Army inquiry into Channel 4 allegations continue
The Army Court of Inquiry continues to follow the second phase of
their mandate to investigate allegations on summary execution of
captured LTTE terrorists pointed out in a documentary by the UK-based TV
channel Channel 4. "The investigation is an on going process and the
same Court of Inquiry will be conducting the investigations," Military
spokesman Brigadier Ruwan Wanigasooriya said.
According to the six-member Army Court of Inquiry, evidence revealed
that at all stages of the Humanitarian Operation, the Sri Lanka Army
behaved as a well-disciplined military force, observing the IHL and law
of war and they took all precautions to avoid civilian casualties and
all those who came under the control of the Sri Lanka Army, including
surrendered/captured LTTE cadre, were treated humanely, observing the
IHL to the letter.
The Sri Lanka Army is one of the few pioneer defence organisations in
the world to establish a separate directorate within the organisation to
educate the Force on International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights
(IHL and HR). "When a separate directorate on IHL and HR was established
in the mid-90's, the Sri Lanka Army was one of the few defence forces
that pioneered such a crucial step," he said.
"Even before establishing a separate directorate, the Sri Lanka Army
was strictly following International Humanitarian Law as our Army's
disciplinary codes were based on the doctrine of the British Army," he
said. "With the changes the country was facing, the Army felt the
requirement of educating officers and soldiers more on IHL and HR as the
Army had to interact more with civilians,"Brgd. Wanigasooriya explained.
The training programs were designed by the ICRC and training in the
initial stages was also carried out by them. The ICRC trained Army
officers as instructors and they conduct these courses throughout the
year as a compulsory part of training for every officer and soldier. At
present, both the trained Army officers and ICRC officials conduct IHL
and HR training programs for Army personnel.
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