Death toll from attack on Somali hotel rises to 25

Rescuers carry a survivor from the scene of a blast at the Central Hotel after a suicide attack in Somalia's capital Mogadishu February 20, 2015.

MOGADISHU Sat Feb 21, 2015

(Reuters) - The death toll in Friday's bombing of a hotel in the Somali capital has risen to 25, including two lawmakers and workers from the prime minister's office, the government said on Saturday.

Police previously said at least 10 people had been killed in the attack on Central Hotel, near the presidential palace in the centre of Mogadishu.

Islamist al Shabaab rebels set off a car bomb inside the Central Hotel compound which also houses a mosque popular with government officials. After the car blast, a suicide bomber ran into the mosque during Friday prayers and blew himself up.

"The confirmed death toll is 25 civilians and officials, including two lawmakers and deputy Mogadishu mayor," the government said. "Among the dead are also officials and workers from the prime minister's office."

Some 40 people were wounded in the two blasts, including two ministers who were lightly injured.

The cabinet met in the wake of the attack to discuss security and set up a committee to investigate the attack, the government said in a statement.

Abdirisak Omar Mohamed, Somalia's Internal Security Minister, told Reuters soon after the blasts it was unclear how a car laden with explosives managed to breach hotel security to park inside the compound. "(National intelligence) are going to interrogate the management of the hotel," he said on Friday.

State run Radio Mogadishu on Saturday said 12 hotel staff had been arrested in connection with the attack.

Al Shabaab once dominated much of Somalia but it has been slowly pushed out of strongholds across the country. However, its guerrilla-style gun assaults and suicide bombings continue to exert pressure on the government to improve security.

(Reporting by Abdi Sheikh; Writing by Drazen Jorgic; Editing by Mark Potter)

Russian expansionism may pose existential threat, says Nato general

 British Commander Land Forces Lieutenant General Adrian Bradshaw Photograph: Ben Birchall/AFP/Getty Images

Pro-Ukraine and Nato demonstrators at the September 2014 summit in Wales which General Sir Adrian Bradshaw said had been dominated by the urgent need to respond to Russian behaviour.Photograph: Zuma/Rex
Peter Walker-Friday 20 February 2015

British general Sir Adrian Bradshaw says Nato needs to develop fast-reacting conventional forces and capacities to counter Russian propaganda

Russian expansionist ambitions could quickly become “an obvious existential threat to our whole being”, the most senior British military officer in Nato has said in a strongly worded speech.
Russian Expansionism May Pose Existential Threat, Says Nato General by Thavam Ratna

​It’s Time to Kick Germany Out of the Eurozone

Why the anchor dragging down the European economy isn’t Athens -- it’s Berlin.

BY PATRICK CHOVANEC-FEBRUARY 20, 2015

Last year, Germany racked up a record trade surplus of 217 billion euros ($246 billion), second only to China in global export dominance. To some, this made Germany a bright spot in an otherwise anemic eurozone economy — a “growth driver,” as the German finance minister, Wolfgang Schäuble, puts it. In fact, Germany’s chronic trade surpluses lie at the heart of Europe’s problems; far from boosting the global economy, they are dragging it down. The best way to end this perverse situation is for Germany to leave the eurozone.

It’s Time to Kick Germany Out of the Eurozone by Thavam Ratna

Re-balancing Strategy For China

by Ali Sukhanver

( February 20, 2015, Islamabad, Sri Lanka Guardian) Is it true that President Obama is going to visit China soon? Might be true might not be true but we cannot deny the urgent need of his visit to China. Obama’s recent visit to India no doubt brought India and US closer to each other but at the same time this visit widened the already increasing distances between China and US. The warming up of Indo-US relations especially in the nuclear sphere poses a direct threat to the Chinese national interests and the Chinese leadership is very well aware of this severe threat to China. A few months back, the CNS China published an article with the title, ‘China and the Nuclear Tests in South Asia’. The article said, “China is now facing a new and potentially more dangerous security environment. Its nuclear neighbors have doubled following the nuclear tests of Pakistan and India in the South, joining Russia in the North. Chinese officials blame India for initiating the crisis in South Asia while Pakistan remains one of China’s oldest and most powerful allies in Asia. China states that it is mainly concerned with the negative impact of the tests on global nuclear non-proliferation efforts, and Beijing views the tests as a direct threat to regional stability and Chinese security.” Moreover it is not only China but also Russia which looks at India’s nuclear program as a direct threat to its security as well as a threat to the regional peace. After Obama’s recent visit to India, both China and Russia are feeling uneasy over rapidly growing nuclear closeness between US and India. Apprehending Chinese anxiety over US-India nuclear closeness after Obama’s visit to India, Sushma Swaraj, the Indian Foreign Mistier paid a visit to China. Apparently her visit was to review arrangements for Mr.Modi’s visit to China in near future but in fact it was an attempt to pacify Chinese anxiety. According to the NDTV, the analysts say that Ms Swaraj’s visit to Beijing, which comes just about a week after US President Barack Obama’s visit to India, is being seen as an attempt to soothe Chinese nerves; Mr. Obama’s visit was seen as the forging of a new alliance in the Asia Pacific region aimed at China.

