In his blog in The Independent, journalist Emmanuel Stoakes calls for an independent inquiry into alleged war crimes.
See below for extracts.
"It has been around a thousand days since the conclusion of the war. In that time the response of the government to allegations of abuses, up to and including the LLRC report has been unconvincing, redolent of political self-service rather than an authentic attempt at truth and reconciliation.
"Even some of the most ardent patriots who instinctively rally to Rajapaksa must be growing weary of reflexive cries of “lies and propaganda!” every time new allegations surface. Any panacea’s placebo comforts dim with overuse.
"For this reason, among many others, Sri Lanka should allow for an independent inquiry into crimes that are alleged to have occurred during the endgame of the war - to decisively prove the inference of its representatives that there is nothing to hide.
"Having said that, here’s a thought: if America can table such a motion and expect a response, why shouldn’t the armed forces of Tommy “we don’t do body counts” Franks, and all Bush’s men not expect the same over, say, certain events in Fallujah, Haditha and Abottabad?
"And doesn’t Sri Lanka’s failure to self-examine convincingly also apply to Britain’s pathetic Hutton report on Iraq?
"Sri Lanka must be held open to international scrutiny for its alleged war crimes- Britain and America too.
"But don’t hold your breath."
Time for a reality check on the Sri Lankan civil war - The Independent (10 Feb 12)