Mano requests British government assistance

Convener of the Civil Monitoring Commission against Abductions and Disappearances (CMC), MP Mano Ganesan, yesterday called for UK intervention to stop white van abductions, enforced disappearances and extra judicial killings perpetrated against members of the Tamil community in many parts of the country.

Mr. Ganesan made this request when he called on British High Commissioner Dr. Peter Hayes at the British High Commission yesterday.

He also requested the UK government’s help to bring to a halt instances of intimidation and attacks on Media personnel.

Ganesan welcomed the British and the EU engagements with the government on the subject of human rights.

He said such initiatives would drive the government towards complying with international human rights conventions.

He explained his position on calling the Tamil people of the north and east to suspend visits to Colombo as a way to avoid enforced disappearances and arbitrary arrests. He also stressed on the lack of political will on the part of the government to implement even that which is stipulated in the 13th amendment. Dr. Hayes expressed appreciation for the work done by CMC and assured his government would take up all these issues at the appropriate forums.