“The Government of Sri Lanka strongly condemns any act of torture, and will ensure that allegations of torture committed in the country will be investigated and prosecuted to the full extent of the law and seeks the assistance and cooperation of all those relevant parties in this endeavour, including parties outside the country, as evidence is key in the conduct of investigations”, the Secretary to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Prasad Kariyawasam informed New York Times yesterday (8th Nov.).

Responding to the article titled ‘Dozens of Men Describe Rape, Torture by Sri Lanka Government’ by the Associated Press that was published in the New York Times Mr. Kariyawasam further said the government is committed, as promised to the people of the country, to work towards reconciliation, good governance, rule of law, and the promotion and protection of human rights, and has taken numerous concrete steps to prevent the commission of torture.

In his letter written to the Editor of New York Times, the Secretary describes many steps the present government has taken in this respect including strengthening the National Human Rights Commission, forbidding of torture of any kind and issuing a standing invitation to Special Rapporteurs of the High Commission for Human Rights.

Mr. Kariyawasam also added that it would be appreciated in this regard, if this response from the Government of Sri Lanka could also be published in the New York Times, considering the gravity of the allegations and the firm commitment of the National Unity Government to uphold the rule of law.