It would be problematic for Rathika 

Sitsabaiesan to make a “strong statement” 

while in Sri Lanka- Gary Anandasangaree

It would be problematic for Rathika Sitsabaiesan to make a “strong statement” while in Sri Lanka- Gary Anandasangaree

For parliamentarian Rathika Sitsabaiesan while in Sri Lanka and also to issue a strong statement would be problematic, says Human Rights Lawyer Gary Anandasangaree. He appeared on the CTV News to discuss the reports of “intimidation" against the Canadian MP while she was visiting Sri Lanka. 

NDP released a statement on New Year’s Day quoting Rathika Sitsabaiesan MP that she was “subject to political intimidation,” and was warned of being “subject to arrest and deportation, as several commonwealth MPs from New Zealand and Australia recently faced” in Sri Lanka.

In the statement NDP further stated that according to Canadian High Commission in Colombo, there is no longer an arrest warrant against Rathika Sitsabaiesan MP existing as Sri Lankan authorities had claimed earlier.

Responding to a question from CTV News whether the MP from Scarborough-Rouge River was pressured or coerced by Sri Lanka to make such a statement, Gary Anandasangaree added that, “there may be some strategy to her statement”, and full details are to seen only when Rathika Sitsabaiesan MP returns to Canada. 

For critics, the situation is quite dangerous in Sri Lanka Gary Anandasangaree pointed out on CTV News. The MP was out of danger only due to the level of scrutiny on the matter by the Canadian Government he said.

Gary Anandasangaree also emphasized his concerns for the safety and well being of the general public and activists in the Tamil Heartland area of Sri Lanka North, in the aftermath of their exposures with the visiting Canadian MP. 

Colombo newspapers reported that Rathika Sitsabaiesan MP left Sri Lanka on Saturday, January 4.