SL willing for int'l probe on war crimes: Ranil

13 February 2016 10:44 am - 13 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday made it clear that his government was not averse to international participation in investigating the alleged war crimes in his country, but said "final judgment will be made by the internal judicial system."

Wickremesinghe who was in Guruvayur to offer prayers at the famous Sree Krishna Temple made these observations while talking to reporters.

The Sri Lankan prime minister said representatives of the neighbouring countries like India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan as well as that of the US and human rights organisations can participate in the discussions on the war crimes in Sri Lanka.

He said Sri Lanka wanted to ensure that those responsible to the death of the civilians whether they were military personnel or the organizations like the LTTE, adding, a UN investigation had earlier said it was possible up to 40,000 people had been killed in the final five months alone.

"It was not clear how many of them were killed by the (Lankan) army or whether the LTTE had moved the people to the war zones which led to the death of some of them. We may not have the full expertise to identify the exact factors that led to those casualties. So international participation is welcome for determining such causes," the Sri Lankan prime minister said.

"But the right to make the final judgment that was responsible for the deaths and on the nature of punishment should rest with the judicial system of Sri Lanka. The judicial system in Sri Lanka was in shambles earlier, but now it is returning to normal. The sovereignty of each country must be respected in such issues," he added.

Replying to questions, he said civil war-ravaged economy of Sri Lanka is limping back to normal. But the economic crisis being faced by several countries in the backdrop of the falling oil process is affecting Sri Lanka as well.

Wickremesinghe was accompanied by his wife Maitree Wickremasinghe. They also offered prayers at the neighbouring Mammiyur temple as well.

Elaborate security arrangements were been made in connection with his visit. About 1,000 policemen have been deployed for providing security cover to the visiting VIP.

He is expected to fly back to Sri Lanka from Cochin by about 4pm on Friday.(Times of India)

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Comments - 13

jith Saturday, 13 February 2016 11:29 AM

This is the real problem this government suffers from. Different signals at different times to pacify the audience. Also, different parts of the government speaks different languages. Very bad for both democracy and investment.

Wesko Saturday, 13 February 2016 12:03 PM

There is nothing wrong in his speech.. He clearly has said that the country mention can participate in the discussion only. Other matters are under Sri Lanka Judicial System .. Not under any foreign Judicial system.

saman Saturday, 13 February 2016 01:27 PM

The Government has NOT been giving wrong signals at any time. Concepts of an international probe or an international investigation or an international tribunal are very different from a domestic inquiry with international participation. Why is there so much confusion being created around this? Moreover, it is not the nationality of a judge, or an investigator or prosecutor or forensic expert that matters, it is their capacity, competence, independence and skills!

Lal Saturday, 13 February 2016 04:27 PM

Its media thats twsiting his staement. He only said that internation groups can participate in Local investigation

chandra Saturday, 13 February 2016 04:46 PM

Whay ever said and done this government bound to invite international investigation as they came to power with support of masters who believes such a way. Good luck. via DM Android App

Dr.Raghavan Pathmanathan Saturday, 13 February 2016 05:35 PM

Very bold speech by the PM.I like his straightforward nature.After a long time I have seen a real politician with true commitments.

Darm Saturday, 13 February 2016 06:02 PM

NGO is speaking!!

jith Saturday, 13 February 2016 06:35 PM

One can split hairs on the wordings in detail. But, the issue really is how people will understand. It simply lacks clarity, and that affects the trust one places on the utterances the big guys make. that adds to uncertainty.

BuffaloaCitizen Saturday, 13 February 2016 06:43 PM

Bingo... you are absolutely correct. Many local fail to understand this simple logic and listen to the humbug churned by certain policial elements for their survival.

lawry Saturday, 13 February 2016 07:15 PM

If all our guys are innocent and only justification for the deaths is needed then no one needs to fear. In war death will occur and cannot be avoided that is justification; unless war itself is crime. Were there blatant mindless killings?Nothing wrong in the PM openly explaining.

onlooker Saturday, 13 February 2016 07:34 PM

Whom are we to depend on ? This is good for the yahapalana lunatics

sss Saturday, 13 February 2016 09:05 PM

in debt to the nose to satisfy non productive middle and upper middle class living style SL has to kneel; to everyone

Ranga Sunday, 14 February 2016 09:30 AM

@Lal...International involvement in a local investigation is called what mate???Hybrid???

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SL willing for int'l probe on war crimes: Ranil

Comments - 13

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