National Peace Council
of
The National Peace Council is a Sri Lankan
organization dedicated to support a negotiated
solution to the ongoing war in
reject the logic of 'Peace through war', and
believe that the only lasting solution to the
conflict is through a negotiated settlement.
February 25, 2009
The LTTE has issued an appeal to the international community to support a ceasefire that will safeguard lives and create an environment for political negotiations with the Sri Lankan government. This call has come even as the Sri Lankan government is on the threshold of capturing the last remaining LTTE territory. The government has rejected the appeal for a ceasefire unless it is accompanied by unconditional surrender by the LTTE. In the meantime military engagements continue in the Vanni, whilst outside, guerillas have staged insurgent attacks. These attacks have included the deliberate targeting of civilians, which the National Peace Council categorically condemns.
From a humanitarian perspective, a ceasefire that saves lives is always preferred to continued warfare and the bitter human suffering it generates. The current phase of the war in particular has inflicted enormous suffering on tens of thousands of civilians who continue to be trapped in the shrinking pocket of LTTE controlled territory. The UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon has requested a suspension of fighting to permit the civilians to have safe passage to flee the conflict. This appeal has also been made by the EU and other countries. The National Peace Council supports a ceasefire that has the express purpose of evacuating civilians from the war zones to welfare centres that operate in accordance with international standards.
We further believe that if the ceasefire is to be further extended to include political negotiations aimed at a political solution, the LTTE needs to agree to the laying down of arms. To ensure an atmosphere of trust, the process of disarmament could be monitored by international organizations, with the concurrence of the Sri Lankan government. The National Peace Council believes that a ceasefire that is accompanied by the evacuation of civilians, should be followed by both an agreement to work towards a political solution and the laying down of weapons. Such a process offers the best opportunity for Sri Lankans of all communities to enjoy a future of peace, justice and reconciliation with the support of the international community. Sustainable peace requires the cooperative involvement of all parties, working together for a better future.
February 11, 2009
Media Release
GIVE REASSURANCE TO CIVILIANS WHO CROSS OVER
The plight of civilians trapped in the war zones still controlled by the LTTE has been one of the most tragic features of the present military conflict in Sri Lanka. These people have been subjected to repeated displacement, inadequate supplies of food and other essentials, suffered shelling and bombing, and been forcibly prevented from leaving by the LTTE.
The most recent tragedies have been the shooting dead of 19 civilians and injuring of about 70 others and the suicide bombing that took place in the midst of civilian movements out of the LTTE-controlled area that killed at least 10 civilians and injured a large number, in addition to killing 20 Sri Lankan military personnel. The National Peace Council condemns these brutal actions and calls on the LTTE to permit the movement of people according to their wishes and in terms of international law.
A reported apprehension of the people who cross over is that they will become vulnerable to a process of separating and detaining civilians by the Sri Lankan military who receive them upon their making the crossing. The recent suicide bombing indicates the possibility of LTTE cadre seeking to infiltrate with the civilians. Where there is detention of some of the people who cross over we affirm that such detentions should take place in a transparent manner in accordance with international law.
There are also reports that many people are reluctant to come out as they have family members with the LTTE, or have received training as civilian militias by the LTTE. At the present time the only international organization permitted to be in the conflict zones is the International Committee of the Red Cross. It is important that either they or some other independent agency should be present at the crossing points to provide transparency and reassurance to civilians who cross over. Such a course of action will enhance the credibility of the government and facilitate the movement of people to safety.
February 06, 2009
Media Release
GUARANTEES NEEDED FOR HOSTILITIES TO END
Norway, Japan, the United States and the EU, which have been actively involved in promoting conflict resolution as the co-chairs of the Tokyo donor conference in 2003, have called on the LTTE to discuss modalities for ending hostilities with the Government of Sri Lanka. These include laying down of arms, renunciation of violence, acceptance of amnesty and a process to achieve a just and lasting political solution. They have justified their statement by judging the situation on the ground and concern for safeguarding life. However, government spokespersons have rejected this call for negotiations and for a no-fire period on the grounds that the LTTE use periods of ceasefire to rearm and attack and demanded the unconditional surrender of the LTTE.
In their statement the co-chairs have also called on the government and LTTE to declare a temporary no-fire period to allow for the evacuation of the sick and wounded, and provision of aid to civilians. They have also pledged to work with the Government of Sri Lanka, India, the United Nations and others to ensure the internally displaced people from the north are transferred to temporary camps where UN agencies, the ICRC, and humanitarian organizations will have full access and the IDPs will be treated according to international standards and resettled in their original homes as soon as possible.
As heavy fighting continues, the National Peace Council appeals for respect for international conventions governing war in the context of civilians trapped in the war zones and reports of shelling of civilian hospitals with civilian casualties. We believe that international monitoring and facilitation is necessary for the process outlined by the co-chairs to be effectively implemented. Laying down of arms needs to be in accord with the norms and practices adopted in other war-torn countries, where this has happened successfully. In particular, there must be guarantees that safeguard civilian life on all sides, and that ensure the realization of a just and lasting political solution, for which so many lives have already been sacrificed.
The Independence Day message of President Mahinda Rajapaksa made reference to the government's resolve to ensure equal treatment of its Tamil population after the war. The credibility of this promise will be enhanced by actions taken today to safeguard Tamil civilians and to preserve life in general. We are concerned that the price paid by Tamil civilians in the present and immediate future will be very high if the co-chairs appeal goes unheeded. This will be disastrous for future peace and reconciliation in Sri Lanka to which everyone of goodwill would wish to commit themselves to and which will be necessary to maintain a peaceful and democratic country after so much bloodshed has been shed.
January 09, 2009
Media Release 1
The Assassination of Lasantha Wickrematunge
Barely three days after the MTV television station was bombed and razed by an armed group, armed assassins have claimed the life of one of Sri Lanka’s foremost journalists, Lasantha Wickrematunge. The killing of this courageous journalist will add to the sense of intimidation and fear in the media, which has already suffered several such attacks and killings of media persons.
As editor of the Sunday Leader, Lasantha Wickrematunge was fearless in exposing political weaknesses and corruption in the government and in society in general, and the impunity that accompanies them. He also advocated a negotiated political solution to the ethnic conflict and highlighted the cost of the war which the government is undertaking. Although an individual, he was also the creator and leader of a media institution and his assassination can be construed as a death blow to media freedom to take up the issues he did.
Lasantha Wickrematunge will long be remembered by those who believe in the role of the media to create a politically literate society which alone can protect democracy. The National Peace Council condemns his assassination and mourns his loss. We grieve with his family, colleagues and friends and trust that his sacrifice would mark an end to a culture of impunity that seems to be overtaking us.
Thinking people can only reflect on Pastor Niemoller's saying, who is next? At this time, in our helplessness, we can only appeal to the government and our political leaders to follow democratic and righteous norms and ensure that the freedom of expression, freedom of media, and the Right to Life of all is protected.