Sri Lankan president rules out foreign judges… again

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena reiterated that his government would not allow foreign judges to be involved in an accountability mechanism for violations of international humanitarian law that occurred during the final stages of the armed conflict. Mr Sirisena once again, spoke out against international involvement, repeating similar statements he has made over the last few months. Speaking at a National Law Conference in Wadduwa, Mr Sirisena told the audience, "I will not agree to get foreign judges in to any kind of investigations into human rights violations allegations". The Sri Lankan president has been staunch in his opposition to international involvement, despite Sri Lanka committing to a UN resolution in September that mandates foreign judges and prosecutors. Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera's statement last month that his government may be open to international involvement, reportedly upset the president who demanded clarification from Mr Samaraweera.