New Delhi, Feb 15 (IANS) Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena’s ambitious plans for reform and reconciliation should lay special emphasis on ensuring justice, accountability and the rule of law, Amnesty International India said Sunday.
Sirisena arrives here Sunday on a three-day official visit during which he will meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for bilateral talks.
“Sirisena has an extraordinary opportunity to improve relations between communities in Sri Lanka, and usher in an era of true reconciliation based on justice, equality, freedom and dignity,” said Shemeer Babu, Programmes Director at Amnesty International India.
“The new government’s 100-day reform plan has generated a lot of optimism. Sirisena has taken important steps to restore the independence of the judiciary and other important institutions.
"It is crucial that the government does not neglect issues of justice and accountability.
“Sirisena acknowledged in his Independence Day speech that Sri Lanka had failed to heal divisions between ethnic groups since the end of the brutal civil war," the statement said.
"His government must now act to end discrimination and impunity, ensure impartial investigations into human rights abuses, and protect free speech.
“It is important that the international community supports Sri Lanka through these initiatives, beginning with India, which is one of its closest and most important partners.
"Prime Minister Modi should extend all support to President Sirisena and work with him to push reforms in the crucial areas of justice and accountability.”
Sirisena has promised that Sri Lanka will conduct domestic investigations into alleged crimes under international law, including allegations that both Sri Lankan forces and the LTTE committed war crimes during the armed conflict.
These investigations must be conducted promptly and in good faith, with independence, adequate resources and effective witness protection, the rights body said.
Domestic investigations will not negate the need for continued international action and engagement to ensure justice and accountability in Sri Lanka, Amnesty said.
The government must cooperate with the UN, including the OHCHR Investigation on Sri Lanka (OISL).
“The new Sri Lankan government should extend the support and cooperation to the ongoing UN investigations that was missing while the previous government was in power,” said the statement.
Microsoft to set up largest project in Noida, buys 60 thousand sqm land for Rs 103 crore
The world's famous software maker Microsoft will put up a project in Sector 145 of Noida in 60 thousand square meters. For this, the Noida Authority has allotted land. Noida Authority has also
Warm, sunny Thursday in Delhi
New Delhi, March 19 (IANS) It will be a sunny and warm Thursday in the national capital, the Met Office said."The sky will remain clear and the day would be warm," an official of the India
Mobile Bonanza Sale starts at Flipkart, strong discounts on these smartphones
Mobile Bonanza Sale has started on the e-commerce platform Flipkart from today. In this cell, which runs till April 11, discounts are being given on popular smartphones. Apart from this, many great
India helped maintain political stability in Bangladesh, Hasina's minister told how
A Bangladesh minister believes that India has helped maintain political stability in his country. Bangladesh's Information Minister Hassan Mahmood on Tuesday said that India has played an important
'Will give a befitting reply to every wrongdoing of China on LAC', Lieutenant General said - will not let the status quo change
India has warned today about the ceasefire violations by China on LAC in the last few years. Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi said that we are always prepared due to the Chinese incidents of
Monsoon Update: It will rain heavily for four days in these states including UP, Delhi, and Bihar, read the condition of your state
New Delhi, Online Desk. Weather Update Today Monsoon rains have knocked in all the states of the country. In many areas of Bihar, Gujarat, and Assam, rains have created flood-like situations.
US Capitol Riot: Two years of US Capitol violence, Biden said- 'American democracy was attacked'
Two years have passed since the attack on the US Parliament. Regarding the Capitol Hill violence (US Capitol Riot), US President Joe Biden said that two years ago i.e. on January 6, 2021, the
Satyam case verdict deferred till April 9
Hyderabad, March 9 (IANS) A special CBI court here on Monday adjourned pronouncement of the judgment in the multi-crore Satyam scam till April 9.Special Judge B.V.L.N. Chakravarthi, who was scheduled
Corona soared 82 days in 5 days in India, today China will also leave behind
Coronavirus India Update: As of Thursday, total cases of corona virus infection in India increased to 82,085. Of these, 27,686 patients have now recovered completely after treatment. 2,646 patients
Corona Updates: 6,396 new cases were reported in the country, only 5% of the vaccinated people in Maharashtra had to be admitted due to Omicron
Corona cases are continuously decreasing in the country. During the last 24 hours, there were 6,396 cases of corona in the country. At the same time, 201 people died. 13,450 people recovered after
