A recent observation made by a UN Working Group about the existence of a secret detention centre at the Trincomalee Naval base in the past has triggered a demand for the review of naval cooperation by other countries with Sri Lanka.

The call was made by International Truth & Justice Project, Sri Lanka, which is affiliated to the Foundation for Human Rights in South Africa. The group said national governments should review joint exercises and training with the Sri Lankan Navy.

Mahishini Colonne, Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesperson, said the group said there were detention centres in the past. This doesn’t mean that the detention centres exist now. The government is “willing to” probe the matter, she also said.

(The Hindu)