The Indian authorities know it very well that US’ nuclear advancements towards India are not in favour of China, and this present scenario is no doubt a cause of heart-burning for China and that the Chinese authorities must be certainly planning something volatile to counter this situation. Keeping all these realities in view, the Indian leadership is initiating intense diplomatic activities to make China realize that India’s overture to US will not be at the cost of bilateral relations with China. But how could China ignore the policy statement of Mr. Obama and Prime Minister Narendra Modi which very clearly referred to free sea lanes and air passages in the South China Sea. China considers India’s warming of relations with USA a direct threat to Chinese national interests. Moreover Indo-China relations have never been very cordial and friendly. Both the countries have so many conflicting issues which have always extended the already widening distances between the two countries.

The people of China have a strong disliking for India. Bo Zhen, a well known Chinese analyst on strategic affairs penned down an article in August, 2014, ‘Assessing US-India Relations: A Perspective from China’. Bo Zhen says, ‘The US considers China an emerging threat, and it has historically attempted to make India its pawn in the Asia-Pacific ‘rebalancing strategy’. Its long-term strategy therefore is to use India to contain the rise of China. The fundamental aim is to contain China by developing friendly but utilitarian foreign relations with India and maintaining its dominant role in the Asia-Pacific region.’ In an article published in the East Asia Forum, Louise Merrington has commented on Indo-China relationship in a very interesting way. She says ‘ Growing closeness between India and the US has caused some concern in China about the possibility that the US may be establishing a policy of containment or encirclement, and this concern in turn affects China’s relationship with both the US and India’. It means the Chinese authorities are very much confirmed that US interference rather intrusion in the regional affairs of the South Asia is very much suspicious and it would simply cause imbalance in the region with serious implications for global security. Keeping this entire situation in view, the US president will have to do something extra-ordinary to pacify China and to assure China that US is not promoting India as the future super power in the South-Asian region. If the US does not play the expected role, China will have to decide herself how to maintain her supremacy in the region.

50 years after his death, Malcolm X’s work is unfinished

Malcolm X on March 5, 1964 (Eddie Adams/AP)-Malcolm X addresses a crowd of about 1,000 at an outdoor rally in upper Manhattan on Aug. 10, 1963. (AP)

The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X smile for photographers in Washington on March 26, 1964. (Henry Griffin/AP)

By Krissah Thompson February 19

After a life filled with transformation, Malcolm X found himself in February 1965 in the throes of yet another.
He had been a fringe figure, known mostly to a small circle of black Muslims and big-city sophisticates, but now he was branching out — seeking allies at home and abroad to help him become a part of the Southern civil rights movement. 

Here is a clip from Malcolm X's "By Any Means Necessary" speech made at the at the founding rally of the Organization of Afro-American Unity in 1964. (NBC News)

n 1959, journalist Mike Wallace hosted a series called "The Hate That Hate Produced," featuring a young Nation of Islam minister named Malcolm X. Here are two powerful clips. (News Beat/PBS)

50 Years After His Death, Malcolm X’s Work is Unfinished by Thavam Ratna

Big Data and Human Rights, a New and Sometimes Awkward Relationship

Despite their exciting potential to uncover human rights abuses, technologies that collect and analyze huge amounts of data can also infringe on other human rights. The AAAS Science and Human Rights Coalition explored the way forward.
SPEAKERS INCLUDING EMMANUEL LETOUZÉ, WHO IS ALSO THE CARTOONIST MANU, DESCRIBED BIG DATA AND PETROLEUM AS COMMODITIES THAT CAN BENEFIT SOCIETY WHILE ALSO CREATING POWER IMBALANCES. | EMMANUEL LETOUZÉ

