While criticising the latest report issued by the Sri Lanka Defence Ministry on the Humanitarian operations, the New York-based Human Rights Watch said the report is an attempt to convince the world, that government forces committed no crimes in the conflict with the LTTE.

The report ‘Humanitarian Operation Factual Analysis July 2006 – May 2009,’ that was released yesterday claims that government forces did not use artillery against populated areas despite considerable evidence to the contrary and ignores compelling evidence of summary executions by its soldiers.

“The Sri Lankan government is finally admitting that its forces caused civilians losses during the conflict’s final months, but unconvincingly claims no responsibility,” said Brad Adams, Asia director at Human Rights Watch. “This is just the latest and glossiest effort to whitewash mounting evidence of government atrocities during the fighting.”
 

“The Sri Lankan Defense Ministry report is yet another feeble attempt to convince the world, despite growing evidence to the contrary, that government forces committed no crimes in the conflict with the Tamil Tigers,” Adams said. “Concerned governments should use this factually challenged report to jump-start international accountability efforts as the UN Panel of Experts recommended.”