Solemnly Marking the 4th Anniversary of the End of War in Sri Lanka on May 18

Published On Saturday, May 18, 2013

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 17, 2013

Given the lack of progress toward reconciliation and continued troubling human rights violations in Sri Lanka following the end of military conflict, this anniversary is no time for celebration. The Tamil American Peace Initiative’s Executive Director, Dr. Karunyan Arulanantham, issued the following statement:

“We remain gravely concerned about the situation on the ground in Sri Lanka for all ethnic and religious groups, particularly Tamils. As stated in a resolution passed by the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in March, ongoing problems include ‘enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, torture, and violations of the rights to freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly, as well as intimidation of and reprisals against human rights defenders, members of civil society and journalists, threats to judicial independence and the rule of law, and discrimination on the basis of religion or belief.’”

“These are the same actions that led to and perpetuated decades of violence ethnic conflict and instability. President Rajapaksa rules in an authoritarian manner and continues to consolidate power, with more than 70 percent of the government’s finances under his and his brothers’ control.

“Although this same UNHRC resolution called upon Sri Lanka to launch a credible, independent investigation into the final stages of the war, it does not go far enough. The government has already failed to facilitate any such investigation. Given what we all know about the past and present, how can such a government be expected to credibly investigate itself or facilitate reconciliation? The Tamil American Peace Initiative joins the many other human rights groups across the globe in calling for the United Nations to move forward with an international, independent investigation. Tamil Americans call upon the United States Government to create an independent international commission of inquiry through available international mechanisms without delay. People in Sri Lanka are continuing to suffer and the clock is ticking.”