The  media publicity in Sri Lanka  and Canada on the recent private visit  to Sri Lanka by the New Democratic Party (NDP) Member of Parliament Rathika Sitsabaiesan has created much controversy that needs to be clarified.

The  information reported in the media and in some of the websites that Ms. Sitsabaiesan was under house arrest was false and was confirmed by her and Canadian Government authorities. As Ms. Sitsabaiesan was on a tourist visa she had been advised not engage in political activities which would amount to flouting Sri Lanka’s immigration laws and regulations.

While Sri Lankan authorities handled this issue in a responsible manner, the statement made by Ms. Sitsabaiesan on 1st January 2014 posted in the NDP website  that she was subject to ‘political intimidation’ is erroneous and is an attempt to unfairly embarrass the Sri Lanka Government. Moreover this stated position could be indicative of her seeking to engage in political activity, and being unable to do so in the interest of abiding by Sri Lanka’s immigration laws and regulations, seems to have been interpreted by her as political intimidation.  The reference in the same statement on defending principles of human rights further  demonstrates  a self appointed role to pass judgment baselessly on a sovereign State.

After 30 long years of conflict waged by the most ruthless terrorist organization in the world, Sri Lanka is at a stage addressing the complex issues  to  bring about healing and reconciliation. Those who  genuinely wish to assist in this process should be  sensitive to the needs of  the country  and  all the people living in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka High Commission

Ottawa

8th  January 2014