Tuesday, July 09, 2013

Why did the long dead cases of the 'Trinco 5', Khuram Shaikh's murder and some others suddenly come to life?

People may have noticed that investigations into some violent crimes have suddently started to move forward, for no apparent reason.

Kishali Pinto Jayawardana has a good summary on the case of the five students killed in Trincomalee. The murder investigation into the death of British tourist Khuram Shaikh has also started to move (see here for a collection of articles on the case).

What prompted this flurry of activity?

There can only be one reason: foreign pressure. What threats could foreign Governments have exerted over Sri Lanka? The only conceivable one is a boycott of the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting.

What lessons can we draw from this?
1. Thank goodness the CHOGM meeting is taking place, some benefits are already being seen, although these are not what the regime anticipated (these were more in the line of fast cars, great parties and an opportunity to lord over the colonial master).
2. It is better to seek justice abroad than at home. No wonder they rant and rave about foreign governments, complain of interference and claim this is neo-colonialism. It is one thing that can make them act.

What do we call a Government that cannot be held to account? Hint-have read through this.

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