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| ITAK MP and Parliamentary leader Shanakiyan Rasamanickam |
Ilankai Thamil Arasu Katchchi (ITAK) MP and Parliamentary leader Shanakiyan Rasamanickam raised a series of questions in Parliament today under Standing Order 27(2), based on the recent report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights on Sri Lanka and the written response submitted by the Sri Lankan Government.
Pointing out media reports that portray the High Commissioner’s statement as an endorsement of the Government’s actions, the MP said that it is a distortion of what the High Commissioner has actually stated.
“The High Commissioner has expressed concern and dissatisfaction over the lack of satisfactory progress on several issues during the past two years and has called on the Government to make meaningful progress during the remaining period. I therefore questioned the Government on whether it remains firmly committed to the positions it has communicated internationally, particularly on accountability for serious human rights violations and conflict-related crimes,” the MP said.
MP Shanakiyan also noted that the government has stated that it is committed to investigating credible allegations of human rights violations and bringing individuals against whom there is sufficient evidence before competent courts. “I asked whether this remains the Government’s firm position before the Human Rights Council and whether the measures outlined in its written response are sufficient to address the High Commissioner’s concerns regarding accountability,”
He also questioned the government on prosecutions relating to enforced disappearances, including whether the 2018 legislation has been used in any prosecutions and whether credible allegations against state officials are being investigated.
As an elected representative of the Tamil community affected by the conflict, I placed on record that there is a lack of confidence in purely domestic mechanisms. I asked what position the Government has presented internationally regarding meaningful international participation, independent prosecutors, international forensic expertise, protection of victims and witnesses, and command responsibility in investigations into serious human rights violations and international crimes, the MP stressed.
The MP also questioned the Government regarding the Chemmani-Siththupaththi mass grave, where it has been reported that 582 human remains have been recovered, and asked what position has been communicated to the Human Rights Council regarding international forensic assistance.
On land release, the Government has claimed that more than 250 acres of land previously held by the security forces have been released. However, the situation on the ground does not reflect land being released on that scale. In some areas, only limited land has been returned, while in others, roads have merely been reopened.
“I therefore asked the Government to clarify what information has been communicated internationally concerning lands under the control of, or claimed by, the military, the Archaeology Department, Wildlife Department, Forest Conservation Department and Mahaweli Authority,”
On the government’s international commitments regarding the Prevention of Terrorism Act, including an immediate moratorium, the release of political prisoners and the complete repeal of the Act, the MP pointed out that the government must also clarify its position on the proposed Protecting the State from Terrorism Bill, which has been described as potentially more serious than the existing PTA.
“I also raised the issue of Provincial Council elections, the promised new Constitution and meaningful devolution of power. A committee has been appointed to examine the Provincial Council elections, and I am a member of that committee. However, the process is increasingly becoming one of delay rather than progress. The Government must provide the United Nations with a clear timeline and position on these commitments,”
The central issue is whether the Government’s commitments to the international community are being matched by concrete action at home. The affected communities have repeatedly expressed their lack of confidence in domestic investigations. Yet the Government continues to tell the international community that accountability will be pursued through domestic mechanisms, the MP pointed out.
“At the same time, I welcome areas where the Government has taken action. The arrest of Pillayan in connection with serious allegations is significant. Stronger action against corruption and the acceleration of investigations into the Easter Sunday attacks are also welcome. The arrest of Namal Rajapaksa has likewise been welcomed by many members of the public,”
“The High Commissioner’s message is clear: there is still time, but the Government must use that time to deliver meaningful and measurable progress. Criticism from the United Nations should not be portrayed as praise. The Government should respond through action and demonstrate that its commitments on accountability, human rights and democratic reform are genuine,”
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