The Presidents Media Unit, in a statement, said that President Maithripala Sirisena would announce a set of new proposals for consideration at the March 2019 session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHCR).

The statement also said he would submit these proposals to the United nations Secretary General António Guterres as well as UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet.

The PMU statement said the proposals were aimed at “solving issues and provide relief without causing harm to the pride of the security forces and safeguard the independence, sovereignty and national security.” (sic)

It also said, “these proposals would facilitate harmonious solutions to remaining issues with regard to the alleged acts of both sides during the conflict.” (sic)

The statement, quoting the President said, the government had taken every possible step to "ensure" national security.

“He [The President] pointed out the biggest budget allocation of Rs 230 billion was for the defence and the forces have been provided with every requirement from modern weapons to aircraft and ships,” the statement added.

It went to add, “There is a positive recognition for the Sri lankan armed forces internationally as a disciplined army and that is evident from the fact that United Nations Peace Keeping recruit an increased number of army personnel from Sri Lanka, he pointed out.” (sic)