SIVAJILINGAM CALLS FOR PROBE TO CONFIRM WAR WAS WON THROUGH ‘GENOCIDE’

Northern Provincial Councilor M.K. Sivajilingam addressing the council session today (Jan 27)

January 27, 2014

An international inquiry should be carried out to confirm that the Sri Lankan government won the war by committing genocide against Tamil people, claims Northern Provincial Council member M.K. Sivajilingam.

He made these comments while addressing the Northern Provincial Council, which convened for the 5th session today (Jan 27).

However, responding to this statement Northern Province Chief Minister C.V. Vigneswaran stated that the word ‘genocide’ should not be used in this context and urged for the use of a similar word instead in order to avoid legal issues.  

He stated that it is unsuitable to use such a word until an international investigation proves what actually happened during the war. 

Meanwhile TNA member Anandi Saseedaran had proposed that an investigation sanctioned by the United Nations should be conducted into the mass grave found in Mannar recently.

A proposal for the erecting of a memorial in Mullivaikkal, commemorating the thousands of Tamil people who lost their lives during the battle there, was approved by the council today.

In addition 14 draft bills tabled in the Provincial Council were also granted approval, Ada Derana reporter said.