CHOGM 2013/ Sri Lanka: 3 buses from North to HR festival stopped

Security forces have stopped three buses carrying Tamil nationals from the North region to the Human Rights Festival scheduled to be held at the UNP headquarters today afternoon (Nov. 13), Britto Fernando of the 'Samagi Balawegaya' said.
The buses have been stopped at Mullaitivu, Kilinochchi and Madu this morning.

Speaking to 'Sri Lanka Mirror', Mr. Fernando said that the buses from Mullaitivu and Kilinochchi have been turned back and those in the bus stopped at Madu are still be questioned.

According to Mr. Fernando, security personnel had visited bus owners in Vavuniya yesterday and informed that they must not attend the human rights festival in Colombo for any reason. Their bus permits would be cancelled if they did so, the security personnel had threatened.

Also, intelligence units had gone to an office in Negombo to ascertain whether stationary with regard to the Human Rights festival are being printed.

Further, posters protesting against the Human Right s festival were seen in several parts of the island.

Speaking further to 'Sri Lanka Mirror', Mr. Fernando said that a special media briefing would be held this morning to inform public of the threats leveled against the Human Rights festival, which calls to respect CHOGM values and to implement recommendations of the LLRC.
13 November 2013
SLM