Government is failing to win hearts in the north: Karu

Former UNP Deputy Leader calls for full implementation of LLRC recommendations

By Dharisha Bastians

Four years after the end of the war, the Government of President Mahinda Rajapaksa continues a campaign of repression and has failed to win the hearts of the northern people, UNP Parliamentarian Karu Jayasuriya said on Wednesday.

Criticising the Government’s move to prevent 11 busloads of northern people who were largely female family members of the missing, Jayasuriya said that the Government that was proudly holding election after election in every other part of the country had entirely forgotten about the political rights of people in the north.

“People do not expect repression and rigid rule in post war environment. While we enjoy the absence of war, it is equally important to appease the minds of the people who suffered during the war,” he said.

Jayasuriya said that the people who were trying to come to Colombo from Vavuniya were only engaged in an attempt to air their grievances democratically.

“Steps are not being taken to win the trust of the people of the north. They need to be given the opportunity to elect their representatives democratically.”

Warning that sanctions against the country would endanger the people, Jayasuriya called on the Government to implement the recommendations made by the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC). He said although the Commission was appointed by the President, the Government trying to avoid implementing its recommendations.

“Remedies to the wounds inflicted to the society as a whole due to the war and terrorism have been recommended by the LLRC report. The LLRC consisted of the members who won the regard and respect of the country,” he said in defence of the report.

Jayasuriya said that India had supported Sri Lanka’s war effort in the belief that a political solution would be sought to the island’s ethnic strife.

“The Government promised to give a 13+ solution which goes beyond the 13th Amendment to the Constitution. But the Government breaches the promises given not only to the people but also to the international community,” he said, warning that the world no longer trusted Sri Lanka’s promises.

“As a civilised nation, we must not revert to tribalism by casting aside democratic values and traditions,” Jayasuriya warned.