Ex-Prez targeted: Wartime FM underscores need to counter threats

Wartime Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama said that it would be the responsibility of the government of the day to ensure safety and security of the former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa.

The former lawmaker said so commenting on the South Africa-based International Truth and Justice Project (ITJP) seeking the arrest of ex-President Gotabaya Rajapaksa now in Singapore. Accompanied by his wife, Iyoma and two bodyguards, the ex-President flew into Singapore from the Maldives on July 14.

The following is the text of the statement issued by the ex-FM: “The government should take tangible measures in respect of a criminal complaint that has been registered in Singapore with the Attorney General seeking the arrest of ex- President Gotabaya Rajapaksa.

The crux of the Complaint is that Gotabaya Rajapaksa committed grave breaches of the Geneva Conventions and violation of Humanitarian Law during the Civil War in Sri Lanka which include Murder, Execution, Torture and Inhuman Treatment, Rape and other forms of Sexual violence, Deprivation of liberty, Severe Bodily and Mental Harm and Starvation.

The period this complaint relates to 2008 and 2009 during which period Gotabaya Rajapaksa held the office of the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence under President Mahinda Rajapaksa Administration.

Former member of the Darusman Panel that probed wartime violations here Yasmin Zooka has been regularly directing allegations since the end of the War in Sri Lanka. Though this alleged complaint may not generate a formal response from whatever Authorities, it is important to highlight, the prejudicial nature of this complaint, which lacks both credible evidence and a legal basis to sustain under any jurisdiction.

Since the end of the war, over 13 years have passed without any inquiry or investigation that has led to any complaints being formerly registered by any State Party or that of an Institution including the UN system.

Prior to Gotabaya Rajapaksa becoming the President of Sri Lanka in 2019, he did remain a US Citizen and was domiciled in the United States. No serious attempt was made to level any allegations where it would have led to a serious prosecution being launched by the US authorities, who has a reputation of recognizing Universal Jurisdiction and upholding due process of the Law.

Though it is rather a belated allegation, but done as a matter of practice and habit, where we see on and off especially at times of Sri Lanka receiving Universal attention, these parochial issues get highlighted and finds its way into World media. This may be a ploy employed by the Authors with sinister motives to get propaganda support and media coverage.

The issues of this nature unsubstantiated in facts and outside the normal Judicial Process still needs a body that could recognize and embark on a long drawn investigative process that may take decades to meet the test of truth.

The Singaporean Authorities are well known for their independent Judicial Process and the integrity of the Country. It is my considered view that under the circumstances and the background of this complaint, where it is both an individual centric allegation, that has not passed any test of judicial process hitherto may not warrant the culmination of the legal process and procedures in Singapore.”