Sri Lanka has denied refusing visas to a delegation from an international human rights group for attending the Commonwealth summit in Colombo, claiming that its permission was not sought for the overseas visitors.
External Affairs Ministry said that the country's Bar Association, which invited the delegation, had not followed the necessary procedure of securing the ministry's agreement for a conference involving international participants, the Gulf News reports.
The government is to host the biennial Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting next week, the report added.
The International Bar Association's Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI) had accused the Sri Lankan government of denying entry to its delegation, including the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Independence of Judges and Lawyers.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors
Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share
Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor
Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements
Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app