Credibility of ICRC officers who worked in Sri Lanka during the last phase of the war is highly dubious following their obvious doublespeak. The foregoing are examples and irrefutable proof of their manipulation of facts to suit the agenda of external interested parties who wish to see disintegration of the island nation.
ICRC sources claimed Sri Lankan troops shelled the PTK hospital during the final stages of the war. These sources claim according to the Sri Lanka Panel of Experts report page 25, that even the operating theatre was hit! These allegations are contained in ICRC Press Releases No.09/26 of February 1, 2009 and No. 09/29 February 4, 2009. In the latter press release ICRC officials have stated that, “We are shocked that a medical facility has against sustained direct hits”.
In addition ICRC also laments that the Sri Lankan government prevented them from evacuating people trapped in the No Fire Zone (NFZ). It has also complained that the Sri Lankan government, Basil Rajapakse in particular, refused to extend the three days allowed to ICRC to evacuate trapped civilians. Citing various reasons, the ICRC didn’t evacuate anyone during these three days and then demanded an extension! Obviously the ICRC was playing its part of LTTE cowards who wanted to extend the temporary truce as long as they could.
However, on February 14, 2009 the ICRC Geneva office sent the Sri Lanka Navy Commander a letter in which Head of Delegation of ICRC, Geneva, praises the noble role played by Sri Lankan security forces. Please read the copy of the letter in this article.
An excerpt of the letter is reproduced here.
In ICRC letterhead
Colombo 14 February, 2009
COL 09/485/PCA
Dear Sir,
Following the successful medical evacuations by sea that took place on 10 and 12 February, on behalf of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) I wish to express my sincere thanks to you and to the Navy for your valuable and effective collaboration, which helped to save many people’s lives.
I know that it was a complex operation, which proved to be extremely demanding for all. Your men, either at sea or on land, succeeded in an exemplary manner to carry out their essential task to protect the State and its citizens and simultaneously care for the sick and the wounded. They displayed a strict discipline and respect of rules of engagement and at the same time a very respectful and kind attitude to help those in need.
In that regard in addition to all others who contributed to this medical evacuation, we wish to express our special thanks to the Director General for Operations, at the Navy HQ, the Officiating Commander Eastern Navel Command, in Trincomalee, and to the Deputy Area Commander North, in Jaffna. They spent many sleepless hours coordinating the operation and played a crucial role to make it a success.
These days demonstrated that soldiering is a noble profession.
Yours sincerely,
(signed)
Paul Castella
Head of Delegation
Adm. Wasantha Karannagoda
Navy Commander
Sri Lanka Navy Headquarters
Colombo 03
Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
