Says SL has concerns over LTTE’s Int’l network of financial support
The US State Department, taking into consideration Sri Lanka’s concerns over the LTTE’s international network of financial support, has extended its ban on the outfit, recognizing it as part of a list of US Government designated foreign terrorist organizations, along with the Al Qaeda.
The Department of State on Tuesday (31) issued the ‘Country Reports on Terrorism 2011,’ an annual report that reviews the operations of global terrorist organizations.
The report stated the Government of Sri Lanka remained concerned that the LTTE’s international network of financial support still functions, and the Sri Lankan Government has used the fear of the possible re-emergence of the LTTE to maintain a strong military presence and role in the post-conflict areas, although the military’s continued heavy presence in the North feeds Tamil resentment.
The report, which is to be submitted to Congress, brings up the subject of Sri Lanka, the LTTE and its current network, and mentions that the counter-terrorism legislation in Sri Lanka has focused on eliminating the remnants of the LTTE and enforcing general security throughout the island.
“The Prevention and Prohibition of Terrorism and Specified Terrorist Activities Regulations No. 7 of 2006, which is the most recent version of Emergency Regulations, were allowed to lapse in September. On 29 August, the day before the Emergency Regulations lapsed, the President issued new regulations under the PTA incorporating into it aspects of the Emergency Regulations that the PTA did not already include. Such regulations included proscribing the LTTE as a terrorist organization and keeping surrendered persons under rehabilitation,” the report stated.
“Although the LTTE has been militarily defeated, the Government of Sri Lanka asserts that sympathizers and organizational remnants have continued to raise funds in many countries. The LTTE had used a number of non-profit organizations for terrorist financing purposes, including the Tamil Rehabilitation Organization. The Sri Lankan government actively searched for other financial links to the LTTE and remained suspicious of non-governmental organizations, fearing they would be used by the LTTE,” the report stated.
The Sri Lankan Government’s comprehensive and aggressive stance of countering terrorism is a direct result of its experience in the 30-year conflict, said the report, pointing out that in 2011, there were no incidents of terrorism in Sri Lanka.
