There are no political prisoners in Sri Lanka

There are no political prisoners in Sri Lanka.  The government has vehemently deplored the attempt made by the Tamil National Alliance MP R.Sambanthan by his speech in the Parliament to mislead the international community by misinterpreting and distorting facts and to show that there are political prisoners in Sri Lanka.

Addressing the media conference held this morning to announce cabinet decisions at the Government Information Department, the Acting Minister of Mass Media and Information Mr. Lakshman Yapa Abeywardene said that there are 668 persons under custody who are suspected of involvement in terrorist activities prior to the liberation of the North and East from the clutches of the terrorists.

The Minister said that this position was clearly explained by Minister Nimal Siripala De Silva in parliament yesterday and said that there are 359 persons in custody who have been given charge sheets by the Court and awaiting trial. The involvements of the other 309 persons in terrorist activities are being investigated.

The Minister said that the government decided to expedite their trials and due to the large volume of court cases pending in the Colombo High Courts expeditious arrangements have been made to hear these cases in addition to the Colombo High Court in the High Courts of Anuradhapura, Vavuniya and Mannar.  He said that the Attorney General’s Department is expediting the preparation of the case files and will present them to the courts.

The Minister also disclosed that out of the former LTTE cadres who surrendered to the security forces 11,906 persons have been successfully rehabilitated, trained in various skills, provided self employment and facilities and integrated with the society. Another 670 persons are being rehabilitated at present and they will also be integrated with the society as soon as their rehabilitation and training are over. (niz)