Issuing a statement the Ilankai Tamil Arasu Katchi says that “while expressing our appreciation to the High Commissioner of United Nations Human Rights Council, on behalf of the most affected Tamil community we urge that the office of the UNHRC and other International agencies and member states to ensure that these recommendations are taken seriously and implemented by the Government of Sri Lanka, as per its commitment”.
The full statement fellows:
The Central Committee of the Ilankai Thamil Arasu Katchi which met today (24.02.2018) in Colombo welcomes the report of the United Nations Human Rights Commissioner on promoting reconciliation, accountability and human rights in Sri Lanka.
We urge the Government of Sri Lanka to strictly adhere to the commitments it has made to the International community in bringing lasting peace and political solution to the national question. Furthermore, we appeal to the Government of Sri Lanka not to deviate from these commitments and deliver on the promises that the Government has made to both of the people of Sri Lanka and to the International Community.
We strongly endorse the recommendations made by the High Commissioner of the United Nations Human Rights Council and urge upon the member states to ensure a close and constructive engagement with the Sri Lankan Government. The ITAK/and the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) has constantly raised the issues pertaining to the repeal of the Prevention of Terrorism Act, release of lands belonging to civilians, the issue of missing persons, release of political prisoners. The lethargic progress in addressing these issues has raised serious concern about the genuineness of government’s actions among the Tamil People.
We strongly urge the International community to hold the Government of Sri Lanka accountable for the above-mentioned matters and to the recommendations made by the High Commissioner for United Nations Human Rights Council. In addition, we appeal to the Government of Sri Lanka to expedite its actions and to fully implement the cosponsored resolution without undue delay.
While expressing our appreciation to the High Commissioner of United Nations Human Rights Council, on behalf of the most affected Tamil community we urge that the office of the UNHRC and other International agencies and member states to ensure that these recommendations are taken seriously and implemented by the Government of Sri Lanka, as per its commitments.
Press Release / February 24,2018.