Secretary of the Vavuniya District Disappeared Association, C. Zenitra, said there should be no political motives when it comes to the Tamil fight for justice for the victims of enforced disappearances.
At a press briefing in Vavuniya on Saturday, he criticised the purpose and existence of the state-initiated Office of Missing Persons (OMP). “It was created by the government as a tactic to deceive the international community. We have no confidence in that office,” she said.
She called on the international community to refer Sri Lanka to the International Criminal Court (ICC). “Without pardoning the Sri Lankan government for committing genocide, UN member states should help bring the perpetrators to justice in the ICC.”
Zenitra further highlighted the threats and intimidation that families of the disappeared were facing from Sri Lankan state and military officials. “The Ampara District President of our association has been summoned by the police for questioning even during this time of crisis. This government is staging violations even in the context of human rights sessions.”
“Many, including Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, have been diverting the international community with various lies to blunt our struggle for justice. We have been struggling continuously for 12 years. Therefore, the international community must come forward to solve our problem on humanitarian grounds without defending the Sri Lankan government for their own benefit,” she demanded.
Zenitra also stressed that Tamil politicians must set aside their intentions to secure seats in the Parliament and to represent the voices of the victim families. “Tamil politicians and the public must work together as one voice for the liberation of the people,” she added.
