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Karuna denies UN allegations

6 February 2010 02:14 pm - 16     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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By Kshanika Argent


Minister of National Integration and Reconciliation Vinayagamurthi Muralitharan (Karuna) has rejected allegations raised in a UN report that claims rampant child recruitment is taking place in the Ampara district under the orders of his associate Iniya Barrathi.

Speaking to Daily Mirror Online Minister Karuna stated that he had met with the retired Major General Patrick Cammaert, sent to
Sri Lanka by the UN a few months ago to compile a report on Children and Armed Conflict in Sri Lanka, with the Minister of Justice. 

Minister Karuna said that he had taken up Mr. Cammaert’s concerns with Mr. Barrathi who denies the allegations. He said, “There’s no need for us to recruit child soldiers anymore since we are now involved in a political process,” adding that Mr. Barrathi is a Presidential Coordinator in Ampara and will be contesting the upcoming general elections with the SLPF.

In his report, Cammaert alleges that there are a number of reports of child recruitment and threats of re-recruitment of children in Ampara district by Mr. Barrathi and that some children from the district, currently undergoing re-integration assistance and skills training, are afraid of returning to Ampara upon completion of the training.

Mr. Cammaert goes on to claim that Minister Karuna was aware of the situation and that the Minister had urged Mr. Barrathi to stop recruiting and expressed frustration over his behavior.

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  Comments - 16

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  • Saturday, 06 February 2010 02:55 PM

    Former Tamil Terrorist are obstacle to Ethnic Harmony in Srilanka.

    Saturday, 06 February 2010 04:17 PM

    Hay Karuna, don't try to cheat yourself and cheat the nation. You are unto money now. Don't conn..... OK

    Saturday, 06 February 2010 09:18 PM

    Karuna never accepted that he recuits child soldiers, but the reality shows otherwise, eh!

    Saturday, 06 February 2010 11:29 PM

    suba anagathayak?

    Saturday, 06 February 2010 11:36 PM

    I gues you one the ministries of denials in the government of SriLanka. Why not dare to face an inquiry and prove nothing happen.

    Sunday, 07 February 2010 03:17 AM

    Mr.Karuna why Bati tamil people didnt vote for you(MR) in this election.

    Sunday, 07 February 2010 04:38 AM

    Karuna, You lack credibility after entering UK on False Passport .

    Sunday, 07 February 2010 05:21 AM

    Sad all these guys are ministers

    Sunday, 07 February 2010 07:55 PM

    Karuna, do you know what UN stands for!!!!!

    Sunday, 07 February 2010 08:41 PM

    MR Kuruna you were cdeated the UK government but you end up in Jail, paease do not show the 32 teeth. from april you have no more minister .

    Sunday, 07 February 2010 11:48 PM

    What more do you expect from Karuna, a traitor, joining hands with MR!!!!

    Monday, 08 February 2010 03:29 AM

    If Karuna become good we should accept him.Any one can be good person after admiting faults and correct it.

    Monday, 08 February 2010 05:58 AM

    that's because Tamils never accept traitors

    Monday, 08 February 2010 08:47 AM

    emathi thamai owa danne i dont know why

    Monday, 08 February 2010 09:51 AM

    Are you guys srilankan,,,?

    Monday, 08 February 2010 03:38 PM

    Only last year the old Karu fraction said that they were 'rehabilitating' 106 child soldiers..The Alan Rock Report had no doubt that Karuna was responsible for abducting many hundreds of children to induct as soldiers and that at a time when he was fimly in bed with Rajapakse. Really the mendacity that surrounds the SLFA regime is quite sickening and brings shame onto the Sri Lankan nation.


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