Colombo, Feb 3 (IANS): Sri Lanka's newly elected government Tuesday said that a strong judiciary is needed to avoid international war crimes probe.

Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera said the government needed to convince the world that Sri Lanka's judiciary is competent, independent and impartial which can rank among the best anywhere in the world, Xinhua reported.

"An international inquiry, initiated last year, is now currently nearing completion," the minister said.

"The results of this inquiry could lead to Sri Lankan armed forces and other civilians appearing before an international tribunal, unless tangible steps are swiftly taken to restore judicial credibility," he said.

"It is the previous administration's failure to set up credible domestic mechanisms that has led to our current difficulties," he added.

The minister said the challenge is to ensure that Sri Lanka is able to effectively enjoy the rights, privileges and benefits of re-entering the community of civilised nations and ensure that Sri Lanka, as a country, does not suffer economic sanctions, ill-dignity and a tarnished reputation.

Besides, the foreign minister also defended the removal of the country's controversial Chief Justice Mohan Peiris, saying Peiris had acted in complete violation of the international standards of judicial conduct and, therefore, could not be expected to command the respect and confidence of the international community.