Convener of the parent’s collective of the disappeared Britto Fernando directed the question at the PM when they were in the same platform yesterday (10) at an event to mark international human rights day.

Fernando pointed out to him that despite claims by the government to the contrary, missing persons were surfacing from time to time.

The government has failed to publicize a list of those who have officially surrendered to the military and those in prisons.

Without answering the question about the torture sites, Wickremesinghe said lands of the north would be returned to their owners and an office would be opened to investigate missing persons.

Freedom of speech

Other HR activists, who addressed the event at the BMICH, organized by Platform for Freedom and Civil Societies Collective, noted the freedom of speech was there under the present government, but HR and total freedom were yet to be established in the country.

Dr. Nimalka Fernando charged the system remained the same, although ruling politicians have changed, and that the CID and the state intelligence were involved in spying on NGOs.

The NSSP leader said the focus should also be on the abolition of the executive presidency, resolution of the national issue through devolution of powers and the establishment of a HR mechanism.
He charged the forces opposed to the release of political prisoners were still at work, as that process was dragging on without it being done upon a political decision.

Minister Mano Ganeshan said the reference of political prisoners could not be made still, although he raised a voice about HR in the cabinet.

44 journalists lost their lives

PM Wickremesinghe said media activists have handed him over a list of 44 journalists who had lost their lives under the Rajapaksa regime.

Promising to establish HR, he said that would also be made a school subject.

The premier thanked those who joined in the Platform for Freedom for appearing for HR despite being branded traitors during the previous regime.

Separate letters were handed over to the PM on behalf of the disappeared, political prisoners, torture victims and those who have lost their land.

Several diplomats, including the EU ambassador, Sudarshana Gunawardena, Philip Dissanayake, Dr. Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu were also present.