Matale Mass Grave: Police Failed To Record A Statements From Gota

May 18, 2013 

“The standing committee of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) on Rule of Law at its meeting on 10^thMay decided to express its concern on the appointment of a commission regarding the unearthing of the mass grave in Matale, when in fact what is necessary is to proceed under the normal Law of the Country.  Commissions of inquiry has throughout our history has been a modus adapted to sweep an issue under the carpet.  It is noted that the Police has not yet taken even the most important step of recording of statements from persons who were in charge of security during the relevant period.” says it’s Convener Priyantha Gamage.

Issuing a statement he said today; “The failure of the Police, up to now, to make any progress in the investigations into the multiple attacks on the Udayan Newspaper and its staff is causing grave concern to those interested in protecting the freedom of expression and Rule of Law.  This is a serious lapse considering the fact that a large security force is stationed in the area.  This has led to much speculation regarding the attackers.  Therefore we call upon the authorities in charge of the investigations to expedite the investigative process to bring the culprits before the law and in fairness to all those concerned to make a public statement as to the reasons for the failure to bring those who has committed these criminal acts before the law.”

“The detention of Azath Salley under the Prevention of Terrorism Act and the drama that followed raises a serious question of the use of the Prevention of Terrorism Act to detain persons who are suspected to have committed offences that can be tried under the normal law of the country.  What emerges is that this Act which is a piece of legislation that deprives a suspect of a fair trial in keeping with the fundamental rights enshrined in the constitution and the protection that an accused or a suspect is entitled to under the criminal law of the country is being used to harass persons who are critical of the government.  This will give rise to a serious situation where dissent will be suppressed and the freedom of speech and assembly be deprived to selected citizens.” the Convener further said.

Deterrent action for Indians found fishing in Lankan waters

Subodh Ghildiyal & Indrani Bagchi, TNN | May 18, 2013

NEW DELHI: The government is planning "deterrent" action against Indian fishermen violating international waters with Sri Lanka, finding that trawlers and ships from this side are the biggest source of confrontation with the Emerald isle.

The decision to slap penalties and even suspend the licences of fishermen who are repeat offenders of the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) stems from their refusal to heed the earlier warnings.

Foreign minister Salman Khurshid spoke to his Lankan counterpart G L Peiris on Friday, seeking the release of 26 Indian fishermen inColombo's custody. In response, Peiris asked for a meeting between the fishermen's associations of the two countries to resolve the issue.

This has Indian government stumped because of Tamil Nadu's rigid attitude, possibly for political reason. The TN government has stonewalled an early meeting of fishermen's association, saying the atmosphere wasn't conducive for it. This has the Centre explore alternative venue for such meeting like Puducherry or Bangalore. PMManmohan Singh has personally weighed in on this with TN CM J Jayalalithaa as has Khurshid and the MEA brass, without any success.

At a recent meeting chaired by the foreign secretary Ranjan Mathai, the view veered towards the fact that Indian fishermen are crossing the IMBL to fish in Lankan waters with impunity. The meet emphasized that Indian fishing boats were routinely transgressing the IMBL, with the Indian Navy pegging the figure at 700-900 every day.

In a bid to enforce discipline, several long-term measures may soon be put in place. Besides deterrent penalty for violators and suspension of licence for repeat offenders, India may extend the "no fishing" period from the current 45 to 60 days and also during monsoons. New Delhi may set up a "no fishing zone" straddling the IMBL and India-Lanka Marine Disputes Authority.

The move to rein in the Indian fishing community seeks to address the major flashpoint between New Delhi and Colombo, threatening the diplomatic detente besides emerging a polarizing issue in TN politics.

In addition, India might take more serious measures like a ban on bottom trawling and use of monofilament and twin fold nets, which are the main culprits from the Indian side. This is not allowed in most countries, but Indian fishermen use these equipment which destroys marine ecology and stop issuing licences to new trawlers from operating in the Palk Straits and the Gulf of Mannar.