Rajiva Wijesinha

“ The High Commissioner is aware that, unlike previous governments, the present government is seeking active assistance from her Office for training and other measures to improve human rights in Sri Lanka. Whereas we are proud of the record of our armed forces in upholding national and international law more successfully than other forces engaged in the struggle against terrorism, we know that there are other aspects that need to be addressed, and we are striving to do so despite the difficulties caused by terrorism. ”

“ In short, it is regrettable that the High Commissioner seems to be diffident about criticizing terrorism, because a statement that seems to place government and the LTTE on the same level loses the moral authority it should have with regard to criticisms as to actual violations of human rights. ”

“ Certainly the LTTE did place heavy artillery within the safe zone, as testified to by the Bishop of Jaffna who, in requesting the government to extend the safe zone, said that he was 'urgently requesting the Tamil Tigers not to station themselves among the people in the safety zone and fire their artillery-shells and rockets at the army. This will only increase more and more the death of civilians thus endangering the safety of the people'. ”