Amid speculations about a possible UNHRC call for an international investigation, the main opposition United National Party (UNP) said it would be advisable to avert such a situation by conducting an internal investigation into human rights allegations.

UNP MP Lakshman Kiriella told Daily Mirror that an international investigation would eventually result in individuals being found guilty on flimsy evidence. According to him, suspects could even be found guilty on affidavits.

"It is advisable for the government to conduct an internal investigation. Then, we have our own lawyers and judges to direct evidence. We can prosecute people based on allegations with evidential foundation. Therefore, it is unwise to leave room for an international investigation," he said.

Mr. Kiriella made these remarks amid speculations that the UNHRC would attempt to call for an international inquiry into allegations of human rights violations whilst already, the United States (US) has announced that it will move a resolution during the March session of the UNHRC.

He added that punishing those who are carrying out hate campaigns against communities would help Sri Lanka at the United Nations Human Rights Commission (UNHRC) sessions when the US based resolution in Sri Lanka is taken up in March this year.

Kiriella said a few countries in the Middle East are unlikely to support Sri Lanka at the UNHRC this time because of the hate campaign carried out by some forces against the Muslims. He therefore said the government's failure to take action against those who are responsible for such campaigns would have a negative effect on Sri Lanka at the UNHRC sessions this year.

UNP MP who was referring to the recommendations made by United Nations Human Rights High Commissioner Navi Pillay said Sri Lanka would be very much affected by these recommendations if USA's final resolution on Sri Lanka is based on it.

It was reported that the UN human Rights Commissioner had called for the establishment of an international inquiry mechanism to further investigate the alleged violations of international human rights and humanitarian law and that the UN should monitor any domestic accountability process.

She had also called for the introduction of laws dealing with incitement to hatred, witness and victim protection, the right to information, the criminalization of enforced disappearances, in line with international standards, and revise existing laws to bring them in line with International Human Rights Law and also to repeal the Prevention of Terrorism Act and lift the regulations promulgated under it which allows arbitrary detention.

Source: Daily Mirror - Sri Lanka