European Parliament conducts public hearing relating to Sri Lanka

COLOMBO: The Development Committee of the European Parliament conducted a Public Hearing in Brussels relating to Sri Lanka on June 5.

The Hearing was conducted in two parts, the first part dealing with the “Impact of Post-Tsunami Reconstruction in Sri Lanka and Indonesia” and the second part dealing with the “Human Rights Situation and Humanitarian Space in Sri lanka”.

A large number of NGOs, Media representatives and Members of the European Parliament (MEP) attended the Public Session, states a Foreign Ministry press release.

The Sri Lanka delegation was led by Ambassador Aruni Wijewardane, Sri Lanka Ambassador in Austria and assisted by Shavindra Fernando, Deputy Solicitor General, Dr. Jayantha Samarasinghe of Reconstruction and Development Agency (RADA), Gamini Hettiarachchi as well as the Sri Lanka Embassy in Brussels.

In the Session relating to Post-Tsunami reconstruction, Dr. Jayantha Samarasinghe outlined the progress made by the Government in the several stages of Post Tsunami relief, recovery and reconstruction.

He also outlined the areas where further international assistance is required such as housing and livelihood restoration. Gamini Hettiarachchi, Deputy Director General of Reconstruction And Development Agency (RADA) gave a description of the Post - Tsunami Disaster Management framework in Sri Lanka, including the Diaster Management Act, the National Disaster Management Council and the setting up of the Disaster Management Centre.

In concluding this Session, MEP Niranjan Deva Aditya expressed satisfaction over the progress Sri Lanka has made in reconstruction of affected sectors.

The Session relating to the Human Rights Situation and the Humanitarian Space in Sri Lanka was chaired by Josep Borrell Fontelles, MEP and former President of the European Parliament. At the outset Ambassador Wijewardane outlined the importance of Sri Lanka’s relations with the EU as a development partner, as well as Co-chair of the peace process.

Ambassador Wijewardane highlighted that the human rights and humanitarian situation in Sri Lanka arises in the context of the long conflict with a ruthless separatist terrorist organisation - the LTTE. The Government is committed to a negotiated sustainable solution to the conflict.

In responding to concerns raised, Deputy Solicitor General Shavindra Fernando outlined the progress made by the Presidential Commission of Inquiry as well as in the Action Against Hunger case.

Several Members of the European Parliament condemned terrorism by the LTTE as a cause of concern, and the need for the LTTE to return to the negotiating table.

Some MEPs identified terrorism as the root cause of the prevailing situation in Sri Lanka, and highlighted the complete denial of human rights of civilians living in areas under LTTE control.

MEPs stated that the prime target of the LTTE are the Tamils themselves, and also highlighted the need for long term solution that reaches out to the Tamil population of Sri Lanka in order to fulfil their aspirations.

In his comments, the representative of the European Commission welcomed the commitment of the Government of Sri Lanka to ensure that humanitarian supplies will be provided to affected civilians.

The chair of the session concluded that an extensive debate had been held on the issues relating to the Human Rights situation and Humanitarian Space in Sri Lanka, and thanked the representatives of the Government and NGO speakers for their participation.

He also invited the Government delegation to share any further information and clarifications on matters raised during the discussion, with the Members of the Development Committee of the European Parliament.