Sri Lanka calls for punitive measures against the LTTE’s international network

Colombo, 07 May, (Asiantribune.com): Foreign Minister, Rohitha Bogollagama stated that more pressure must be brought upon the LTTE by the international community, including punitive measures on its international network present in the UK, when a delegation comprising a cross-party group of Members of Parliament from the United Kingdom called on him at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday, (05 May). He cautioned British MPs to carefully evaluate their participation in events and programmes organized by LTTE front organizations, as it only leads to these operatives to seek legitimacy purporting to be endorsement with such presence.

Referring to the recent demonstrations held in London, Minister Bogollagama stated that the illegal and blatant displays of LTTE symbols and insignia endorsing the separatist agenda, makes it absolutely clear that these demonstrations are being conducted by the LTTE. He added that while Sri Lanka fully understands that the tenets of democracy by which sovereign nations are guided, have to give way to the free articulation of views, there is a need to be careful that government positions and policies do not become influenced by false propaganda. In this regard, it was unfortunate that Sri Lanka is faced with many baseless allegations, which are being espoused by the LTTE activists in foreign countries. Minister Bogollagama expressed the need for the international community to clearly distinguish between the slogans of the LTTE demonstrators from the real aspirations of the Tamil people.

The Foreign Minister also emphasized the importance of curbing illegal fund raising in the UK by the LTTE through its front organizations, as this will help to reduce the supply of arms to the terrorist group. He highlighted that it is these weapons that are being used by the LTTE to kill and terrorize the very same people whom they claim to represent.

Elaborating on the facilities at the welfare villages for the fleeing civilians, Minister Bogollagama stated that the IDPs are registered in a transparent manner in the presence of the UN. Restrictions to the movements of the IDPs are purely due to security concerns as the terrorist infiltration remains a realistic threat. However, a programme has been established to re-unite IDPs with their families in the welfare villages. He emphasized that it was the aim of the government to resettle the IDPs in the shortest possible time frame, once land mines have been cleared, as was done in the Eastern Province. He informed that the first phase of the resettlement programme started on 30th April 2009, with 122 families returning to their original places of habitation.

The British Members of Parliament observed that the Sri Lankan government has done more than they expected in a very short time period for the welfare of the civilians who have fled LTTE control and come over to the cleared areas. They conveyed their appreciation to Minister Bogollagama, stating that they were impressed that the situation was well in hand, following a visit to the IDP camps in Vavuniya yesterday. While observing that the government has done a commendable job in providing basic facilities to the IDPs, compared to many other such sites they have seen in a number of countries, the MPs added that IDPs who had been picked at random by the Parliamentary delegation and questioned on the reason for their delay in moving to the cleared areas had categorically blamed the LTTE for holding them hostage under the threat and intimidation of being shot at by the terrorists. The MPs undertook to take this message to the Sri Lankan Tamil community in the UK. The delegation of MPs in unison wholeheartedly denounced terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.

Commenting on the presence of international humanitarian organizations, Minister Bogollagama highlighted that UN agencies, ICRC and other international humanitarian organizations are working very closely with the Government in its efforts to look after the civilians. At present, there are 52 INGOs and NGOs working with the IDPs. The Minister stated that these humanitarian organizations have been given the maximum access that is possible at the moment. The government will keep working towards providing enhanced access in keeping with the realities of the ground situation. He further stated that it was not prudent to make requests for access to the no-fire zone in view of the fact that its perimeter is heavily mined by the LTTE and that the safety of the these agencies cannot be guaranteed.

Minister Bogollagama assured the British MPs that no one is more concerned about these innocent civilians than the Government which is tirelessly working to ensure that all the facilities to the IDPs are provided according to internationally accepted standards in a very short time. The government is well engaged in delivering its humanitarian responsibilities to the people, and the international community could only if at all, play a complementary role to this end. It is only the government which is sensitive to the needs of the people and therefore the international community, the INGOs and NGOs would need to work in tandem with the government. Commenting on the long term reconstruction phase in the North, he informed that the relevant plans of action are in the process of being completed. It is to be expected that the reconstruction required for the North is extensive, considering that it has been an area of conflict for over 25 years. Undoubtedly, the international community could assist, primarily in the infrastructure development projects.

The cross-party group of Members of Parliament from the United Kingdom who were on a two day visit to Sri Lanka (4th – 6th May 2009) comprising Desmond Browne, MP (Labour-Kilmarnock and Loudoun), Malcolm Bruce, MP (Liberal Democrat - Gordon), Edward McGrady, MP (Social Democratic & Labour-South Down, Northern Ireland), Mohammad Sarwar, MP (Labour - Glasgow Central) and John Bercow, MP (Conservative - Buckingham).

- Asian Tribune -