Tamil party ITAK blasts Sri Lanka’s government at the UNHRC for broken promises on justice, mass graves, the PTA, and provincial elections, warning victims have no choice but to seek international help.
The Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK) has sharply criticised the Sri Lankan government over its conduct at the 60th session of the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC), expressing disappointment with the statement made by Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath. The party accused the government of reneging on its pledges of accountability, reconciliation, and democratic reforms.
ITAK noted that despite repeated promises, the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) continues to be enforced, and instead of repealing it, the administration is proposing a new counter-terrorism law. The party also raised concerns over the Online Safety Act, arguing that its repeal has stalled, while the government rejects any international role in accountability mechanisms, including opposing the Sri Lanka Accountability Project.
The party said that fifteen years after the end of the armed conflict, no credible internal process has been established to deliver justice. Victims, it argued, are left with no alternative but to rely on international involvement. ITAK further condemned the government’s failure to seek international expertise to investigate suspected mass graves, such as the site at Chemmani in Jaffna, where over 240 skeletal remains were unearthed during recent excavations.
In addition, ITAK denounced continued delays in provincial council elections, accusing the government of “unduly denying the franchise” to Tamil-speaking communities in the North and East. The party called on the government to back a private member’s bill presented by MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam to restore provincial council elections without further delay.
At the same time, ITAK welcomed India’s firm reiteration of its support for meaningful devolution of power, equality, justice, dignity, and peace for Tamils in Sri Lanka. The party also noted New Delhi’s call for early provincial elections as a crucial step forward in ensuring democratic participation.
