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1. The Government of Sri Lanka attaches the highest importance
to the protection of civilians in the theatre of conflict. This
is in accordance with the respect for human rights and
International Humanitarian Law regimes.
2. It is now a well established fact that the LTTE is forcibly
keeping more than 120,000 civilians with them in a small pocket
in Wanni region and being used as a human shield. The President
of Sri Lanka in his public appeal made on January 29, 2009 to
the LTTE has requested to ensure free movement of those
civilians who are being kept with them against their will within
next 48 hours. In his statement the President has assured safe
passage for civilians to a secured environment
3. The Government of India on January 29, 2009 has welcomed the
important announcement made by the President. The Australian
Government in its statement on January 30, 2009 too has welcomed
the President’s announcement and calls the LTTE to adhere to the
request made by the President.
4. The information so far available from the conflict area
indicates around 6000 civilians have escaped from the LTTE
fascists grip and had returned to the government controlled
areas where they have been received by the government officials.
5. Every international and regional Human Right organisations
have condemned the violations of human rights by LTTE during the
protracted conflict in Sri Lanka. The LTTE has exhibited callous
disrespect to human rights where they have been engaging in
summary executions, conscription of children as child soldiers
and forced labour. It is a well-known fact that the LTTE has
prevented Tamil civilians accessing much needed health care and
attention for those who are in need. Ms. Yolanda Foster
Researcher – Sri Lanka at the Amnesty International has
categorised this deliberate act as a war crime.
6. It is clear from the track record of the LTTE since its
inception has very little or no respect to the human rights as
well as the right to life of the innocent civilians.
7. Under the circumstances we urge the international community
on behalf of the Government of Sri Lanka to exert adequate
pressure on the LTTE to adhere to the request made by the
President of Sri Lanka by way of unconditional release of
civilians who are being kept with them.
High Commission of Sri Lanka
London
30/01/2009
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