May 18: Day of Remembrance :

No victory parade

Commemorating War Heroes :

Welfare support for disabled, families :

by Ranil Wijayapala

The Government has decided to mark May 18 as a Day of Remembrance of fallen heroes. In the past it was a massive military show of strength. The day marks the end of the three-decade long armed conflict in Sri Lanka.

The people in the North, however, with the backing of a few politicians and civil organisations were planning to mark it as a week of mourning.

Expressing his views on the forthcoming event on May 18, State Minister of Defence, Ruwan Wijewardene said:

Q: Sri Lanka witnessed the commemoration of the end of the three-decade long armed conflict in a big way during the past six years, even after this government was formed in January 2015. Why has the government this time around decided to stop the Victory Day parade?

A: A huge military parade entails large sums of money and a parade is being held every year to mark Independence Day. There is no need to hold another military parade to mark Victory Day. This time that money will be spent on the well-being of family members of the fallen, disabled and serving armed forces personnel.

Q: How will the government commemorate it this year?

A: The Ranaviru Seva Authority have declared a Ranaviru month from May 5 and organised commemorative events in different parts of the country. On May 18, we will lay floral tributes at the Ranaviru Monument at the Parliament grounds in Battaramulla.

Q: Some politically motivated organisations in the North have declared a week of mourning in the North in memory of the dead, including LTTE leaders at the Nanthikadal lagoon. What is the Government’s reaction?

A: The government considers the LTTE an internationally banned terrorist organisation. There is no room to commemorate the LTTE. We don’t have a problem with commemorating those killed and those who have disappeared during the conflict. That is the right of every individual. However, hoisting LTTE flags will not be permitted and the LTTE cannot be commemorated.

Q:Northern Provincial Council MP M.K. Sivajilingam is attempting to hold a remembrance day at the Nanthikadal lagoon on May 19 under the guise of commemorating civilians who died in the conflict. Will they be permitted to conduct such an event ?

A: Any organisation could commemorate those killed in the conflict. But hoisting LTTE flags and commemorating LTTE leaders will not be permitted.

Q: How will the law be enforced if there is an attempt to commemorate the LTTE in any part of the country?

A: We have informed the police and the security forces in this regard. Any function to remember the dead in the conflict will be permitted but no organization could commemorate the LTTE or the LTTE leader.

Q: How will you ensure security in the North during this week?

A: We will ensure security not only in the North but also in other parts of the country and prevent unwanted incidents.

Q: Deputy Minister Vijayakala Maheshwaran said they will build a monument in the Nanthikadal lagoon to remember those killed near the Nanthikadal lagoon on May 18 and May 19. Will the government permit this?

A: We have not been informed of such a move. If it is a monument to remember the LTTE we will not permit it anywhere. If it is to remember those killed in the conflict we don’t have any objection.

Q: The government talks about reconciliation, but the end of the conflict is commemorated in two different ways in the North and other parts of the country. Do you think this will ensure reconciliation in the country?

A: We emphasized the need to encourage reconciliation, at the Presidential election as well as at the general election. We are committed to reconciliation and working towards it. We know there are extremists in the North as well as in the South. They are attempting to create problems. There will be some problems due to these extremist groups. President Maithripala Sirisena, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and the government are committed to reconciliation.

Q: Is there any state sponsored function for civilians in the North to remember those killed in the conflict?

A: To my knowledge there is no such function in the North. The Defence Ministry is not organizing an event. We are organizing functions to commemorate fallen war heroes and to ensure the welfare of disabled soldiers and their family members.

Q: The government has indicated that it will repeal the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) and bring new laws instead. What is the situation regarding this?

A: The Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Public Security and Law and Order, the Tri Forces and the Police are having discussion in this regard. Since this is an Act relating to national security, it will take considerable time to discuss this matter in detail. There is a move to change the PTA and bring in new laws, but that will not happen in the immediate future.

Q: There are fears that it will be stronger than the PTA?

A: No, there is nothing to fear. There is no motive to target political opponents or any other specific group through this new law. Before bringing the law, it will be discussed with the other political parties also. It will ensure the security of all ethnic groups and will protect citizens.

Q: There is fear among the public that LTTE suspects under detention will be freed once the PTA is repealed. Is there any justification for these fears?

A: They will not be released even if the PTA is repealed. There is nothing to fear.

Q: With the arrest of some ex-LTTE leaders and cadres, there is suspicion that there is an attempt by the LTTE to reorganise. What is your assessment on this situation?

A: The detection of a suicide kit in Chavakachcheri and the arrest of LTTE leaders does not indicate that there is an attempt to reorganise. The recovery of weapons and ammunition was taking place in the past few years. This is normal. The Security Forces and the Police have taken action regarding these issues. I believe the LTTE has no strength to regroup or reorganise. We will not allow such things to happen. Whether it is the LTTE or any other organisation, we will not permit national security to be jeorpadised.