Release names of detainees-DNA

12 December 2010 09:43 am

The Democratic National Alliance (DNA) today appealed to the government to release the names of those held in custody or rehabilitation centers as several gangs operating in the North swindle money from parents promising to trace their children who disappeared during the war period.

DNA General Secretary MP Vijitha Herath told a news conference today that there are instances where Rs. 500,000 had been taken from such hapless parents.   Mr. Herath said that these unscrupulous elements claim to be having links with certain government higher ups.

“This is a serious situation. Therefore, we urge the government to release the names of all those Tamil persons now held in custody or rehabilitation centres. There are around 8000 such persons. Otherwise, local and foreign forces which work against the interests of the country can make an issue out of this situation and it for their ends,” he said.

Mr. Herath said that these are issues to be considered in coincidence with the international human rights day in December. (Kelum Bandara)