Fri, 29 Mar 2024 Today's Paper

Govt. commitment questionable: TNA tells UN

20 September 2012 01:36 pm - 32     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A A A

The Tamil National Alliance (TNA) told the visiting UN delegation that it remained questionable whether the government was unequivocally committed to the implementation of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) and he UNHRC resolution adopted in March, 2012.

The TNA delegation led by party leader R. Sampanthan met Hanny Megally, Chief, Asia, Pacific, Middle East and North Africa Branch, Field Operations and Technical Cooperation Division of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and his team of officials on September 20 at the office of the Resident Coordinator of the United Nations.

UN Resident Coordinator Subinay Nandy was also present. The TNA delegation comprised MPs Mavai Senathirajah, Suresh Premachandran, Selvam Adaikalanathan, P Selvarajah and M. A. Sumanthiran, Members of Parliament.

Mr.Sumanthiran told the Daily Mirror that his party discussed matters relating to land issues involving high security zones, particularly Valikamam and Sampur.

He said the displaced people had not been able to resettle because their lands had been taken over for military purposes.

A statement from the party said, “The matters discussed were about  lands being taken over ostensibly for development purposes and on which, persons of the majority community were being settled, cultural and religious places being denied to the Tamil people, issues relating to demilitarization, disappearances, detenues, changes in the demographic composition in the North and the East, accountability and the evolution of an acceptable political solution.

Meanwhile, Mr. Sumanthiran said in Parliament around 100,000 soldiers, attached to 14 divisions, had been stationed in the north and the east. Also, he scoffed at the government’s claim that the northern economy by 22 percent.

“For this calculation, they have included the salaries paid to soldiers stationed in the area,” he said.
Also, he raised concerns about the increase of tobacco and liquor sales in the north and the east. (Kelum Bandara)


Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka

  Comments - 32

Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka
  • saman Friday, 21 September 2012 05:32 AM

    It is about time the TNA guys should wake up from Velu's dream

    Sri Friday, 21 September 2012 08:59 PM

    "Pederalism" was interpreted as "seperation" in the south in the 1950s. Really by stupidity or purposely to mislead the masses. Politicians need to be politically educated to get out of ignorance or blundermania.

    Sri Friday, 21 September 2012 08:50 PM

    With the Socialst Party , yes.

    sach Friday, 21 September 2012 04:08 PM

    3.TNA has the LTTE label. TNA has to shed this identity. An ordinary sinhalese should begin to think abt TNA as a national political party in SL and not as agents of LTTE. If they have sinhala ppl it would be easier. Even a sinhalese who would principaly agree with the TNA should be able to be a part of that.

    Federalism is a taboo in SL, but in reality it is not a bad thing. Anyway lets hope for the better

    sach Friday, 21 September 2012 04:07 PM

    1. TNA may hv stated their commitment for a united SL, but there are instances that any1 can question their honesty. Speeches given to tamils contain something different. They are controlled mainly by Tamil Dias. Has TNA really give up eelam? I accept gov too is responsible to this. During war, every1 knew TNA was a proxy of LTTE. So they bear responsibility.
    2. Well democratic sys was never fully functioning in SL, but things were better that is why i said so. i believe strengthening democracy is a pre requisite for a meaningful devolution. However i understand there are other immediate issues for tamils. Rehabilitation of former LTTErs and integrating them, demining, and relief for civilians. But no1 can deny gov has made some progress here. So trying to blame the gov is not gonna help. Get gov's help by coordinating with them. I think creating employment is one thing that is important as we can see Tamils seeking ways to sneak into Aus.

    FullySickened Friday, 21 September 2012 02:17 PM

    This is not about soldiers settling in the North, it is about soldiers being unnecessarily deployed in the North despite the 'peace' in the country

    FullySickened Friday, 21 September 2012 02:15 PM

    This is one of the most heartening comments I have seen on this page- thank you! I don't know about TNA becoming major political force, but...

    1. I believe they have already shown their commitment to a united SL- so what do you want them to apologise for? I agree that the tactics of the LTTE were wrong, but is it TNA's place to apologise for crimes committed by others?
    2. I am all for the comeback of democratic political culture (I'm not sure if we can call it a comeback- was SL ever truly democratic?)- however, I can't see the TNA becoming that farsighted- they want to solve the immediate serious issues of the state of Tamil people living in the north and east- and fair enough- in SL politics, there certainly aren't any others jumping up and down to solve those issues
    3. YES- a party with representatives of all communities in SL, working towards equal rights for everyone, and towards creation of a federal state- that's the dream huh :)

    Nodrog Friday, 21 September 2012 09:42 AM

    Yes, and see what happened to Velu. In a multi-ethnic country when only one community agitates for a separate state because they think they're 'special' should the Govt give in?

    Fusion Friday, 21 September 2012 08:29 AM

    Yup. With the UNP pretty much irrelevant, TNA is the only one genuinely opposing the government. How ironic would it be if the Sinhala population also turn to the TNA. TNA actually has a good chance to appeal to the people in the South if they play their cards right.

