The international community must act to “ensure justice and lasting peace in Sri Lanka” said a statement signed by ten Tamil diaspora groups to mark the New Year.

“We would like to bring to the attention of the international community that in the 15 months since the resolution, even basic pledges have been broken by the government -  the commitment to release all political prisoners, return of occupied land that belongs to the Tamil people and repeal of the draconian Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) are all promises which have not been fulfilled,” said the statement.  

“Meanwhile, the present Sri Lankan regime continues to act like the international component of any accountability mechanism is a negative aspect which needs to be avoided and overcome,” it added. “Senior leaders have made pronouncements reneging on international commitments.”

In recent days, Sri Lanka’s Consultation Task Force on Reconciliation Mechanisms, called for for international judges to be involved in an accountability mechanism. Senior government ministers, including the president have reportedly rejected that demand.

“Only an urgent, decisive and concerted action by the international community can secure a solution to prevent the unresolved national conflict manifesting into yet another conflagration in Sri Lanka,” the statement concluded.

The organisations that signed the statement are listed below. See the full text of the statement here.

British Tamil Conservatives  
British Tamils Forum [BTF]
PEARL  
Solidarity Group for Peace and Justice in Sri Lanka
Swedish Tamils Forum 
Tamils for Labour
Tamil Friends of Liberal Democrats
Tamil Information Centre
Together Against Genocide [TAG]
USTPAC