Calls for Sri Lanka to investigate civil war abuses

Tens of thousands of civilians were killed in 2009 in the final months of Sri Lanka's 25-year civil war and now three years on the U.N.'s top human rights body is calling on Sri Lanka to investigate alleged war crimes committed by both sides.

24 member states of the Human Rights council on Thursday supported a US-sponsored resolution calling for more action, with 15 nations including China and Russia voting against it.

US Ambassador Eileen Chamberlain Donahoe says Sri Lanka has failed to investigate widespread allegations of extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances.

The head of Sri Lanka's delegation to the council, Cabinet Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe, said on Thursday that his country had been a ``role model'' for others in dealing with the aftermath of the conflict..

He also added that the resolution was ``misconceived, unwarranted and ill-timed.

Despite opposition from Sri Lanka human rights group have welcomed the vote. Listen to Lydia O’Kane's report.