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Solemnly Marking The 4th Anniversary of The End of War in Sri Lanka On May 18

The document summarizes a statement by Dr. Karunyan Arulanantham, Executive Director of the Tamil American Peace Initiative, on the 4th anniversary of the end of the war in Sri Lanka. Dr. Arulanantham expresses ongoing concerns about human rights violations against Tamils and other groups in Sri Lanka. While calling for an independent international investigation into alleged war crimes, Dr. Arulanantham notes that the Sri Lankan government has failed to facilitate any credible investigation into issues raised in a recent UN resolution.

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80 views1 page

Solemnly Marking The 4th Anniversary of The End of War in Sri Lanka On May 18

The document summarizes a statement by Dr. Karunyan Arulanantham, Executive Director of the Tamil American Peace Initiative, on the 4th anniversary of the end of the war in Sri Lanka. Dr. Arulanantham expresses ongoing concerns about human rights violations against Tamils and other groups in Sri Lanka. While calling for an independent international investigation into alleged war crimes, Dr. Arulanantham notes that the Sri Lankan government has failed to facilitate any credible investigation into issues raised in a recent UN resolution.

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Solemnly Marking the 4th Anniversary of the End of War in Sri Lanka on May 18 Media Contact

Tim Kopper 202-841-4774 [email protected]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 17, 2013 | Given the lack of progress toward reconciliation and continued troubling human rights violations in Sri Lanka following the end of military conflict, this anniversary is no time for celebration. The Tamil American Peace Initiatives Executive Director, Dr. Karunyan Arulanantham, issued the following statement: We remain gravely concerned about the situation on the ground in Sri Lanka for all ethnic and religious groups, particularly Tamils. As stated in a resolution passed by the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in March, ongoing problems include enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, torture, and violations of the rights to freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly, as well as intimidation of and reprisals against human rights defenders, members of civil society and journalists, threats to judicial independence and the rule of law, and discrimination on the basis of religion or belief. These are the same actions that led to and perpetuated decades of violence ethnic conflict and instability. President Rajapaksa rules in an authoritarian manner and continues to consolidate power, with more than 70 percent of the governments finances under his and his brothers control. Although this same UNHRC resolution called upon Sri Lanka to launch a credible, independent investigation into the final stages of the war, it does not go far enough. The government has already failed to facilitate any such investigation. Given what we all know about the past and present, how can such a government be expected to credibly investigate itself or facilitate reconciliation? The Tamil American Peace Initiative joins the many other human rights groups across the globe in calling for the United Nations to move forward with an international, independent investigation. Tamil Americans call upon the United States Government to create an independent international commission of inquiry through available international mechanisms without delay. People in Sri Lanka are continuing to suffer and the clock is ticking. About TAPI The Tamil American Peace Initiative was formed by a group of Tamil Americans to help bring lasting peace, justice, democracy, good governance and economic development to Sri Lanka; to focus attention on the destruction of Tamil communities and culture caused by almost three decades of war; and to demand an end to the continuing oppression of Tamils on the island. Contact T. Kopper at [email protected] or +1.202.841-4774 for additional information or to arrange an interview with Dr. Karunyan Arulanantham.

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