SLFP dissidents urge Colombo to prevent Rights abuses

Former Sri Lanka's Foreign minister, Mangala Samaraweera, and former Port Development Minister, Sripathi Sooriyaarachchi, on Thursday accused the Mahinda Rajapakse government of alleged human rights violations, and warned that Sri Lanka faced international isolation unless steps were taken to stem the tide of disappearances and extra judicial killings, sources in Colombo said. Addressing a press conference at the Parliamentary complex, Mr. Samaraweera said his concern about the growing human rights violations in Sri Lanka was one of the main reasons that he was sacked by Mr Rajapakse.

He said that their aim is to stop the Government from moving away from the middle path of the SLFP, and towards extremist policies.

Some of the points raised in the letter follow:


* To create programme to look into the grievances of those who helped bring the President to power. The government is today run by 3 persons but those who worked for the President’s victory is ignored.
* Reduce Cabinet size to 35
* Restore all the departments and institutions that were under different ministries which have now been taken over by the President.
* Improve relations with India and other friendly nations by taking immediate steps.
* Human rights and media freedom must be restored
Find a political solution to the national problem and submit proposals in two months.
* Allow the business community to operate without restrictions and fear
* Take steps to bring down the Cost of Living
* Fight bribery, corruption and waste.
* Restore good relations with the JVP and get their support and improve relations with the UNP.UNP.