Wed, 24 Apr 2024 Today's Paper

No war memorial ban for SL

By

11 June 2013 06:08 am - 3     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A A A

The Coalition Government has refused to bow to demands from human rights groups to bar Sri Lanka from an event in Glasgow in UK to commemorate the First World War.

Campaigners including Amnesty Scotland had said the country should not be invited because of its appalling human rights record.

The Government will mark the centenary of the war after next year's Commonwealth Games with a special service in Glasgow Cathedral followed by a wreath-laying ceremony at the Cenotaph.

The heads of state of Commonwealth countries are to be invited.

Asked if Sri Lanka's President Mahinda Rajapaksa would be included, a spokesman for the Department of Culture, Media and Sport said the UK "enjoys normal diplomatic relations with Sri Lanka".

He added: "The final list of invites to the event in Glasgow will be decided nearer the time."

Mark Bevan, programme director at Amnesty Scotland, said: "We would urge the UK Government to prevent Sri Lanka using any Commonwealth event to gloss over the very serious human rights abuses in the country."

The Glasgow ceremony is among a programme of cultural events, candlelit vigils and other services that will be held to commemorate the First World War.

Culture Secretary Maria Miller, unveiling the programme in London, said: "Next year marks the centenary of events which did more than any other to shape the world in which we live.

"Given the scale of the conflict, it will not be difficult for every family in every village and every town up and down our country and indeed across the Commonwealth to be able to find their own story to tell."  (Source: Herald Scotland)

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 - 3

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
  • Saskia Tuesday, 11 June 2013 06:20 AM

    Thanks Coalition Government.
    War criminal on the war memorial. What a funny world it is. This is only as long as you are on that position.

    jana Tuesday, 11 June 2013 06:57 AM

    What does commemoration of a war where even many Sri Lankans remember and were part of got to do with politics? These amnesty people will use whatever event to make money and they will do the same with a campaign like that "No ball" fiasco they did during the 07 cricket world cup.

    Suq Madique Tuesday, 11 June 2013 11:18 AM

    Ouch...another kick up the collective backsides of the LTTE rump. Seems the world is slowly recognizing them for what they actually are.


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