    RIP UNP

    srinath.gunaratne Friday, 21 September 2012 07:53 AM

    Mr Suman
    So If Sri Lanka Soldiers want to settle down in North, Is it not allowed? Do not give the argument that Sinhalese can buy land in north but government can not give land. You guys are still racists in white clothes. Move on

    buffaloa citizen Friday, 21 September 2012 07:07 AM

    Mate, it is society that creates separatists, terrorists, guerillas, freedom fighters or whatever you call them. When your son complains, listen to him compassionately and honestly help him, don’t slap him each time he complains, because one day he is going to slap you back and that is exactly what Velu did.

    buffaloa citizen Friday, 21 September 2012 06:39 AM

    It goes more the other way around also, who would trust a race that killed 3000 tamils in 10 days in 1983 and still continues doing it without regret.

    buffaloa citizen Friday, 21 September 2012 06:36 AM

    These are manipulated figures made by henchmen of the MR regime such as Cabraal and Jayasundera. The past record of these two henchmen and how useful they have in buckling the SLankan economy is well known, and they still hold their faces high without shame. So take this info with a pinch of salt or rather down it into the sespit.

    bigsam Friday, 21 September 2012 06:01 AM

    Look, if you had one bank in 2007 and two banks now - sure its an increase of 100% so look a little deeper into what the stats mean before making any decision.

    RamUK Thursday, 20 September 2012 02:05 PM

    "northern economy by 22 percent." i think i should come back. can any one verify this fact?

    Nirmal Friday, 21 September 2012 05:12 AM

    The commitment, intentions and the loyalty of TNA towards Sri Lankan nation is more than questionable! The real cause and the curse for a united and a peaceful Sri Lanka is the TNA and its LTTE Terrorist sympathizers!

    Ram. Suntha Friday, 21 September 2012 05:11 AM

    You can find enough arguments ,can you find an understanding recipient to accept them.

    sach Friday, 21 September 2012 03:00 AM

    Both the gov and TNA wants to take time thinking it will help them achieve targets. Both do not want reconciliation. But the ppl in SL needs it. If TNA could accept that tactics of LTTE are wrong and LTTE is a mistake it will make a lot of difference.
    1.TNA could apologize from the ppl of SL and state and show their commitment for a united SL
    2.TNA took part actively in bringing the democratic political culture back to SL with other parties.
    3.Have Sinhala ppl in their party who would like to have a federal structure in the country and ones who understand grievances of Tamils..
    TNA could become a major political force.

    Lobo Friday, 21 September 2012 02:29 AM

    True, neither party cares a damn for the people, just for their personal agendas.

    sunila mendis Friday, 21 September 2012 02:07 AM

    The whole issue of the post war rehabilitation, resettlement, and reconstruction is based on different perceptions of what triple R means to the Government and the Tamil community.It is but natural for the displaced people to go back to their original homes.It is so unnatural for an insecure Government to see a tiger in every bush.It is timely to have an intelligent, visionary Regime without any fear phobia to march forward for unity of people without ulterior motives.

    nalaka Friday, 21 September 2012 01:30 AM

    The TNA should also know that no matter what they say people will not believe them as they have a separatist mind set and they are supportive of eelam

    raj Friday, 21 September 2012 12:15 AM

    your honesty is also questionable.

    Hussain Friday, 21 September 2012 12:12 AM

    After what they did to the majority community for 30 + years, the likes of Sampanthan should be happy that they are treated so well. What else do they want?

    Nodrog Friday, 21 September 2012 12:05 AM

    Neither the Govt nor the TNA are genuine or committed to the welfare and development in the North.

    Shanthy M Thursday, 20 September 2012 06:00 PM

    If the government is not going to give anything to the tamils,then why the hell Mr.sampanthan meets the president alone regularly.

    Sahnthy m

    Hal Thursday, 20 September 2012 05:45 PM

    Totally agree. This government commitment is only for %.

    up Thursday, 20 September 2012 04:12 PM

    One reason is that government may think that one big country is there to safeguard even they are not implemented

    silva Thursday, 20 September 2012 03:17 PM

    too late to know that government always crooking all data and facts to international observers. what they says all lies as usual why TNA did not understand till yet.

    Gayan Thursday, 20 September 2012 02:44 PM

    This is what you call -Horage ammagen paena balanawa

    Real peace Thursday, 20 September 2012 02:40 PM

    Has the TNA become the effective Opposition Party?


Add comment

Comments will be edited (grammar, spelling and slang) and authorized at the discretion of Daily Mirror online. The website also has the right not to publish selected comments.

Reply To:

Name - Reply Comment





Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka

VAT increase: SOUNDs death knell for publishers, readers

Though the Government imposed VAT (Value Added Tax) on vegetables and other e

How female change-makers are driving Sri Lanka’s energy saving platform

Saving energy has become more of a responsibility than a habit in today’s c

A dull Ramadan awaits Muslims amidst the Soaring Cost of Living

In the coming days, Muslims across the world will welcome the Holy Month of R

New wildlife underpass to curtail HEC

As of February 2024, Sri Lanka lost another 38 elephants as a result of the H