Today, I rose in the House of Commons to deliver a statement about Sri Lanka's historical financial crisis. The corrupt regime led by Mahinda and Gotabaya Rajapaksa are accused of war crimes, crimes against humanity & genocide. pic.twitter.com/S3FMPt8INB
— Gary Anandasangaree (@gary_srp) April 4, 2022
Responding to the crisis in Sri Lanka, MP for Scarborough-Rouge Park, Gary Anandasangaree, slammed the Rajapaksa administration, which stands accused of genocide, and stressed that financial support must not be used “to support the oversized military with a history of rights violations”.
Additionally, the MP also notes the necessity of repealing the draconian Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA). The PTA has come under fire by numerous human rights groups and activists for the ways it has been used to violate civil liberties in the name of state security.
“If Sri Lanka is to move forwards, it must severely curtail its military spending, return lands to Tamils, repeal the Prevention of Terrorism Act and release all those being held under the act, ensure accountability for international crimes, account for the disappeared, and ensure there is a just political solution that recognises the inherent right of Tamils to self-determination” he added.
“Anything short Mr Speaker, will lead to ongoing instability and chaos on the island” he concluded
Sri Lanka's military budget accounts for 15% of total government expenditure for 2022, a 14% increase over the allocation in 2021. Despite the armed conflict ending over a decade ago, the military has failed to demilitarise the North-East. Instead, the military's inflated presence has intruded into civilian life, including running farms, canteens and schools.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, wrote in her latest report that there has been a "further drift towards militarisation". Bachelet also expressed that the "concentration of civilian positions in the hands of military officials, affects the democratic governance and the long-term character of the state."
Anandasangaree’s statement comes amidst widespread protests across Sri Lanka in response to a dire economic crisis that has seen major shortages in food, fuel and medicines. Responding to the public outcry the entire cabinet resigned from their posts bar the Prime Minister, Mahinda Rajapaksa. A new cabinet with four ministers has been established with allies of the President.
Read more here: Sri Lanka's new cabinet - familiar faces are back
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