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ITAK expresses disappointment over government’s stance at UNHRC
The Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK) has voiced strong disappointment over the statement made by Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath at the 60th session of the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC), accusing the government of failing to deliver on promises of accountability and reconciliation.
In a statement issued today, ITAK said that despite repeated assurances, the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) remains in use and a new counter-terrorism law is now being proposed.
The party also criticised the lack of progress in repealing the Online Safety Act, as well as the government’s rejection of international involvement in accountability mechanisms, including opposition to the Sri Lanka Accountability Project.
Highlighting the absence of an internal process for justice 15 years after the end of the armed conflict, ITAK said victims were left with no choice but to seek international assistance. The party also condemned the government’s failure to seek foreign expertise in the investigation of mass graves such as the one uncovered in Chemmani, Jaffna, where 240 skeletal remains were recently found.
ITAK further denounced delays in holding provincial council elections, claiming the government was “unduly denying the franchise” of Tamil-speaking communities in the North and East. The party urged the government to support a private member’s bill submitted by MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam to restore the electoral process without further delay.
At the same time, ITAK welcomed India’s reiteration of support for meaningful devolution of power, equality, justice, dignity, and peace for the Tamil community, as well as New Delhi’s call for early provincial council elections.
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