Truth Will Emerge if Pillayan is Properly Investigated: Shanakiyan

23-May-2026

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Ilankai Tamil Arasu Katchi Parliamentary Group Leader and Batticaloa District MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam stated that the Government must clearly announce its position regarding the release of Tamil political prisoners and accountability issues. He also welcomed the arrest of Suresh Sallay in connection with the Easter Sunday bomb attacks and said the truth would emerge if Pillayan were properly investigated.

He made these remarks while raising questions under Standing Order 27/2 during the Parliamentary session held on May 21.

He further stated:

“Seventeen years after the killing of hundreds of thousands of people in this country, justice is still being demanded. Mullivaikkal remembrance events were held throughout the Northern and Eastern Provinces last week, while in Colombo military commemorations took place.

Had general amnesty not been granted to members of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna in the past, many of them would not be holding office today. Why then is injustice continuing only against Tamil political prisoners? This cannot be accepted.

Political prisoners took up arms for political ideals they believed in. Therefore, they cannot be treated as ordinary criminals. Previously, when this matter was raised, we were told there were no political prisoners in the country. Yet the National People’s Power election manifesto itself refers to political prisoners.

The President must show concern regarding Tamil political prisoners. Around Rs.300 million is still required to complete the Batticaloa Library project, which is why we invited the President there.

The Government must firmly state its position regarding the release of political prisoners and accountability. We welcome the arrest of Suresh Sallay in connection with the Easter Sunday attacks. From the very beginning, we have insisted that Pillayan should be properly investigated,” he said.