Sri Lanka’s Play In The International Stage
Sri Lanka is member of the United Nations since 1955 and has signed the major human rights treaties. Being a member of the family of states is not solely a privilege and distinctive trait of belonging; it also affords constant commitment towards this family. Like in every family, ties must be fostered, nurtured and strengthened. Affirming a voluntary pledge and commitment in order to enter the United Nations Human Rights Council, the Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the United Nations addressed to the President of the General Assembly in the Annex to his letter dated from the 31st of March 2008 with following words:
“(…) Sri Lanka has opened itself to scrutiny of multiple international mechanisms on the belief that openness and accountability, through international means, can strengthen national efforts at promoting and protecting all human rights. (…)”

Is this claim true? Should the United Nations rather remain silent, reduced to a numb witness of atrocities and not interfere in domestic situations? Aren’t we living in an era of open states, a distinctive character of contemporary international law, as Prof. Stephan Hobe once famously claimed?