Mar 21, Colombo: Sri Lanka rejected any unsolicited foreign monitoring of its human rights amid growing international criticism against abductions and the recruitment of child soldiers.

“We would not allow any unsolicited monitoring of rights in the embattled island, but would invite eminent persons from time to time to assess the situation,” government Defence spokesman Keheliya Rambukwella said.

He also said that “Many eminent persons have visited Sri Lanka at the invitation of the government... that is because we have nothing to hide. But, that is by invitation.”

“We will protect our sovereignty and will not allow any foreigner to force on us a set-up to monitor (rights),” he added.

Human rights groups have charged that at least 750 people had disappeared since the escalation of fighting between government forces and LTTE in December 2005.

Sri Lanka government has appointed a presidential commission of inquiry to investigate some selected serious human rights violations that took place in the recent past. An International Independent Group of Eminent Persons (IIGEP) was also appointed by the President to enhance transparency of investigations and to ensure they conform to international norms and standards.