Govt. mulling amnesty for EX-LTTE detainees
What he did, not cricket!
A number of officials from the countrywide clubs of the game had attended this party. The chairhopeful hailing from a family with close ties to the game too had functioned for a long time as a key official of the controlling body, but was summarily removed some time ago.
They all hit the bottle and their spirits were soaring. Even the host was seen being quite liberal with the bottle. The aspirant to the chair of the national game thought it was apt time for him to take the floor.
Addressing the wellwishers present he waxed eloquently about his merits for the big job he was eyeing. And no sooner had he sat down, up on his feet was the businessman who was playing the host. It was obvious this worthy had taken a gulp too many.
Despite being unsteady on his feet, the hostbusinessman spoke in
In its efforts to promote reconciliation and peace, among all communities, especially among the Tamils, the government is contemplating a presidential amnesty for Tamil detainees incarcerated for years without charges being framed, said a Resettlement, Rehabilitation and Hindu Religious Affairs Ministry spokesman.
He said yesterday the general amnesty would most probably coincide with Christmas and Thaipongal and that it was being contemplated on a request made by Rehabilitation, Resettlement and Hindu Religious Affairs Minister D.M. Swaminathan.
“The problem of detainees is being given publicity by politicians, civil society groups, affected communities and the media both locally and globally. In this regard, it is important to consider the current number of detainees in custody to enable decision-makers a steady tone: “I must say that certain things my friend said are utter falsehoods.” The one aspiring to head the national body for the gentlemen’s game looked as if he were struck by a thunder clap.
Another person in the party who got up made a bid to hold a brief for the ambitious candidate who received an unexpected beating from the host. However, the host businessman shouted him down. A commotion ensued and the party came to an abrupt end.
Meanwhile, reports say that a powerful government group is making behind–the– scenes moves to install the son-in-law of a politician from the Gampaha area as the head of the body controlling the gentlemen’s game. An ex-banker, this son-in-law, they say, is a total stranger to the game.
A wealthy city businessman recently threw a gala dinner party to promote a friend eyeing the highest chair of the body controlling the gentlemen’s game.the businessman who hosted the party himself had at one time occupied this coveted chair.
to adopt a proper approach and strategy to reintegrate the detainees into the community on a gradual basis,” the minister said in his memo to the Cabinet on this contentious issue.
The detainees have been categorized into three groups: Those convicted; those charged and awaiting trial or those whose cases have been partially heard and those who have not been charged but in remand custody for years as suspects.
The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has highlighted the need to review all the cases against the detainees held under the Prevention of Terrorism Act and either release them or try them in a court of law.
At the end of the armed conflict, those who surrendered, including several hardcore ex-combatants, were rehabilitated, released
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The detainees have been categorized into three groups
and integrated into the community.
The minister has proposed that the Ministries of Justice, Law & Order, Prison Reforms and Defence should separately submit the list of persons who are either in prison or in remand custody for various conflict-related offences with the details of the offences. This may help identify those detained for minor offences.
Guidelines for amnesty or pardon would be prepared by officials drawn from the relevant ministries with bail being considered in certain circumstances.
In case of strong evidence of a detainee having committed major offences in the opinion of the Attorney-general, legal proceedings should be initiated without delay.
The re-integration of ex-combatants into civilian life will be a positive and major step on the part of the Government in post-conflict recovery, reconciliation and integration.