayantha / February 1, 2013
Dear CT editors,
I re-drafterd this comment and sent it after corrections.
Therefore please delete this comment and publish the corrected one.
Thank you.
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Senguttuvan / February 1, 2013
Who is better recognised by the global legal fraternity – IBA or IBAHARI
Sdenguttuvan
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Safa / February 2, 2013
Even if they are denied entry they can conduct their investigation in other ways by using modern means of communication. Govt has once again demonstrated its unlawful character to the international community.
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Mahela / February 2, 2013
If Sri Lanka Government revoke visas to IBHARI delegates and does not issue visas for them to come to Sri Lanka, then all the Commonwealth countries as well as all the countries that represent UN SHOULD STOP ISSUING VISAS TO ALL SRI LANKA GOVERNMENT PARLIAMENT MEMBERS AND THEIR FAMILY MEMBERS INCLUDING THE PRESIDENT FROM TRAVELLING TO THEIR COUNTRIES.
TIT FOR TAT IS THE NAME OF THE GAME AND RAJAPAKSE GOVERNMENT SHOULD LEARN THIS LESSON FROM INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY.
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dicky Bird / February 2, 2013
yES… QUITE RIGHTLY AFTER THE STATEMENT BY THE international jurists council’s statement.
“Quote” :Minister Burt, accompanied by the army. visits the people living under the boots of the army in Kilinochchi..”Hows that for change??
There is nothing called the International Community. It is just a coined up thing for their ego.
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rufus / February 2, 2013
What do you expect from a CRIMINAL only rejection of all faith
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m c spencer / February 4, 2013
Rufus,
Wonder whether you are the Rufus I know or is a ficticious one,
Blind faith of any form without evidence to back it even tentatively in all religions without exception are the main causes of much of the criminality and blood letting on this planet.
I for one reject all so-called faiths, including the many secular and non-secular isms as well yet am I a criminal?
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Jim Softy / February 2, 2013
What ever happens inside Sri Lanka are Internal affairs. Every body with some common sense knows if the British or any other western country are the saviours of the world.
I think, all these are the efforts of the LTTE – Rump.
As Tamils have so much to spend on anti-Sri Lankan govt work in the international arena, Sri Lankan govt should completely stop spending money on Tamils living in Sri Lanka.
Tamils living overseas had money to spend on 30 years of violence. Now they have money to engage the Sri Lankan govt in a destructive way. They never helped their relatives in Sri Lanka in a positive way.
As Tamils keep on chasing and beating the Sri Lankan govt, it is stupid to neglect what they are doing.
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Rani / February 2, 2013
Jim softy,
Why are you so jealous of the Tamils living overseas?
If a minority can get that much of money, why can’t the majority viz: Sinhalese earn more and counter any “anti-government activity”.
It is because of people like you with an inferiority complex there was an ethnic problem from the time of independence which resulted in a horrendous war and many lives lost -the combatants on either side as well as thousands of innocents.
And this regime is scared to face any investigation spends to employ
many PR organisations (like Bell Pottinger) , utilising even the loans given by rich nations while the masses are so poor.
Of course you being a supporter of the regime will not be affected.
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Safa / February 3, 2013
IBAHRI comes under the International Bar Association. Another body is the International Council of Jurist ICJ which condemned the impeachment in the early stages – https://www.colombotelegraph.com/index.php/judges-around-the-world-condemn-impeachment-of-chief-justice/
However lately a statement issued by the President of ICJ Hon’ble Dr. Adish C Aggarwala published in the Daily News stating that the impeachment is legal and in accordance with the constitution. Significantly this statement appears to be made in his personal capacity? One wonders how he came to such a conclusion without an impartial investigation. Of course he is from India and may have been induced by MP and MR by making such a pronouncement.
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Darlin de Silva / February 3, 2013
“Guilty conscience pricks the mind”. Could the said refusal of the issue of the visa had been done without the blessings of His Majesty? No, it could not have been! This shows that the impeachment of Dr.Shirani Bandaranayake, CJ, had been considered as a home-made panacea for all the ills of the ruling dynasty.
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Saman Wijesiri / February 3, 2013
MR must have acted on the advice given by Vermin or Modawansa! After all, we should have been surprised only if those international jurists were allowed to visit here to conduct an investigation! They can still go ahead with their investigation thanks to the modern advanced means of communications! MR has only added one more black mark to his score!
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Lesley / February 3, 2013
“..the Institute had expressed its serious concern to the Sri Lankan High Commission in London regarding the revocation and suspension of entry approval for its delegation and “looks forward to working together with the relevant authorities in ensuring a speedy and satisfactory resolution…”
Dear International All,
This is not the way to handle the despot! Adopt the measures you took against Sadam, Gadhafi, Bin Laden and all the ilk! Don’t insult your own reputation! You can do better and achieve better results!!!!
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Merrill Fernando, / February 6, 2013
It is sad to read and hear what is happening in our beloved Sri Lanka a
country governed and ruled by uneducated politicians that wish to hold
on to power which has never happened since independencein 1948. They are there to feather their nest and cream off the wealth of the country this wont be going on for too long as the saying who try to live by the sword will perish and it wont be too long as one can look back to the dictator Saddam Hussian of Iraq, and Libyas Colonel Gaddafi they were wiped out with their sons by the people. It wont be long to see this happening in Sri Lanka. I also understand that the Chinese are heavily involved in the infrastructure of the country which will one day be taken over when the country cannot pay. The people has to wake up before its too late.
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Senguttuvan / February 10, 2013
Safa – The International Commission of Jurists is a highly respected body that carries a lot of influence internationally. I have my doubt
this Adish Aggarawala has much to do with it. My understanding is the
current President/ICJ is Sir Nigel Rodley. Obviously, the 2nd XI spin masters of the regime are doing some “cooking” – not very good stuff
apparently.
Senguttuvan
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