Ensuring people’s security, a moral duty

- Virakesari Editorial

(September 28, Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian) In view of the sufferings of the innocent civilians following the war, there have been several demands from all quarters that the non combatants caught up in the ensuing war in Vanni should be saved and that they should be helped.
Richard Boucher has stated that it is the duty of a democratically elected government to protect and respect human rights of its citizens.

Co-chair countries – USA, EU, Japan and Norway – that held deliberations in New York over the conflict in Sri Lanka appealed to both sides to ensure that the humanitarian needs of the people in the war area must be met.

They have further stressed that the civilians must be permitted to move to safer areas. They have also assured help to UN agencies and human aid workers in their humanitarian efforts to the displaced people.

It is reported that about 230,000 civilians have been affected by the war and that it is a difficult task to provide basic facilities to such a large number of people. They are unable to live without fear even after displacement.

According to reports the innocent non-combatants are without water and other basic needs including food items. The displaced are uncertain about their future.

Therefore, we appeal in the name of humanitarianism that both sides must ensure the safety of the people. It is a moral duty!

(An English translation of the Editorial in Virakesari, a Tamil daily based in Colombo.) - Sri Lanka Guardian