GTF calls for deproscription of all groups, individuals
Sunday, November 22, 2015
The Global Tamil Forum (GTF) yesterday called for delisting of all proscribed organisations and individuals in Sri Lanka.
UK based spokesperson and Director for Strategic Initiatives of the GTF, Suren Surendiran told The Island that the grouping would continue to press for its demand.
Surendiran was responding to government declaration that eight organisations and 157 individuals continuing to espouse separatism would remain proscribed.
The previous government proscribed 16 organizations and 424 individuals under Gazette Extraordinary No. 1854/41 on 21 March 2014 in accordance with powers under the United Nations Act No. 45 of 1968.
The government issued a special gazette last Friday clearing eight organizations and 267 persons. The GTF is among the deproscribed list.
Surendiran said: ""Global Tamil Forum, whilst appreciating this important step that the new Government of Sri Lanka has taken, as we said at the time of listing in February 2014, the original listing itself was arbitrary, irrational and a blatant attempt to suppress freedom of speech and dissent by the former Government of Mahinda Rajapaksa. GTF has actively campaigned since then for the entire list of organizations and individuals to be de-listed. Our campaign will continue until that goal is achieved "
The Island