Sumanthiran seeks release of “political prisoners”
May 13, 2020 11:49 pm
The Tamil National Alliance (TNA) stands ready to support the government if a proper system for power devolution is provided for in any changes made to the Constitution, says former Parliamentarian M.A. Sumanthiran.
He also stated that his party agrees with the President’s opinion on the need for a new Constitution.
He made these remarks speaking to the media following a meeting with Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa on Tuesday (12).
The meeting took place at the Premier’s official residence at Wejerama Road.
Sumanthiran has made a request to the Prime Minister on releasing “political prisoners” who were arrested — some convicted — for their alleged association with or role in the rebel LTTE during the civil war.
He has handed over a list of the detainees under Sri Lanka’s controversial Prevention of Terrorism (PTA) Act to the Prime Minister during the meeting.
“There are 96 political prisoners in all and 47 of them were convicted. Only a presidential pardon can release them,” he said, referring to the President’s discretionary power to grant amnesty.
“The Prime Minister asked me to discuss the matter with the President and I will be doing that,” Mr. Sumanthiran added. The meeting between the TNA representative and the Prime Minister, he said, was a follow-up to a recent discussion between Mr. Rajapaksa and TNA legislators in Colombo.
-with inputs from agencies