• VIDEOWATCH A WEBCASTOF THE MEETING

Kathy Wren-28 January 2015

Even as experts at a recent meeting showed how big-data technologies can reveal and document human rights abuses like child sex trafficking, they and others in the audience were considering the implications for privacy, free expression, and other human rights.
Big Data and Human Rights, A New and Sometimes Awkward Relationship by Thavam Ratna

Top 10 home remedies to cure acidity

Bhawani Gautam-Jul 13, 2013

Acidity occurs when there is excess secretion of acids in the gastric glands of the stomach. When the secretion is more than usual, we feel, what is commonly known as heartburn, which is normally triggered off by consumption of spicy foods.

Cloves

If you are suffering from gastritis, then clove acts as the wonder drug to get you rid of this sensation. Just chew say about two cloves and slightly bite them so that juices keep oozing out. Soon, the problem will vanish.

Cumin seeds
Take say about a teaspoon of cumin seeds and then roast them. After roasting, crush them in such a manner that they don’t become powder. Now, add this to a glass of water and have it with every meal you take. It does wonders. 

Jaggery

Jaggery can help a lot in treating heartburn and acidity. Consume a small lump and allow it to get dissolved in your mouth to get relief from acidity. But, this remedy should not be tried by people who have diabetes.

Raita

Raita prepared with curd and added with ingredients like grated cucumber and coriander will surely aid in digestion and help eliminate acidity.

Basil leaves
Basil leaves are popular for their medicinal properties. Chewing say around 5-6 basil leaves relieves acidity to a lot of extent. One can also make a blend of crushed basil leaves and dried leaves which can be consumed with water or tea or simply be swallowed.

Butter-milk
A yet another simple and most easy homemade remedy to treat acidity is consuming butter-milk mixed with a little say about ¼ teaspoon of black pepper powder.
Health Insurance

MintIt is also a good idea to drink fresh mint juice or chew raw mint leaves after meals everyday to keep acidity and indigestion away from you.

GingerGinger is considered as a cure-all herb as it helps in treating so many different kinds of conditions. Consume just the right amount of ginger about half an hour before each meal and feel the difference.

Milk
Milk is a drink that consists of a large amount of calcium which helps in preventing build-up of stomach acid. So, drink a glass of milk after your meal to soothe your stomach after having a spicy meal.

Vanilla ice cream
Yes, gorging a cup of your favourite vanilla ice cream not just savours your sweet tooth but also helps combat gastritis. This is an easy home remedy to fight acidity.

Vipoosika urges Sri Lanka's new president to release detained mother Jeyakum 20 February 2015 The daughter of a Tamil disappearances activist, Balendran Jeyakumari, who was detained by Sri Lankan security forces ahead of the UN Human Rights Council resolution on Sri Lanka in March 2014, appealed to the new president, Maithripala Sirisena this week to release her mother. "Dear President Maithripala Sirisena, please think of me as your child and release my innocent, very innocent mother. She has not committed any crime. I also humbly request that you release my 3rd brother as well," 14 year old Vipoosika, who is currently housed in a children's home in the North, wrote to the president in a letter dated February 16. Vipoosika Urges Sri Lanka's New President to Release Detained Mother Jeyakumari by Thavam Ratna

Glad, reverse eviction and our staff return to employment - M T D Walkers PLC

 Friday, 20 February 2015 

"This morning (20) Jaffna High Court allowed the Northern Power Co (Pvt) Ltd's parent company M T D Walkers PLC' Revision Application to restore status quo with regards to illegal eviction of employees from the Chunnakkam Power Plant. As such, the High Court ordered status quo ante to be restored except generation. As a Company committed towards the welfare of the people of North, we are glad that the eviction was reversed and our staff is allowed to return to their employment after 10AM next Monday (23 February)," said MTD Walkers PLC Director/ CEO Lal Perera.

The Company was hopeful that its generation operation too would be allowed following the request made to the High Court of Jaffna, when the case is recalled in the beginning of April.

Northern Power Co (Pvt) Ltd has issued a press statment regarding the Jaffna water contamination crisis. The full text of the press statement as follows.

If wrong steps are taken pursuant to rumours and sentiment-driven agitation, the issue of ground water contamination in Jaffna would not improve but might in fact aggravate, MTD Walkers PLC – the parent company of the powerhouse of North Sri Lanka – Northern Power Co (Pvt) Ltd announced yesterday(19).

