The economy would have been in tatters had a proposal been adopted and sanctions imposed, although some claimed the economy was in ruins and the share market had collapsed now, he said.

Samarasinghe was speaking to the media after assuming duties in his state ministerial position, which he received after joining the government as a SLFPer.

During the previous regime, he had represented the country at the UNHRC sessions.

He went onto say that the international commendation received by president Maithripala Sirisena within a very short period was very crucial, and that the country should gain the support of all, not just a segment of the global community.

The interim report of the missing persons commission should be publicized, he also said.

Internal probe essential

Minister Samarasinghe also said that an internal investigation should be carried out into human rights allegations and a progress report submitted to the UNHRC in September.

Or else, the country will have to face serious consequences, he warned.