India must use the opportunity to extract a commitment from Sri Lanka to initiate a serious process of dialogue aimed at evolving a political solution to the Tamil issue.
While the Sri Lankan Government and security forces have confirmed the possession of chemical weapons by the LTTE, it is very difficult to verify the actual use of such weapons. However, there are occasional media reports available of LTTE’s chemical attack.
Acknowledging the fact that military victory over the LTTE is not the final solution, Mahinda Rajapaksa has promised to restore the rights and dignity of the Tamils through a political solution.
The Panel has recommended genuine investigations into the alleged violations of the international humanitarian and human rights law committed by the GOSL and the LTTE.
Infrastructure development projects in the North and the Eastern province is undoubtedly important to banish poverty but cannot be a “major part of political solution” as pronounced by President Mahinda Rajapaksa.
The Sri Lankan government seems to be in a desperate hurry to bring about all the necessary revisions in the constitution to strengthen the Executive Presidency without any provision of checks and balances. Sri Lanka, under Rajapaksa, is headed towards nepotism and dictatorship as the 18th amendment suggests.
UNHRC Resolution on Sri Lanka: India’s Options
India must use the opportunity to extract a commitment from Sri Lanka to initiate a serious process of dialogue aimed at evolving a political solution to the Tamil issue.