“We are very confident that we have not caused any damage whatsoever to the environment in general and the regrettable water contamination issue prevailing in the North in particular. As a socially, environmentally and morally responsible corporate entity of Sri Lanka we have not caused any environmental damage in the past and we would not take any measure whatsoever that will cause even a minimal damage or harm to our planet,” stressed MTD Walkers PLC Director/ CEO Lal Perera, reaffirming the environmental policy of the Company.

“However we feel sorry that with baseless allegations being raised against us, the real focus has shifted away from the root cause or origination of the oil contamination, which could cause severe impediments in mitigating of any future environmental fallout from the contamination. Our fear is that wrong steps taken pursuant to emotion-driven, baseless allegations could undermine efforts to mitigate the Jaffna water degradation issue,” he lamented.
He added that any person who has even little knowledge of Chunnakkam knew about the infamous oil lake or ‘oil kulam’ caused by the destruction of the oil installations located approximately 300 meters away from the Northern Power Plant within the CEB (Ceylon Electricity Board) complex, which had existed prior to even 1987.
“Unfortunately, not a single person who has raised these absurd accusations have probed or inquired into what had happened to this ‘oil kulam’. In order to get to the truth, we too have engaged an internationally-renowned environmental consultancy as we are very, very confident that we are not in any way linked to the water contamination issue.”

“We earnestly appeal to all stakeholders especially our own people of the North, not to be misled by rumours and baseless allegations fueled by parties with vested interests and ulterior motives and patiently wait for the outcome of the ITI-spearheaded independent probe and the rulings of the judiciary.”

Perera said the Northern Power Company extended its hand to Jaffna during the height of the bloody civil war when the peninsula was in darkness and the children had to study with the aid of a bottle lamp.

“We ventured into the Northern Province during the most difficult period in Sri Lankan history with the sole intention of serving the energy needs of our people in Jaffna. In fact when the one Company selected to build the power plant backed out as the risks were so high, we took this endeavour upon ourselves as a service to our nation having the goal of serving not only the people in the North, but also powering the businesses, schools, hospitals, etc. of Jaffna”

“We would not allow the public of Jaffna being caused any grievance through any of our activities and as a renowned public listed company answerable and accountable to our shareholders we gain no financial or material benefit from it,”

“Once again reiterating that we are not the cause of this unfortunate contamination; we assure our fullest support and assistance to the authorities and especially the people of Jaffna, to the extent of even partnering and / or funding any pollution prevention and restoration efforts!”

Company pointed out to newspaper reports (i.e. The Sunday Times issue of January 25, 2015)where the Jaffna District Secretary Sundaram Arumainayagam is quoted to have stated that the ‘oil contamination of the water was initially identified in 1987’, a staggering 20 years before the Northern Power Co commenced the construction work of its power plant in 2007!

“We wish to reaffirm to the general public and all our stakeholders that the Northern Power Company (Pvt) Ltd along with our parent company – MTD Walkers PLC are always committed towards maintaining the highest standards of corporate ethics and good governance in the best interest of all our stakeholders,” he added.

On Water Pollution Issue In Chunnakam

By Murali Vallipuranathan -February 20, 2015 

Dr. Murali Vallipuranathan

Hon. Justice. C. V. Wigneswaran

Chief Minister of Northern Province
Office of the Chief Minister
No.26,Somasundaram Avenue,
Chundukuli, Jaffna,

Respected Sir,

Water pollution issue at Chunnakam

I am writing to you on this matter on personal capacity as a Specialist in the relevant field (Community Medicine) and as the President of the Jaffna Medical Association. When this issue was brought to my notice in November 2014, I contacted the Health Ministry Officials in Colombo and arranged for samples to be collected from the suspected wells and to be reported by the Government Analyst. In addition I organized a symposium with relevant stake holders and researchers to discuss this most serious public health problem affecting Jaffna during the Annual Sessions of the Jaffna Medical Association in December 2014. Several medical professionals and other technical experts attended this symposium and were enlightened on this escalating problem. At the same time a report containing detailed analysis of the ground water quality conducted by the Regional Laboratory of the National Water Supply and Drainage Board, Jaffna from 2012 to 2014 was released and proved that the wells around the Chunnakam fossil fuel power station have been contaminated not only with petroleum waste but also through lead a toxic heavy metal. A subsequent epidemiological research by me and other researchers (abstract annexed) provided further evidence that the power plant area is the point source for contamination and disproved alternative arguments that the ground water in Chunnakam could have been contaminated by other sources such as filling stations in the area.

