Sri Lanka, March 20 -- Finance Minister Mangala Samaraweera yesterday said that the Government will continue to defend Sri Lanka's sovereignty by reaffirming its commitment to seek durable reconciliation and promote and protect human rights of all.

He said the Government will ensure justice through the national system, in free and fraternal cooperation with experts of other nations going through similar transitions, based on Sri Lanka's requirements.

Minister Samaraweera made these comments in response to the statement made by former President Mahinda Rajapaksa on the UN Human Rights Council discussing the country's progress on national reconciliation.

He said the government will also affirm the honour of the institutions of the Army, ...