UN Secretary-General Ban ki-moon has decided to close down the UNDP Regional Centre in Colombo and is recalling the United Nations Resident Coordinator, Neil Buhne, to New York for consultations, a UN spokesman in New York announced a short while ago.
The spokesman quoted UN Secretary-General Ban ki-moon as saying he finds it unacceptable that the Sri Lankan authorities have failed to prevent the disruption of the normal functioning of the United Nations offices in Colombo as a result of unruly protests organized and led by a cabinet minister of the Government.
The Secretary-General calls upon the Government of Sri Lanka to live up to its responsibilities towards the United Nations as host country, so as to ensure continuation of the vital work of the Organization to assist the people of Sri Lanka without any further hindrance.
UN withdraws from Colombo
The United Nations today recalled its representative in Sri Lanka. Neil Buhne represented the UN in Sri Lanka and was the head of UN office in Colombo. He was recalled and the UN office is Colombo was advised to remain closed.
There has been tension brewing over a period of time between United Nations and Sri Lanka's government. Minister Wimal Weerawansa has been a key figure in this drama.
Analysts say this is a drastic and sad development. 'Differences in opinions cannot be resolved by clash and conflict or fight and flight. Maintain your sobriety at all times', an academic remarked, referring to the latest development.
Sri Lanka's minister's attitude, behavior and conduct have a lot to be desired. It certainly is not up to the long standing and traditional Sri Lanka's norms, a University professor commented.
Another academician observed, 'it is an unfortunate development. Matters could have been better managed if only our ruling party politicians were a bit more careful'.