Canadian Tamil MP was attempting to embarrass Sri Lanka Government: Envoy

Friday, 10 January 2014 00:08 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Ottawa: Canadian Tamil MP of the New Democratic Party, Rathika Sitsabaiesan was attempting to embarrass the Sri Lankan Government by claiming she was subject to ‘political intimidation’, Sri Lanka’s mission in Ottawa said in a statement. Earlier this month Sitsabaiesan, who made a personal visit to her native Northern Province, said she was subject to political intimidation following reports of Sri Lankan authorities allegedly placing her under house arrest. Issuing a statement regarding the false reports, the Sri Lankan High Commission in Ottawa said the media publicity in Sri Lanka and Canada on her private visit created much controversy that needs to be clarified.

The High Commission statement stressed that the information reported in the media and in some of the websites that Sitsabaiesan was under house arrest was false and was confirmed by her and Canadian Government authorities. As Sitsabaiesan was on a tourist visa she had been advised not to engage in political activities which would amount to flouting Sri Lanka’s immigration laws and regulations. The Sri Lankan authorities handled the issue in a responsible manner but the statement made by Sitsabaiesan on 1 January 2014 posted in the NDP website that she was subject to ‘political intimidation’ is erroneous and is an attempt to unfairly embarrass the Sri Lanka Government, the High Commission said. “Moreover this stated position could be indicative of her seeking to engage in political activity, and being unable to do so in the interest of abiding by Sri Lanka’s immigration laws and regulations, seems to have been interpreted by her as political intimidation,” the statement noted. According to the Sri Lankan representative, her statement on defending principles of human rights further demonstrates a self-appointed role to baselessly pass judgment on a sovereign State. “After 30 long years of conflict waged by the most ruthless terrorist organisation in the world, Sri Lanka is at a stage addressing the complex issues to bring about healing and reconciliation. Those who genuinely wish to assist in this process should be sensitive to the needs of the country and all the people living in Sri Lanka,” the High Commission said.