“[The military] have taken over our lands, our livelihoods, our businesses, our resources and are a threat to the wellbeing of our war widows and others.”
“Are we therefore in a fit state of mind to celebrate Thai Pongal?” Justice Wigneswaran asked the audience, who included the Sri Lankan prime minister, Ranil Wickremesinghe, along with the UK Foreign Office minister for South Asia, Hugo Swire who is currently visiting the island.
Drawing attention to the 16th goal of the UN's 2013 agenda for sustainable development, which calls for justice for all and the establishment of accountable and inclusive institutions, Justice Wigneswaran said "this is indeed what we Tamils of this country are interested in."
“Unfortunately we in the North do not enjoy such a luxury," he added, highlighting the ongoing use of the draconian Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA).
“Does it ensure equal access to justice for all? A dubious confession has been made the cause for continued incarceration,” he said.
“We must instead have a human mindset and people security perspective which means rule of law at the local government level, provincial council level and national level to ensure human security in this country.” he added.
Pointing to the reports of secret torture camps and the emergence of the 'missing' after many years in detention, Justice Wigneswaran said this proved that accountability and transparency were lacking.
Drawing attention to the constraints faced by the northern provincial council, Justice Wigneswaran, said "I am sorry to say that politically our Northern Provincial Council is being undermined by the central government at all levels. Projects are decided by the Center and foisted on us top to bottom."
Urging the international community to develop the North, Justice Wigneswaran said, though Sri Lanka is regarded as a middle income country, we in the Northern Province are lagging far, far behind. We are below par.”
“Maybe Thaipongal is an ideal opportunity to rethink and retrace,” he said.
“Looking from a macro standpoint, let me say we have to improve ourselves as a country very much. We have inherited prejudices and wrong notions. We have inherited violent thoughts and hatred. We need to jettison such notions and thoughts and prejudices.”
“May this Thai Pongal usher in a better future for all of us.
