In a meeting with the Netherlands Ambassador Ms. Gonggrijp, Mr. Sampanthan Leader of the Tamil National Alliance has pointed out that “The UNHRC resolution was based on promoting reconciliation accountability and human rights in Sri Lanka. If we are to achieve lasting peace in this country, all three aspects must be addressed”. The Ambassador has assured that the Netherlands will be evaluating the policies and the directions of the government of Sri Lanka concerning these matters and will take appropriate steps to address the same.
TNA media release on the meeting with The Netherlands Ambassador Ms. Gonggrijp follows:
The UNHRC resolution was based on promoting reconciliation accountability and human rights in Sri Lanka. If we are to achieve lasting peace in this country, all three aspects must be addressed stressed Mr. Sampanthan. Truth must be ascertained and justice must be done through a credible judicial mechanism
The Netherlands Ambassador Ms. Gonggrijp paid a call on Mr. Sampanthan Leader of the Tamil National Alliance yesterday (03.03.2020) at his residence in Colombo.
Reflecting on the recently concluded Presidential elections Mr. Sampanthan pointed out that during the campaign the Sinhalese people were made to feel that their safety is at risk which was not correct. He further explained that the withdrawal from the UNHRC resolution by the Sri Lankan Government will not do any good for the country. There is no Sinhala Tamil issue when it comes to the matter of Human rights said Mr. Sampanthan. It is to do with whether anyone violated International humanitarian and human rights law if they have done so those who were responsible must be brought to justice.
The UNHRC resolution was based on promoting reconciliation accountability and human rights in Sri Lanka. If we are to achieve lasting peace in this country, all three aspects must be addressed stressed Mr. Sampanthan. Truth must be ascertained and justice must be done through a credible judicial mechanism said Mr. Sampanthan.
The Sri Lankan armed forces fought on behalf of the democratically elected government must had certain responsibilities and obligations towards civilians. If they have violated humanitarian laws and Human Rights Laws, they must be held accountable for such actions said Mr. Sampanthan.
The Ambassador assured that the Netherlands will be evaluating the policies and the directions of the government of Sri Lanka concerning these matters and will take appropriate steps to address the same.
During wartime, the Sri Lankan Government made several commitments to the international community concerning a political solution. Those commitments must be honored and we must find a solution to these longstanding issues said Mr Sampanthan.
If these matters are not addressed the country has no future said Mr. Sampanthan. We cannot prolong on these matters, the discussions on strengthening power-sharing started several decades ago, after the enactment of the 13th amendment and we have worked on several documents over the past thirty years and there had been a substantial consensus arrived at said Mr. Sampanthan.
Further Mr. Sampanthan highlighted that a comprehensive development plan inclusive of infrastructure and skill development for the North and the East will be presented to the International Community in the near future and he requested the Ambassador and the European Union to give their fullest support to make it a reality. Her Excellency the Ambassador assured their support towards the development of the North and the East