Don't imprison soldiers for GSP: Rathana Thera

16 January 2017 05:31 pm - 11 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Ven. Athuraliye Rathana Thera said today that security forces personnel should not be imprisoned in connection with war crimes for the sake of regaining the GSP+ facility from the EU.

After remaining politically silent for some time he told a media briefing that the government had mentioned about a hybrid court as one of the conditions to regain this trade concession.

“Do we have to imprison military personnel who defeated terrorism to regain the GSP. Don’t we have any self-confidence? However, today we have re-gained this facility sans a hybrid court,” the Thera said.

He criticized the government for co-sponsoring the UNHRC Resolution on Sri Lanka to probe allegations of human rights violation during the final phase of the armed conflict.

“The UN resolution states that war crimes had taken place and that we need to probe the allegations in a transparent manner. What we said about these allegations is not what we should have said. We said a war took place and it was bad and therefore, we should follow the guidelines set by foreign countries. Is that what we should do?” the Thera asked.

He said he too knew envoys from the US and India and that there was no unusual pressure from them.

The monk said all wars were ruthless and that terrorism had to be defeated.

“Sri Lanka should inform the international community that we are prepared for National Reconciliation today. We are not curtailing the rights of any citizen and as a democratic and civilised country we will always ensure the human rights of all people,” he said. (Lahiru Pothmulla)

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Comments - 11

das Monday, 16 January 2017 06:02 PM

If they did anything wrong, they must be punished.

ceylon Monday, 16 January 2017 06:04 PM

soldiers imprison for their brutal crimes.this monk is fake monk. Buddhism teach justice not to do crimes. via DM Android App

Tissa Monday, 16 January 2017 06:04 PM

If they killed in the name of the so called war we have send them to you for Seth pirith chanting via DM Android App

Joseph Monday, 16 January 2017 06:11 PM

Every country has the right to defend its territorial integrity and defeating a ruthless terrorist outfit does not constitute war crimes. However, there have been many abuses by hand full of solders and they have to be taken to task for the sake of majority of the people of this country.

ANTON Monday, 16 January 2017 06:24 PM

YES .... HAAMUDURUVANE ............ AMERICAN AND BRITISH SOLDIERS ARE GIVEN MODERN AND DEADLY DESTRUCTIVE FIRE ARMS ....... TO PLAY COW BOY GAMES ?

Shelly. Monday, 16 January 2017 07:24 PM

With due respect I have to tell the Thera that he has not listened to the repeated assurances given by the President. If he cant beleive what the Prez. assured he has to say so.. via DM Android App

Liberal One Monday, 16 January 2017 08:12 PM

yes by the law of the land. Not by a process controlled by foreigners. We owe our forces that.

Lara Monday, 16 January 2017 08:13 PM

If you believe assurances by this president you should be a moron.

Bala Monday, 16 January 2017 09:58 PM

Imprisoning soldiers is not done - only criminals who are bad soldiers.

Sofia Monday, 16 January 2017 10:02 PM

But local judicial system biased and flawed- see Raviraj case. everyone acquitted - Raviraj shot himself !!

S.R.H. Hoole Tuesday, 17 January 2017 05:24 AM

This monk's comment implies that local judges would mean "not guilty" verdicts and no imprisonment for guilty soldiers. That is a strong case for judges from outside who will judge impartially.

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Don't imprison soldiers for GSP: Rathana Thera

Comments - 11

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