Human rights are part of Sri Lanka's legacy: Rajapakse

President Mahinda Rajapakse has said human rights are a part of Sri Lankan history and that Sri Lankans have been protecting human rights since the introduction of Buddhism to the country. [caption id=“attachment_252283” align=“alignleft” width=“380” caption=“Rajapakse has said that Human Rights is not a new concept in Sri Lanka: Reuters”]  [/caption] “Protecting human rights and fulfilling the people’s aspirations in a people-friendly manner are not new aspects to us” he said, addressing a rally in the Puttalam district in North Western Sri Lanka. A report in Sri Lanka’s state run Daily News which carried the story, said the President had taken every possible step to strengthen the bonds among the people while safeguarding human rights. Rajapakse’s comments come even as Sri Lanka is facing a vote in the United Nations Human Rights Council meeting in Geneva, asking it to assume greater responsibility in ensuring the safeguarding of human rights in post conflict areas. Pushed to the wall on the US sponsored resolution against it at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, the Sri Lankan government is now trying to stall the vote citing legal and procedural implications. ( Read more ) The Daily News report also stated that the President had advised politicians to perform their responsibilities with diligence without political considerations or concerning politically motivated targets. Every politician and government official is duty bound to stand for the country while extending his utmost contribution to the development and betterment of the country. Rajapakse had also called on public servants should lend a keen ear to issues forwarded by the people. Such issues should be addressed with great dedication and in a friendly manner.