Wednesday, 23 July 2014 00:00
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PRESIDENT Mahinda Rajapaksa’s appointment of a high-level advisory panel and broadening the mandate of the Presidential Commission on disappearances has elicited some interesting responses.
At first glance skeptics may see it as yet another move by the Sri Lankan Government to promote a domestic inquiry in the eyes of the international community. As the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) probe moves closer and its significant fallout becomes more real the latest appointments can be seen as a way for the Government to shore up its own defenses.
Much like it did with the appointment of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) several years ago, the Government is preparing to answer the UN probe with one of its own. The logic seems simple and sound. In the ongoing tit for tat rounds between the Government and the international community upping the game must be responded to in the same spirit.
The Government has also removed a major thorn from its side in brushing up its governance record, to some extent, by handing out a 20-year jail term to Tangalle Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman Sampath Vidanapathirana for the murder of a British tourist and the rape of his Russian partner. The case, which festered for over two years and motivated the British Government to back more enthusiastically a US-led resolution has now been largely resolved.
The family of the unfortunately deceased man has accepted the verdict and while critics will question why a life sentence was not handed out and the British Embassy warns it is monitoring developments, the Government can move forward with a feather in its cap.
Sir Desmond De Silva and Sir Geoffrey Nice, Queens Counsels, and Professor David Crane were appointed by President Rajapaksa last week to offer expert advice. Yet Government Spokesman and Media Minister Keheliya Rambukwella has already stated only the top echelons of power in Colombo will decide whether or not to follow given advice, providing yet another reason to be circumspect of the new appointments. Yet it cannot be denied the appointment of such well-respected professionals have elevated confidence in the domestic process proposed by the Government, albeit unexpectedly.
The three-man Presidential Commission on Disappearances led by former High Court Judge Maxwell Paranagama had its mandate has been broadened by Presidential Proclamation, to probe deaths of civilians in the No Fire Zone in 2009 and the conduct of the military during that period of conflict. The advisory panel will also analyse the controversial Darusman report and call for clarifications from the Government including armed forces.
This sudden decision has put Opposition parties on guard as the Government over the past few years has yelled itself hoarse denying any civilian casualties and steadfastly denied any war crimes. Just a few weeks ago the Government also presented to Parliament and passed a resolution banning the UN investigative team from entering the country.
The United National Party (UNP), in particular, has questioned this change of heart and questioned as to why such massive decisions affecting the country and its future was not presented in Parliament or publicly discussed at a Cabinet meeting. While this will provide ammunition for the Opposition ahead of the Uva provincial council campaigns, its impact on the international community is less certain. Allies and enemies have been equally silent so far, perhaps feeling the proof of the inquiry can only be seen at its end.
