The leader of the Labour Party Ed Miliband has expressed his deep regret at the failure to realise justice and accountability 5 years after the end of the armed conflict in Sri Lanka.

In a statement, released for the Mullivaikal Remembrance Day, observed by Tamils the world over, Mr Miliband offered his thoughts and wishes to those commemorating the anniversary of Mullivaikal.

The leader of the British opposition said that a “genuine reckoning with the past can help lay the foundations of a sustainable peace”, adding that this process is imperative to secure a negotiated political settlement.

An event organised to commemorate the victims of the armed conflict in 2009 was held in Mullivaikal on Saturday, with heavy military presence.

Over 20 military personnel were watching the event, organised by Northern Province Councillor Ravikaran, filming and photographing those participating.

The councillor marked the occasion by handing out educational equipment to local children who had lost one or both parents during the conflict. Speaking to the Tamil Guardian, Councillor Ravikaran said that the army was trying to intimidate the participants, while the event was ongoing.

The leader of the Ontario PC party Tim Hudak has called for accountability from the Sri Lankan government, in his message to the Canadian-Tamil community to mark Tamil Memorial Week.

Hudak said that the annual memorial week is “vital to ensuring we never forget the innocent civilians killed during that war” and that it goves opportunity to “demand justice for those who died, for the families still living in that country, and for those who fled abroad”.

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Armed troops have blocked roads leading up to the TNA office on Martin Road in Jaffna around 1pm local time.

People attempting to enter the office were turned away by soldiers, a source within the TNA, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Tamil Guardian.