There is no existing law that prevents the public from commemorating their dead relatives, children and parents therefore the armed forces do not have the authority to implement such laws, Tamil National Alliance MP Suresh Premachandran stated.
The Police Spokesman earlier stated that it was illegal to gather, protest or demonstrate in view of Heroes Day while legal action will be taken against such lawful activities.
However, MP Premachandran claimed that the Heroes Day was not a commemoration of the LTTE but all those who perished in the war.
He said that no one can prevent loved ones from commemorating the dead while adding that even the United Nations recognizes a community’s right to erect memorials for figures they respect. He also questioned as to why the government was imposing restrictions on the Tamil people and not on the commemorations of the country’s assassinated Ministers and armed personnel.
Premchandra added that the actions of the government and the armed forces were undermining the friendship with the Tamil community.
