The Cabinet presided by President Mahinda Rajapaksa today rejected the unilateral appointment of a Special Envoy for Sri Lanka by the British Prime Minister Gordon Brown.

"The Government of Sri Lanka categorically states that this appointment is in contravention of the basic principles governing international relations and the requirement for consultation and reciprocity. The Cabinet noted that neither proper procedure nor consultations had been undertaken by the British Government, prior to the said appointment which are time honoured traditions in diplomatic practice," a Foreign Ministry statement said today.

Full statement issued by the Foreign Ministry

Having learnt of the appointment of a Special Envoy for Sri Lanka being made by the British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, the Cabinet of Ministers at its meeting today (12.02.2009) presided over by President Mahinda Rajapaksa, rejected this unilateral appointment, following a submission made by Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama.

The Government of Sri Lanka categorically states that this appointment is in contravention of the basic principles governing international relations and the requirement for consultation and reciprocity. The Cabinet noted that neither proper procedure nor consultations had been undertaken by the British Government, prior to the said appointment which are time honoured traditions in diplomatic practice.

The Cabinet was of the view that this initiative is unhelpful, especially considering the unilateral nature of the position taken by the United Kingdom. The Cabinet also ruled that such an appointment tantamounts to the intrusion of Sri Lanka’s internal affairs. Further, the Cabinet perceived that this would be a hindrance in pursuing a sustainable solution to the conflict in terms of a Sri Lankan agenda.