The former head of Sri Lanka’s army has spoken out against paying reparations against those “who worked to divide the nation”, indicating that those who supported the LTTE would not receive any compensation.
“LTTE were those who worked to divide the nation by taking up arms,” said the former commander who oversaw the massive military offensive at the final phase of the armed conflict which killed tens of thousands of Tamils. “It is a serious offence according to the Constitution. I don’t approve of paying compensation to them.”
“However, if people are affected due to certain other reasons including while engaging in their official duties, such people can be compensated,” he added.
Fonseka is currently a government minister, having earlier been promoted to become Sri Lanka’s only five star general.
His comments come after he Office of Reparations Bill was passed in Sri Lanka’s parliament earlier this month. It has been criticised by Sri Lankan civil society for the fact the office would have no decision-making power or independence and would face excessive bureaucracy.
Human rights defenders and the Tamil National Alliance have warned that the establishment of the office should not be used as an excuse to derail calls for accountability.