Sri Lanka And The Commonwealth: ‘Britain Must Take A Stand’ – Tamils For Labour

September 19, 2013

David Cameron should be clear about the progress Sri Lanka needed to make before confirming his attendance at CHOGM, says UK based Tamils for Labour.

Issuing a statement today Tamils for Labour urges all parliamentarians and Labour members to call for the boycott of CHOGM and to continue to prevail upon the British Government and all members of the Commonwealth the need to ensure accountability, justice, reconciliation and lasting peace in Sri Lanka.

We publish below the statement in full;

“I am deeply concerned that Sri Lanka, despite the opportunity provided by the end of the war to construct a new vibrant, all-embracing state, is showing signs of heading in an increasingly authoritarian direction.”

David Cameron

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Navi Pillay, has given a damning critique of the ground realities in Sri Lanka.

Speaking at the end of her visit to the country in August, she expressed her grave concerns regarding the “curtailment or denial of personalfreedoms and human rights […] persistent impunity and the failure of the rule of law.”

The human rights of all people on the island are under threat. Tamils are treated as second class citizens, with Tamil areas militarised. Attacks on Muslim individuals, businesses, and cultural practices are on the increase. Unarmed Sinhalese protestors, campaigning against the contamination of a local water supply, were shot dead by Government forces in the town of Weliweriya last month. Not even high office can protect you – Sri Lankaʼs Chief Justice was illegally impeached and removed from her position in January for having the audacity to question the actions of President Rajapaksaʼs regime.

Four and a half years on from the end of the brutal armed conflict, what hope is there for justice, reconciliation and sustainable peace?                           Read More