The Leader of Tamil National Alliance, Opposition Leader R. Sampanthan has written to President and Prime Minister urging them to take necessary steps to release LTTE detainees.
He pointed out that the detainees who were arrested under the Prevention of Terrorism Act and statements have been obtained forcefully and it is unfair to file charges against them in such an environment.
He noted that Sri Lanka has accepted both domestically and internationally that, the Prevention of Terrorism Act is draconian, obnoxious, and should, therefore, be regarded as obsolete.
“Sri Lanka has made several commitments that PTA will be repealed and that a new Law will be enacted in keeping with acceptable domestic and international norms” he reminded.
Sampanthan also said that government has already released 12,000 LTTE cadres after rehabilitating them and there were individuals who had linked with much greater crimes among them.
"Those who are kept are only suspects", he added.
Under these circumstances, he says an unnecessary issue has been created by the transfer of some cases from Vavuniya to Anuradhapura.
Three detainees commenced a fast demanding that their cases should be heard in Vavuniya courts.
The TNA Leader urged the government, as the way JVP members were given a general amnesty, these group could also be given a general amnesty.
He also pointed out as a result of this issue, harthals and protests are often being held in the North and East and this issue should be resolved considering it as a need of the country.
R. Sampanthan has sent a copy of his letter to the Minister of Justice as well.