As over 140 countries condemned Russia’s illegal annexation of regions of Ukraine, Sri Lanka abstained on the UN General Assembly resolution.
UN General Assembly Resolution ES-11/L.5 condemned Russia’s "attempted illegal annexation" and called on member states to not recognise the move, furthering Russia’s international isolation. The resolution was passed with 143 votes in favour and reaffirmed support for the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders.
Sri Lanka was one 35 countries, including Russia’s strategic partner China, which abstained from the resolution which passed by an overwhelming majority. 4 countries opposed the resolution, Syria, Nicaragua, North Korea and Belarus. In March, Sri Lanka similarly abstained from a vote which condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Sri Lanka’s abstention follows the passage of a UN resolution against its own government. Resolution UN Human Rights Council resolution 51/L1 calls to “extend and reinforce the capacity of the Office of the High Commissioner to collect, consolidate, analyse and preserve” evidence that may be used in future war crimes trials.
During the human rights council session, Russia rushed to Sri Lanka’s defence, claiming that the abuses of Sri Lanka’s police against peaceful protesters was justified. The Russian envoy further lashed out against resolution 46/1 claiming it violated the UN’s principle of non-intervention.
In March, the heads of 14 embassies to Sri Lanka have called on the government to call “on Russia to end its hostilities immediately” and join in “vocal support for Ukraine and international law”. However, a fuel-strapped Sri Lanka has refused to do so and has instead deepened its bonds with Russia.
Read more on the resolution here.
Read more on the growing ties between Russia and Sri Lanka below:
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Sri Lanka abstains as UN overwhelming condemns Russian invasion of Ukraine
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