In a statement released by the Party’s Central Media Unit today (6) the UNP iterated that they are of the view that Sri Lanka’s involvement in U.N. peacekeeping and peace enforcement operations should not be weakened in any way as there is a scope for further involvement in future contingents. The Party pointed out that the 2015-2019 Government decided to participate in U.N. peacekeeping and peace enforcement operations as part of a higher profile foreign policy. An army battalion with MI-17 helicopters was dispatched to Mali as part of the U.N. contingent facing Al-Qaeda affiliated terrorists. Pointing out the present COVID-19 crisis in Sri Lanka and the need for additional financial resources, the Party stated that the purchase of helicopters should only be made utilising the Russian Export Credit Line for Arms Purchases with a grace period and long-term repayment plans. The UNP also urged that if Sri Lanka is to continue involvement and increase numbers in these missions, then the Government must address the human rights concerns in the UNHRC.

Source: The Nation May 06, 2021 12:02 UTC