Japan has urged the Sri Lankan government to investigate war crimes reportedly committed by their troop when defeating the Tamil Tigers, as well as improving human rights in Colombo.
Japan, a major aid giver to Sri Lanka, wanted “genuine reconciliation” in the island after their military destroyed Tamil troops in May 2009.
They also wanted the island to put a stop to ethnic tension, which has lasted four years and killed 100,000 victims so far.
Tokyo ambassador to Sri Lanka, Yasushi Akashi told reporters there seemed to be insecurity in the island’s nation, despite the conflict ending.
“I emphasised the vital need to improve the human rights situation in this country,” Akashi told reporters after a four-day visit to the island for meetings with President Mahinda Rajapakse.
According to Mr Akashi, many Sri Lankans were concerned with “disappearances” in the Tamil areas, military forcing themselves in private property and soldiers occupying the northeast area of the island.
He said, “We have no means to verify if these statements are true, but I must say that there is a certain degree of common thread running through these comments.”
The ambassador also added that Sri Lanka must address issues concerning who may be responsible.
However, he does not wish for an international investigation, stating that Sri Lanka is capable of probing issues themselves.
“I reiterated the importance of national reconciliation in order to achieve a lasting peace.”
