News
Reparations for VVT massacre by IPKF: NPC backs Valvettithurai Citizens’ Committee move
National Peace Council (NPC) Executive Director Dr. Jehan Perera said that the Valvettithurai Citizens’ Committee (VCC) has quite correctly directed its claim to the Sri Lankan government through the Office for Reparations for 1987 Valvettithurai massacre.
The VCC recently asked for Rs 4.3 bn compensation for the deaths of over 60 persons and destruction of property by the Indian Army.
Responding to The Island query, Dr. Perera has sent us the following response: “The demand by the Valvettithurai Citizens’ Committee put to both the Sri Lankan and Indian governments is not something unprecedented if international experience is considered. The entry of the Indian Peacekeeping Force into Sri Lanka was not a unilateral act but the result of the Indo-Lanka Accord, signed with the consent of the Sri Lankan government. By authorising foreign troops to operate on its territory, Sri Lanka assumed responsibility for the protection of its citizens under international law.
In terms of international law, governments have a duty to protect their citizens from harm, regardless of whether that harm is inflicted by domestic or foreign actors operating with governmental consent. This is why, in cases such as the NATO operations in Kosovo or the UN missions in Congo, host governments have borne responsibility for providing reparations even when the direct harm was caused by external troops.
The Valvettithurai Citizens’ Committee is correct in directing its claim to the Sri Lankan government through the Office for Reparations. Reparations are not only financial demands. They also serve as acknowledgements that the lives lost mattered, and commitments to prevent recurrence. The fact that this demand comes 37 years after the killings is not an aberration. It simply shows that time by itself does not heal wounds that have never been recognised.
In terms of the UN Human Rights Council resolution that was passed last month in Geneva, the government is under obligation of a two-year timeline to deliver on core obligations, including reparations for war-affected communities. The government needs to demonstrate that justice is not selective and that the suffering of all communities, whether Tamil, Sinhalese, or Muslim, and whether harmed by state forces, militants, or foreign troops is acknowledged. “
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya participated in a high-level dialogue titled “Tourism as Soft Power and Diplomatic Capital” held at the Euronews Hub, Piz Buin Davos, on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum on January 20.
The session explored how tourism functions as a strategic instrument of diplomacy by strengthening international trust, cultural exchange, and regional cooperation through mobility and people-to-people engagement. The Prime Minister shared the panel with Mr. Kuban Omiraliyev, Secretary General of the Organization of Turkic States and Mr. Meshari Alnahar – CEO Aseer Investment Company, Saudi Arabia.
Addressing global trends, the Prime Minister emphasized that Sri Lanka is an example of hope, recovery and resilience in a world of conflict demonstrating how tourism can play a critical role in a changing global environment particularly amid climate shocks, geopolitical instability, and uneven economic recovery. She noted that tourism is not only an economic sector but also a vital diplomatic bridge that supports livelihoods, builds relationships and connects people.
Drawing on Sri Lanka’s recent experience, she highlighted the country’s strong tourism recovery despite multiple crises, including the impact of Cyclone Ditwah. Transparent crisis management and strategic engagement with international partners helped sustain visitor confidence, resulting in record tourist arrivals even in challenging circumstances.
The Prime Minister also underscored the importance of green and climate friendly tourism infrastructure and underlined that Sri Lanka welcomes long term investment in tourism. She pointed out that tourism supports millions of jobs worldwide and that inclusive policies are essential to ensure fair opportunities, particularly for women and vulnerable communities.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
During an operation conducted in the dark hours of 20 Jan 26, the Sri Lanka Navy seized two (02) Indian fishing boats and apprehended seven (07) Indian fishermen while they were poaching in Sri Lankan waters, off Kovilan, Jaffna.
The seized boats and Indian fishermen was to be handed over to the Fisheries Inspector of Myliddy, Jaffna for onward legal proceedings.
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya participated in a series of high-level bilateral meetings on January 20 on the sidelines of the 56th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland.
The Prime Minister attended a productive bilateral meeting with Mr. Jozef Síkela, European Commissioner for International Partnerships. During the discussion, both sides focused on strengthening Sri Lanka–EU cooperation and advancing mutual interests.
Prime Minister Amarasuriya also met with Mr. Masato Kanda, President and Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), at the WEF Congress Centre. The meeting provided an opportunity to discuss ongoing engagement and future collaboration between Sri Lanka and the ADB.
In addition, the Prime Minister held discussions with Mr. Hassan El Houry, Chairman of Menzies Aviation, where opportunities for collaboration in aviation services and connectivity were explored.
The Prime Minister also participated in a high-level dialogue at the Global Tourism Forum held at the Euronews Hub, Piz Buin, Davos, as part of the World Economic Forum engagements.
Dr. Anil Jayantha, Minister of Labour, and the Deputy Minister of Finance were also present at these meetings.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
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