sri_lanka_bishops_on_tamil_evictions

Asian Issues

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference was deeply concerned over the incident of the recent eviction of some hundreds of Tamil people from lodges in certain areas of Colombo and their being taken to areas of the North and the East. It is alleged that this action has been taken in the interest of national security.

While it is necessary to ensure that there is no proliferation of terrorist activity not only in Colombo, but in the entire country, it is regrettable that many innocent people were being put to unnecessary inconvenience, anguish and hardships due to certain procedures being followed to prevent such activity.

We exhort the government and all law-enforcement authorities that they do not in any way cause undue pain of mind and inconvenience to any person. Innocent people should be permitted to live in safety and conduct their day to day affairs. In fact, the Constitution of the Republic of Sri Lanka on fundamental human rights, art. 12(3) states: “No person on the ground of race … is subject to any disability, liability, restrictions etc…” Art. 14 (1) (h) states that: “Every citizen is entitled to freedom of movement and of choosing his residence within Sri Lanka.” Hence, it is clear that the eviction of the Tamil People is a gross violation of fundamental rights unless they are proved to be a threat to the security of the country. In the process of eviction undue hardships have been caused to these innocent Tamil civilians. International fora have accused the authorities of gross violation of human rights which has tarnished our image both at home and abroad.

We suggest that other more humane and just courses of action be taken to identify persons who are truly a threat to peace, law and order, so that the innocent may be spared of unnecessary harassment and that the human rights of all be respected. This is our position even with regard to any future endeavors to curb any further terrorist activities. We are in solidarity with those who have already expressed concern and have had recourse to legal process to restore the rights of those who were affected. We appreciate the gesture of His Excellency the President who had ordered an immediate enquiry into the incident and also the words of apology of the Prime Minister regarding this sad issue.

Once again we appeal earnestly to the government and other civil authorities that they take precautions and great care to avoid any course of action in the future that will disturb the lives of ordinary innocent civilians who wish to move freely and go about their ordinary tasks as they wish, in any part of the country.