Colombo: With a US-backed resolution targeting Sri Lanka`s rights record likely to be taken up at a UNHRC meet in Geneva, the government here on Wednesday organised Buddhist religious prayers aimed at defeating the alleged international conspiracy against the country.
"We have organised simultaneous `adhistana poojas` (prayers of determination) today at most leading Buddhist temples," Ranjith Siyambalapitiya, Deputy Finance Minister, said. Prayers coincided with the `poya day`, the monthly holy day for the majority Buddhists.
"We will face the international challenge with determination," Siyambalapitiya said, referring to a crucial resolution seeking inquiry into allegations of war crimes in Sri Lanka during the LTTE war, which is expected to be moved by the US at the ongoing UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) session later this month in Geneva.
The move is being seen as the manifestation of international frustration over Sri Lankan government`s unwillingness to achieve national reconciliation with the the minority Tamils.
However, the government has dubbed the move as an "international conspiracy" to undermine Sri Lanka at the behest of the pro-LTTE diaspora.
PTI