Welcome Inclusion of Tamil Concerns in Report: ITAK
09-Sep-2026.
The Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK) has welcomed the inclusion in the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights’ report of concerns of the Tamil people, including the lack of progress on accountability for crimes committed during the war.
However, the party expressed deep concern that, even after two years in office, the Government had failed to fulfil its promises relating to Tamil interests, including the formulation of a new Constitution.
At the 63rd session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva on September 8, Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights Nada Al-Nashif presented the written report of High Commissioner Volker Türk on progress in promoting reconciliation, accountability and human rights in Sri Lanka.
The report pointed out that accountability had still not been established for violations committed by Government forces and the LTTE during the armed conflict, while criminal investigations into key cases continued to be delayed.
The Deputy High Commissioner also expressed concern that the question of what happened to those who were forcibly disappeared remained unanswered.
A statement issued by ITAK General Secretary M.A. Sumanthiran on the matter further stated:
“We welcome the fact that, at today’s (yesterday’s) session of the UN Human Rights Council, the report of the High Commissioner for Human Rights highlighted the lack of progress on accountability for crimes committed in Sri Lanka during the war, as well as concerns of the Tamil people, including the release of lands occupied by the military, enforced disappearances, the release of political prisoners and the Chemmani mass grave.”
“We have also taken note of the observation that Provincial Council elections have not been held for a prolonged period.”
The party also welcomed the Government’s current measures against underworld groups linked to bribery, corruption and narcotics.
“However, we are deeply disappointed that, even after two years in office, the Government has failed to fulfil even its electoral promises on matters concerning the Tamil people, particularly its commitment to formulate a new Constitution to fulfil the long-standing aspirations of the Tamil people,” the statement said.
