JHU General Secretary and a front-liner of the frequent Opposition movement, Patali Champika Ranawaka nowadays challenged the Rajapaksa regime to clarify the crimes that are being probed and punishments that would be meted out on these found guilty of war crimes by the Presidential Commission on Disappearances.
Speaking at a media briefing held in Colombo this afternoon, Ranawaka said President Rajapaksa ought to first clarify the specific charges that are becoming probed by the Commission and the punishments for the perpetrators
“Our stand onthe subject is that if there are charges against any military personnel, it need to be probed and action against them should be taken inside the legal framework obtainable domestically. There have been several situations in Sri Lanka where such action has been taken against military personnel when found guilty,” he mentioned while adding that the government has no appropriate to speak on war crimes because it has already mandated the Disappearance Commission to investigate into it.
He went on to point out that by inviting international authorities to guidance the Commission if and when required, has also resulted in an international intervention.
“We don’t agree with international interventions into this matter. We strongly think it has to be carried out domestically,” he added.
Speaking further he also blamed President Rajapaksa, External Affairs Minister and Coordinating MP for the External Affairs Ministry for the present deterioration of Sri Lanka’s foreign relations.
“In 2009 Sri Lanka had secured a 2/3 majority inside the Human Rights Council but this circumstance was totally turned about within a handful of months by the negligence of officials,” he stated.
He also commented on the allegations that have been produced by former Basic Secretary of the UNP, Tissa Attanayake on a secret deal made by the typical Opposition to decrease troops in the North.
“We learn that an attempt is becoming made to prevent the voters in the Northern province from casting their votes. This is a fine example of the true nature of the relations among the government and the LTTE. . . So I urge the Northern province residents to make use of their right to vote,” he added.