An Indian Deligation Meets Minister Devananda

(December 23, Cololmbo, Sri Lanka Guardian) An Indian delegation comprising of Mr. Balwant Singh Khera, Chairman Malta Boat Tragedy Probe Mission, two other office bearers Mr. Gurvinda Singh and Mr. Kuldeep Singh met Mr. Douglas Devananda, Minister of Social Services and Social Welfare at his office on yesterday,

Mr. M.K.P. Chandralal, Chairman, Malta Boat Tragedy Probe Mission (Sri Lanka Chapter) also participated at this meeting.

The delegation expressed their condolence to the Minister for the tragic demise of Ms. Maheswary Velautham, the former Chairperson of the Sri Lanka Chapter of Malta Boat tragedy and advisor to the Minister.

Mr. Kehera birefed the Minister, the International Human Tragedy which occurred in Malta -Sicily Channel on the 25th of December 1996, out of 565 young men on board the ship Yiohan, around 289 persons including 170 Indians, 70 Sri Lankans, 33 Pakistanis and rest from other South Asian countries were drowned.

He also revealed that the Italian court has sentenced the captain of the Yiohan ship to 30 year imprisonment for multiple murder.

With the efforts of Italian senator Ms. Tana de Zulueta, the Italian Government has sanctioned a budget for bringing out the remains of the victims and the ship and set up a monument there.

The delegation requested the Minister

To take up this case with the International Agencies at the UNO and other associated Governments.

Release status report regarding this episode and investigation done so far by the Sri Lankan Government to the public at large and specially to the concerned parents.

Charge local agents and conspirators involved in this episode and debar them from continuing such nefarious activities.

Release a list of the dead victims and issue with death certificates to them and give substantial relief to the affected parents.

Co-ordinate with the Indian, Pakistan and Italian government and the Malta Boat Tragedy Probe Mission in this connection.

With the participation of the Indian delegation Malta Boat Tragedy Probe Mission Sri Lankan Chapter has organized a meeting on 25.12.2008 at 11.00 a.m. at the Bambalapitiya Hindu Ladies College Hall to commemorate this tragedy, 300 candles will be lit and a video film will be shown at the meeting

All family members and well wishers are welcome to attend this meeting. Further details could be obtained from the organizers, on - 0714020845. - Sri Lanka Guardian