The Sri Lankan Army Spokesman, on Saturday, rejected US accusations of witness intimidation in the Presidential Commission to Investigate Missing Persons, reports Colombo Page.
“We request that if such incidents have taken place, kindly provide the information to the Army rather than make such false and baseless allegations against us,” said Brigadier Ruwan Wanigsuriya.
He further added that the US should be voicing its concerns to the Sri Lanka government and not speaking to the media.
A spokesperson at the United States Embassy Colombo told The Sunday Leader that witnesses had faced intimidation and threats from security forces, when attempting to use the Presidential Commission.
“We welcome credible investigations into allegation of human rights abuses in Sri Lanka. There are numerous reports of widespread threats and intimidation by security forces against witnesses and potential witnesses to the Commission. We hope the experts chosen to advise the Commission can provide the assistance needed to help it meet international standards for credibility and independence,” a US Embassy spokesperson told the Sunday Leader.
“We request that if such incidents have taken place, kindly provide the information to the Army rather than make such false and baseless allegations against us,” said Brigadier Ruwan Wanigsuriya.
He further added that the US should be voicing its concerns to the Sri Lanka government and not speaking to the media.
A spokesperson at the United States Embassy Colombo told The Sunday Leader that witnesses had faced intimidation and threats from security forces, when attempting to use the Presidential Commission.
“We welcome credible investigations into allegation of human rights abuses in Sri Lanka. There are numerous reports of widespread threats and intimidation by security forces against witnesses and potential witnesses to the Commission. We hope the experts chosen to advise the Commission can provide the assistance needed to help it meet international standards for credibility and independence,” a US Embassy spokesperson told the Sunday Leader.