While waiting for the reports from the Government Analyst, may I suggest the following for your kind consideration and urgent action.

1. To locate the places where the toxic waste products were dumped and initiate early action to remove those products safely. There is sufficient evidence to prove that a huge pool containing the petroleum effluents existed in 2012 within the Chunnakam CEB area and that disappeared without any trace. The CEB and their subcontractors should explain how this disappeared and how that leads to continuing spread from the same location as shown by our research.

2. To seal the wells showing evidence of Lead contamination. The report by the National Water Supply and Drainage Board, Jaffna stated that out of the 50 wells tested for lead contamination 4 wells showed lead levels above the accepted limits. It is very important to locate these wells without delay and seal them to prevent from any kind of use as lead has the potential of entering the food chain and causing toxicity even if the polluted wells are used for agriculture or other purposes. Further all the wells in the affected area should be tested for evidence of lead and other heavy metals.

3. To provide water in sufficient quantity (at least 3-4 litres per person for drinking purpose) and in satisfactory quality to all the residents in the affected area

4. To use water filters in the affected area. As it is not practically possible to distribute water to all the polluted areas and since there have been allegations of oil contamination in the water supplied by the water board, cheap activated carbon filters could be used for domestic purposes. Activated carbon filters have been used to clean oil contamination and reduce lead in water for home use (1), (2), (3), (4).

5. To issue leaflets to the public in the area providing accurate scientific information in simple terms while allaying their anxiety.

6. To initiate legal action against those who are responsible for this pollution and make them accountable by providing suitable compensation to the affected people.

As President of the Jaffna Medical Association along with other medical experts and researchers I look forward to support your efforts to solve this problem.

Thank you

Dr. Murali Vallipuranathan
MBBS, PGD (Population Studies). MSc, MD (Community Medicine), FCCP
President, Jaffna Medical Association
Board Certified Specialist in Community Medicine
16, 4/5, Vanderwart Place
Dehiwela

References:
1. http://ianrpubs.unl.edu/live/g1489/build/g1489.pdf
2. http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1110062111000031
3. http://www.freedrinkingwater.com/water-education/quality-water-filtration-method-carbon.htm
4. http://www.filtersfast.com/articles/Guide-to-Water-Purification.php

Copies to:
1. Dr.Rajitha Senaratne, Minister of Health

2. Dr. P.G. Mahipala, DGHS, Ministry of Health

3. President, Government Medical Officer’s Association

4. President, Sri Lanka Medical Association

5. President, College of Community Physicians

6. Dean, Faculty of Medicine, University of Jaffna

7. Dr.S.Sivakumar, Head, Department of Civil Engineering, University of Jaffna

8. Dr.A.Ketheeswaran, RDHS, Jaffna

​A visit to the Vanni

 Laura Davies- February 19, 2015

Earlier this week, the UN Human Rights Council agreed to Prince Zeid’s request to defer consideration of his office’s investigation into the end of the conflict in Sri Lanka to the summer. The UK was a main sponsor of the resolution setting up the investigation and we remain committed to it.

Those who provided information to the investigation – and especially those who did so in the face of intimidation – may find the delay difficult to accept. But it was the right thing to do: the new Sri Lankan government has committed itself to a change in approach towards domestic accountability, reconciliation and cooperation with the UN.  Progress on these issues is essential to addressing the legacy of the conflict, and to building the strong, independent domestic institutions necessary to address the grievances and needs of the many victims of violations over many years in Sri Lanka.

I’m just back from a few days in the Vanni, my first opportunity to visit this former LTTE stronghold and the theatre for the last weeks of the conflict in 2009.  Unlike in the rest of Sri Lanka, it is impossible to ignore how recent the end of the conflict was and how raw some of the scars remain.  Shuttling along the – now excellent – roads, I still saw many buildings with shell and gunfire damage.  There are really a lot of military memorials.  The LTTE’s former killing power is also clear to see.

It’s not so easy to find private businesses operating, though army welfare shops are everywhere.  It’s obvious why many people complain that they are undermining small scale shop keepers.  Determined to support the local economy, we checked into a private guest house in Mullaitivu.  Five minutes later, I was supporting the local economy still further by investing in a set of new sheets and rubber flip flops. 

