In U.S., Gotabaya promises to engage Tamil diaspora
The Hindu
President’s offer sparks scepticism among Tamils
Sri LankanPresident Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s recent statement in New York that he would invite the Tamil diaspora for discussions on resolving pending questions of war-time accountability and justice in the island nation has sparked more scepticism than hope among Tamils.
In a at the UN Headquarters, President Rajapaksa — who is attending the 76th session of the UN General Assembly — said “internal issues” of Sri Lanka should be resolved through “an internal mechanism” of the country. The Tamil diaspora would be invited for discussions in this regard, he said, according to a media release his office.
The announcement is significant, coming from President Rajapaksa, whose government proscribed several Tamil diaspora organisations six months ago, branding their members “terrorists”. The Rajapaksa administration has repeatedly referred to diaspora groups as “pro-LTTE” outfits, often accusing them of attempting to revive the Tigers’ separatist struggle.
YouTuber ‘Savukku’ Shankar alias A. Shankar’s mother has filed a habeas corpus petition (HCP) challenging his detention under the Goondas Act even before the Home Secretary could refer the matter to the Advisory Board for its opinion and therefore, the petition must be dismissed, Greater Chennai City Commissioner of Police Sandeep Rai Rathore, has contended before the Madras High Court.