Mangala on Accountability & Hybrid Court
A special press conference was held in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs yesterday. In the press conference Minister of Foreign Affairs Mangala Samarawera said that false propaganda has been carried out to the effect that the Srilanka Government has undertaken to punish the Army at the 32nd sitting of the UNHC at Geneva. We have not given any blanket undertaking. At the same time it is not a new thing in Srilanka to punish a few Army men, who took law into their hands and done atrocities and human rights violations . Good example is that Army men who were responsible for offences in Manemperi and Krishanthy killings were punished. Just because a few Army men behaved in an unlawful manner, entire Army cannot be held responsible. Our Army has earned good name in the world. That is why they are selected in peace keeping work. Even though some Army officers acted unlawfully , all possibilities are there that they were directed to commit such offences by their superior officers, who gave orders . We have to find out superior officer or officers who gave orders and bring them before law. That is the exercise we are going to do . A debate will be held in Parliament soon in connection with establishment of a mechanism for missing persons. In September a truth and reconciliation Commission will be appointed. Internal inquiry will begin in early part of next year. Missing persons is not confined to North but applicable to south too. I came to politics because of this missing persons issued he said.
While I under took my trip to Geneva, I met Tamil Diaspora and listened to their requests . Questions raised by the journalist and reply given by him is as Fallows.
Q : Is it necessary to invite international observers in internal inquiry ?
A : There is nothing wrong in making use of them when necessity arise . In Bandaranayake murder investigation international cooperation is obtained. There are difference of opinions on this matter. We have considered both opinions.
Q; Is the President and the Prime Minister have given the format for internal inquiry?
A; No. In a democratic country they too have their rights to express their views. All views will be taken into consideration before final decision is taken based on majority views.
Q; Is it correct that more than 40, 000 Tamils were killed ?
A; It may or not be correct. What ever we say, they won’t believe us. That is where an inquiry mechanism is required .
Q; Did Diaspora accepted your invitation ?
A; I have extended the invitation, but I do not know whether they have accepted it. Some of those who are diehard continued to be blind.
Q; Is their any security threat to Srilanka by IS terrorist?
A; I express my heart felt feelings to those , who are affected by IS terrorist. Srilankan Forces are on red alert
Q; Is military presence be reduced?
A; Not only in North East but in the South too Army will be withdrawn once normalcy returned.
In short Mangala said
01. Paranagama’s expression on cluster bombs unnecessary.
02. Accountability mechanism will be established early next year.
03. Decision on inviting international judges only after consultation with all parties concerned .
04. Removal of Army from areas not required will be completed by the year 2018.
05. More than those who committed war offences, authorities who have ordered and induced offender be identified and punished.
