Rajapaksa asks for explanation from IGP on eviction of Tamils

Colombo, June 8 (UNI) Amid the US-led international condemnation for the eviction of hundreds of Tamils from the budget-lodges in the capital city here, President Mahinda Rajapaksa today demanded an explanation from his police chief for the ''security related operation''.

''The President has called for an immediate inquiry to be initiated to ascertain the basis for this security-related operation,'' the President's office said in a statement.

''Allegations that officials exceeded their authority in implementing this initiative will be thoroughly investigated and appropriate remedial action will be taken, including disciplinary action against any wrongdoing on part of any Government official,'' the statement said.

According to the statement, the Inspector General of Police has been asked to submit an immediate report to the President on the manner in which the exercise to transport Tamil people living in lodges in Colombo and its suburbs to their places of permanent residence in the North and East was carried out yesterday, and about reports regarding hardships and inconvenience caused to the people concerned.

The statement added that the President has taken serious note of the concerns expressed by members of parliament, civil society organisations, human rights organisations and activists, religious leaders and the media relating to the incident yesterday.

The presidential orders went out as the United States and the Norwegian facilitators condemned the high-handed action of the police terming it as ''a violation of local and international human rights laws''.

''The United States condemns the forced removal of Tamils from Colombo. Such measures violate the Sri Lankan Constitution's guarantee that every citizen has the right to freedom of movement and choice of residence within Sri Lanka,'' the US embassy said here in a statement, while claiming that the US understands and supports Sri Lanka's obligation to defend itself against terrorism.

The Norwegian embassy said here in a statement that the Government of Sri Lanka has legitimate security concerns and has the right and obligation to take measures to guarantee the safety of its population.

However, such measures should not indiscriminately target Tamils, or any other ethnic group, and should always be in accordance with international human rights law,'' it added.

UNI