 Sometimes you pay for your principles… The local restaurant was excellent, though, and well patronised.  There are some visionary companies like MAS operating in the Vanni, providing much needed jobs and helping to create a culture of labour.  It is excellent news that a couple of others are now taking the plunge – the Vanni needs more investment, large and small – and that Foreign Minister Mangala has said that the army is withdrawing from civilian activities.

The need to grieve and to know what happened to missing loved ones remains overwhelming. I met ex-combatants who were socially and economically excluded.  Promised releases of political prisoners are slower than people would like. I also met several of our project partners and members of civil society: people and organisations working on issues from governance to domestic violence to youth empowerment.  The British Government will be spending over £2 million next year to support reconciliation and reform. The needs remain significant, but, as ever, it was inspiring to hear our partners’ stories and commitment.  And it was reassuring, too, to hear accounts of how responsive the police had been to reports of electoral malpractice in January.

My visit coincided with the Sri Lankan Government’s decision to release over 1,000 acres of land in the Palali High Security Zone in Jaffna. When fully implemented, this will be a very welcome development, allowing people to return to their livelihoods and move into a more sustainable period of their lives. It will also then be an example of the government of Sri Lanka having responded to the needs of victims.  They have a window now to demonstrate this kind of commitment, to enable further information exchange, and to work with the broadest possible spectrum of civil society groups, domestic and international actors on reconciliation and accountability.

I want to finish with a wholly optimistic image, symbolic of wider hope for the North. At the recent Classic Car Club of Ceylon’s British Day, I met an extraordinary Jaffna survivor.

This 1920s Morgan, only the 25th car ever to be registered in Jaffna, was discovered in pieces in a shed at the end of the conflict. Patience, understanding and painstaking attention to detail have put her back on the road, better than new.

Justice delayed must not be justice denied

The Human Rights Council has agreed to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights’ request to postpone the publication of the UN investigation into war crimes in Sri Lanka (OISL) until September. The High Commissioner made this request due to “the possibility that important new information may emerge which will strengthen the report.” 

18/02/2015

The news will doubtless come as a disappointment to the survivors of Sri Lanka’s civil war, who have waited patiently for justice for over six years, with little other cause for hope. The international community, and the United Nations, have a duty to ensure that justice delayed does not become justice denied, and that this deferral does not cause the international community to move on and forget. This report will be released - and when it is, victims’ demands for justice, acknowledgement and compensation must be heard. 

Meanwhile, the new government of Sri Lanka has made a series of promises on accountability, in a letter from Foreign Minister Mangala Samaweera to the UN High Commissioner. While these promises are welcome, the Sri Lanka Campaign is deeply troubled to see the topics upon which this letter is silent. In particular, it is noticeable that while the government promises all forms of cooperation with UN special procedures and a visit by the High Commissioner - all conventional processes which one would expect as a bare minimum from any nation - it makes no mention of corporation with the UN war crimes investigation, simply restating its rejection of an international mechanism. 

Indeed the Sri Lankan government has not even clarified whether Sri Lankan individuals are free to cooperate with the investigation or other UN mechanisms. The previous government stated that they would consider such behaviour treasonous and the current government has said nothing to countermand this statement. Over the last few weeks, many human rights activists across the north of Sri Lanka have continued to report high levels of intimidation, harassment, and surveillance designed to prevent them from going about their lawful task of human rights documentation. It appears that in this respect there has been no shift in policy from the previous Government. 

While the Government has announced many positive steps, and implemented a few, it is far too early to herald a sea-change. We must not forget that Sri Lanka’s current leadership is not new. The President and Foreign Minister were part of the previous regime and at all levels, many of those in positions of responsibility in 2009 are still in power. We must also remember the many structural flaws in Sri Lanka’s legal system and the failure of domestic commissions under successive governments of all stripes to produce results. It is hardly surprising that victims continue to place their faith in the UN’s investigation. 

International justice will have a role in Sri Lanka for some time to come. The OISL was mandated by the Human Rights Council and nothing can, or should, prevent it from completing its work to the best of its ability and presenting the most robust findings the evidence can support. There can be no trade-off between domestic reforms and international investigation, both are needed. 

The survivors of Sri Lanka’s civil war have made it clear that justice, acknowledgement, and compensation are needed if Sri Lanka is to have any chance at a lasting peace. They are being made to wait until September for the next step along that path; but that must be the last and only delay.