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High Commissioner Justice Nihal Jayasinghe brought to the attention of Rt Hon Ed Balls, Secretary
of State for Children, Schools & Families on the misuse of school children by pro-LTTE groups to initiate a mis-information campaign against Sri Lanka by writing letters.
The High Commissioner has pointed out that these groups have misguided the children of Marden High School at Hartington Road, Cullercoats, North Shields NE30 3RZ to send letters alleging that there is a ‘humanitarian crisis’ in Sri Lanka and Year 5 students of Thomas Ellis School (Ysgol
Y Parchedig Thomas Ellis), Maeshyecyd Road, Hollyhead, Anglesey, North Wales LL65 2AP to send letters requesting the release of the three doctors who have been arrested under Sri Lankan Law concluding that they are innocent.
In his letter the High Commissioner explained the present situation of the IDPs in Sri Lanka referred to comments made by Minister Gareth Thomas who stated that “The humanitarian situation is now stabilising. Conditions in the IDP camps remain basic but continue to improve as the
priority needs of shelter, food, water, medicine and immediate access to surgical treatment are gradually met.” [Hansard 14 July 2009 : Column 12WS] contrary to the claims made by the LTTE sympathisers abroad including the UK who have been active in spreading misinformation that
the conditions are deteriorating and they are suffering at these welfare centres.
With regard to the doctors the High Commissioner stated that they were detained under section 19 (1) of the Emergency Regulations on charges of their alleged links with the proscribed LTTE organization, disseminating false information to the international media and supplying
medicine including medical equipment to the LTTE from Government hospitals. They are presently in the protective custody of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) headquarters Colombo, pending completion of investigations and the ICRC and their relatives have access to them.
High Commissioner pointed out that the use of school children in this manner is an act of violation of all ethical and moral foundations embedded in the British Education System.
28 July 2009.
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