58th CPA sessions in Colombo
Illankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK) MP M. A. Sumanthiran yesterday urged the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) to go ahead with the appointment of a Commissioner for Democracy, the Rule of Law and Human Rights.
The attorney-at-law and National List MP said that as a representative of a group of oppressed people he backed the CPA initiative. Sumanthiran was speaking after UK Labour Party MP Hugh Bayley (York Central) emphasized the urgent need for new appointment at a discussion held at the Committee Room B, BMICH. It was one of the four discussions organized under the 58th sessions of the CPA now being held in Colombo. The sessions will conclude on Sept. 15.
Recalling that the British had left Sri Lanka leaving the Tamil speaking people at the mercy of the majority community, Sumanthiran said that the UN had reprimanded the Sri Lankan government subsequent to representations made by the ITAK.
The conduct of the Sri Lankan government during the 19th sessions of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Feb/March 2012 highlighted the threat faced by human rights workers. Sumanthiran said that a Cabinet minister publicly declared that he would break the limbs of those who had made representations to the UNHRC sessions when they returned to the country.
The ITAK representative appreciated the sentiments expressed by the UNP, particularly its leader Ranil Wickremesinghe.
Senior Minister Dr. Sarath Amunugama launched a scathing attack on major Commonwealth countries over the proposed setting up a specific mechanism to inquire into the conduct of member states. The minister questioned the necessity for the creation of a new post to duplicate what was now handled by the UN, particularly the UNHRC. The MP queried whether an effort was made to take over powers of the UN and engage in an exercise, whereas the Commonwealth could focus its attention on a range of other issues closer to many member states.
Dr. Amunugama alleged that Tamil groups operating abroad, too, had been involved in the operation targeting Sri Lanka with the help of some members of parliament. He voiced concern over some MPs being bribed by various interested parties to raise questions in parliament. Some MPs had been compelled to take up issue due to domestic political compulsions.
The minister alleged that major Commonwealth countries had taken an extremely hostile approach towards Sri Lanka. Appreciating the support extended by India and Pakistan at various international forums, the minister said that major Commonwealth countries always tried to deprive Sri Lanka of receiving assistance. The political veteran cited the difficulties experienced by Sri Lanka at the IMF as an ongoing attempt to undermine Sri Lanka.
The soft spoken minister pointed out that the position adopted by those governments was the same at the UNHRC. He alleged that the country was being betrayed by some member states.
(Island)