(Sri Lanka IDPs; 2009 May)
Regional Development Minister, Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka making his maiden speech in Parliament yesterday stressed investigations into alleged human rights violations, including the controversial while flag incident should be conducted in a transparent and an internationally accepted manner.
Fonseka who led the Army troops against the LTTE in the final phase of the war, said the support of foreign observers and consultants should be sought in such probes.
Commenting on the Geneva resolution to investigate alleged human rights violations, he said: “As the former Army Commander who commanded the war, I clearly state that these investigations should proceed transparently and in an internationally accepted manner. For that, we have to allow foreign observers and consultants to support in this regard.
“I commanded the war in accordance with all international humanitarian laws protecting human rights. If there had been a few who breached those they must be dealt before the law.”
About the controversial white flag incident, Fonseka said probes should definitely be carried forward to reveal the truth to the people.
“The public, the international community and the people in the North and East have a right to know the truth behind this story,” he said.
Fonseka also urged the President and the Prime Minister to carry forward investigations into some high profile killings in the past including those of Thajudeen, Prageeth Ekneligoda, Raviraj and Lasantha Wickrematunga in a proper manner.
“The same group was behind all these murders. Those who were holding power at that time were behind them.
“Both Mahinda Rajapaksa and Gotabhaya Rajapaksa attempted to accuse me for the killing of Lasantha Wickrematunga. Even now some CID investigations are going on the wrong path.
“I am not afraid of false accusations, and I urge the President and the Prime Minister to carry these investigations forward without any interference and punish the culprits,” he said.
He also requested the President, the Prime Minister and those in the legal field to expedite the investigations on corrupt politicians noting that 6.2 million people who voted to bring this government into power expected it
Daily Mirror