Heated Arguments Between Two Groups Attending UNHRC Side Events: Sivajilingam Says Country Will Break Into Several Pieces If Issues Remain Unaddressed

A heated argument occurred between two groups of activists attending the side events relating to the 40th session of the United Nations Human Rights Commission (UNHRC). 

Two groups supporting the Sri Lankan military and the victims of war debated the involvement of the international community in ensuring transitional justice and accountability in Sri Lanka. 

Representing the victims of war, former Northern Provincial Council ITAK MP M.K. Sivajilingam said if their grievances remained unaddressed, the country would break into several pieces. 

Sivajilingam maintained that they could only find a solution within a united Sri Lanka, ruling out the possibility of Northern Tamils accepting the unitary status of the country. 

The former Councilor, however, drew severe resistance from the pro-Sri Lanka military group who are currently in Geneva to lobby against the UNRC action on the country. 

They said they only believed in "one country and one nation" indicating they would not support any deviation from the unitary status of the country. 

The pro-military group comprises several leading SLPP figures including former Parliamentarian Sarath Weersekera.