Diaspora hand in human smuggling targetting UNHRC sessions
Nadira GUNATILLEKE
It has now become obvious that the illegal transportation of groups
of Sri Lankan people to Australia by sea is a well organized 'operation'
launched by a certain interested party/parties.Information on this issue
had already been received.
It is possible that the Diaspora or any other group/groups could be
behind the human smuggling targetting the next United Nations Human
Rights Council (UNHRC) sessions in Geneva in September, Cabinet
Spokesman and Media Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said.
According to Minister Rambukwella, the issue can be used against Sri
Lanka during the next UNHRC sessions to be held in Geneva in September.
Arrangements have already been made to educate the Sri Lankan public via
television on this issue. Discussions are going on with the Australian
Government considering the issue as something major. Discussions are
going on with groups of lawyers in connection with the required
amendments to the law. A combined strategy will be implemented with the
participation of three armed forces to stop this human smuggling.
Minister Rambukwella pointed out that India has extended its fullest
corporation towards Sri Lanka by extending the ban on the LTTE
and advising Indian politicians not to promote a separate state in
Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka ensured the safety of eight Armed Forces members
who had been trained in India. India is the major stakeholder when it
comes to training Sri Lankan Armed Forces members. Over 1,500 Sri Lankan
soldiers are being trained in India annually. They also receive training
in other countries. Only a small group of politicians in Tamil Nadu act
against Sri Lanka.
"A committee headed by President's Secretary Lalith Weerathunga has
already been appointed by President Mahinda Rajapaksa to look into the
implementation of LLRC recommendations.
"The government will decide the time frames to implement the short
term recommendations. The issues created as a result of the 30 year long
conflict cannot be addressed within six months," Minister Rambukwella
added. |