Withdraw PTA, emergency: JVP

19 May 2011 10:43 pm Views - 3947

The Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) yesterday called for the withdrawal of the Prevention of Terrorism Act and the emergency regulations immediately as a measure to quell attempts by ‘international elements’ to interfere in Sri Lanka’s internal affairs.

In an interview with Daily Mirror, JVP General Secretary Tilvin Silva said steps should be taken to release all Tamil detainees adding that though the armed separatist struggle had ended, the attempts by some neo-colonialist elements to divide this country were continuing.

“These forces have not given up their attempts to interfere in the internal affairs of the country,” he said. “With the end of the war, the government should have taken steps not to leave any room for such interference by the United Nations or anyone else. It is very important to lift the state of emergency and do away with draconian laws such as the Prevention of Terrorism Act. In the post-war context, steps should be taken to release all these Tamil political detainees. Action is needed to speedily resettle all the displaced people by giving them the necessary facilities. It is all the more important to establish civil administration in those areas.”

Mr. Silva made these comments pre-empting the possibility of India asking the Sri Lankan government to do away with the State of Emergency. (KB)