Sampanthan And Wiggi Have Betrayed Tamils – Fresh Division In TNA Over US Resolution

A fresh division has occurred in the Tamil National Alliance over the joint statement issued by TNA Leader R. Sampanthan and Northern Province chief Minister accepting the US draft resolution on Sri Lanka submitted to the UNHRC session.

 However, a sizable proportion of TNA Parliamentarians and activists have expressed concerns over the statement saying that the TNA stalwarts have “betrayed” the interests of the Tamils. They are of the view that the draft US resolution falls short of an international as it calls upon the government of Sri Lanka to conduct a fair, credible and independent inquiry. They assert that the TNA should unequivocally call for an international investigation into the alleged war crimes during the final phase of war.

The statement says, “We therefore welcome the fact that the draft resolution envisages the establishment of an international investigation led by the High Commissioner for Human Rights, both in respect of war-time abuses committed by both sides and violations of human rights throughout the country since the end of the war. We look forward to the co-sponsors effecting revisions to the draft over the following weeks that will clarify and strengthen the scope of the forthcoming investigation. We will remain engaged with the international community to this end, and also to ensure that the outcome of the resolution will be overwhelmingly positive for all Sri Lankans, particularly for victims of grave abuses committed during and after the war.”

 Meanwhile, NPC Councilor Ananthi Shashitharan had claimed that TNA Parliamentarian M.A. Sumanthiran did not allow her to speak before international representatives on disappearances in the North.